Armor Materials Market Size

Global Armor Materials Market size was valued at USD 13.0 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 13.9 billion in 2024 to USD 23.7 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period (2025-2032).

One of the key drivers of the global armor materials market is the increasing defense budgets across the world. With increasing geopolitical tensions and security issues, most nations are raising their defense spending to enhance military strength and upgrade defense infrastructures. The increasing budgets result in increased procurement of sophisticated armor materials, such as ceramics, metals, and composites, employed in the manufacture of military vehicles, personal protective equipment, and defense gear. For instance, countries such as the United States, China, and India have all substantially increased their defense budgets, directly translating to increased demand for protective materials. With defense expenditures still on the rise, so too is demand for advanced armor materials, thus propelling the global armor materials market growth.

An important factor influencing the global armor materials market is the increasing threat of terrorism, insurgencies, and civil unrest. With growing global security threats, the demand for increased protection of soldiers, police officers, and civilians has increased. The rise in terrorist attacks and asymmetric warfare has necessitated an increased demand for improved armor solutions that can combat the evolving threats. For example, the increase in insurgent conflicts in regions such as the Middle East and Africa has fueled the use of improved armor technologies to be used for vehicles, body armor, and protective shields. With increasingly complex and global security threats, demand for novel, lightweight, and extremely resistant armor materials is greater than ever. This in turn fuels market demand for niche armor materials.

What are the Advantages of Using AI in Designing Composite Armor for Military Vehicles?

AI is revolutionizing the worldwide market for armor materials through sophisticated design and development of high-performance materials. Through AI-driven simulations and predictive modeling, producers can optimize material properties to improve durability, weight reduction, and performance under adverse conditions. AI also facilitates testing, allowing faster identification of material weaknesses, leading to more reliable and efficient armor solutions. For example, AI is more and more used to create lightweight composite armor for armored tanks in the military, directly contributing to the demand for sophisticated armor materials in military defense sectors.

The integration of graphene composites into armor materials is under investigation. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, is renowned for its exceptional strength and energy dissipation properties. Researchers have proven that materials based on graphene are capable of absorbing large energy levels when in contact with other objects, leading to potential application in protective clothing. For instance, a University of Massachusetts study proved that laminated graphene layers were capable of deforming impacting projectiles, as it could provide potential applications as body armor.