Global Ballistic Shields Market Overview:
As per MRFR analysis, the Ballistic Shields Market Size was estimated at 1.59 (USD Billion) in 2022. The Ballistic Shields Market Industry is expected to grow from 1.66 (USD Billion) in 2023 to 2.4 (USD Billion) by 2032. The Ballistic Shields Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 4.18% during the forecast period (2023 - 2032).
Key Ballistic Shields Market Trends Highlighted
The ballistic shields market is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period owing to the key factors such as growing terrorism, increased defense expenditure, and increasing requirements for ballistic shields from law enforcement agencies.
Market players also have a chance to come up with new ballistic shields that have better materials and designs, and to target developing countries. The industry is also keened to develop materials that are light and durable and this will enable the industry to produce better siege shields that are easier to use.
The introduction of advanced materials including polyethylene and ceramic composites has resulted in light weight and durable shields which are likely to be the recent applications in the market. Adoption of technologies such as sensor systems and GPS systems is also becoming widespread. Furthermore, the emphasis on ergonomics and the modification of designs of shields for specific missions is another major factor that is changing the market.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Ballistic Shields Market Drivers
Advancement in Material Technology
The growing demand for lightweight shields that can provide durable protection has led to the appearance of advanced materials. In particular, high-strength polymers, ceramics, and other composite materials may be used in the production of a shield having a superior ballistic resistance, which means that it can be thinner and lighter while still being more effective in stopping projectiles. It follows that the availability of such materials and their further improvement can be regarded as one of the drivers of the Ballistic Shields Market Industry that may influence this industry in the near future.
Rising Demand from Law Enforcement Agencies
The growing number of crime rates and the need for effective protection against firearms have driven demand from law enforcement agencies across the world. They offer the police crucial protection against shooting and serve as a vital tool during active shooter incidents, hostage rescue, and riot or crowd control. The frequent terrorist and criminal activities across the world are leading the market towards growth, and the authorities using ballistic shields are found to be around 70%. Thus, the rising demand from the law enforcement agencies is likely to contribute to the growth of the Ballistic Shields Market Industry.
Government Initiatives and Funding
Governments across the globe have realized the need to provide the police and military officials with advanced protective gear, such as ballistic shields, which is expected to increase the procurement and upgradation of the products. The government rules and regulations will also demand high-quality and certified ballistic shields with enhanced safety and performance. Also, the rising concerns over homeland security and increasing implementation of counter-terrorism measures are expected to facilitate the development of the Ballistic Shields Market Industry.
Ballistic Shields Market Segment Insights:
Ballistic Shields Market Material Insights
Based on material, the ballistic shields market is segmented into polycarbonate, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, kevlar, advanced ceramics, composite materials. Polycarbonate is a high impact-resistant, transparent, and ultra-lightweight plastic material used in the production of ballistic protection shields. It provides outstanding protection even if a high-velocity projectile is fired on it. The Polycarbonate Ballistic Shields Market value of USD 336 million is expected to reach USD 489 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.5%. Polycarbonate ballistic shields are used for defense and commercial applications.UHMWPE is a high-strength material that works as a replacement for aramids. UHMWPE Ballistic Shields Market revenue is projected to rise to USD 366 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%.
The material is lightweight and is resistant to many acids and basis, and organic solvents. Due to the material’s consistent property performance with every new batch, the UHMWPE ballistic shields market growth is expected to expand during the review period. Kevlar ballistic shield is a synthetic fiber that is lightweight and known for its strength and durability. Kevlar Ballistic Shields Market is poised to expand to USD 336 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.8%. Kevlar ballistic shield is increasingly used in the production of lightweight ballistic protection shields and offers protection to the personnel against unexpected attacks. Advanced Ceramics is a class of material that includes high-strength ceramics with strength, hardness, and thermal stability, tailored for military and law enforcement applications. The Advanced Ceramics Ballistic Shields Market is expected to rise to a value of USD 202 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4%. Composite materials are a mixture of different materials incorporated to add specific toxicity and protection properties. The ballistic shields market value of Composite materials is expected to rise to USD 419 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.6% at level.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Ballistic Shields Market Level of Protection Insights
The Level of Protection segment is one of the most important segments of the Ballistic Shields Market. It affects the market’s expansion and industry’s development trends. The most common protection levels are NIJ Level III and NIJ Level IV. They can serve various law enforcement and military applications. NIJ Level III shields protect people from handgun rounds up to.44 Magnum. It is one of the most popular protection levels. NIJ Level IV shields protect against rifle rounds up to.30-06 calibers. In 2023, the Ballistic Shields Market for NIJ Level III and NIJ Level IV is USD 1.2 billion.It is expected to grow to USD 1.6 billion by 2032 demonstrating a CAGR of 4.1%. NIJ Level III/IV shields protect from the threats expressed by NIJ Level III and NIJ Level IV, in other words, they provide maximal protection. NIJ Level V shields protect against armor-piercing rounds, which are believed to be one of the most dangerous threats. While most types of NIJ Level III/IV shields weigh 25-30 pounds, NIJ Level V shields are heavier and used as these applications. The main driver of the Ballistic Shields Market is the growing demand for better protection in law enforcement and military applications. It is why the market for the Ballistic Shields Market, particularly NIJ Level III and NIJ Level IV, is growing faster than any other segment of the Ballistic Shields Market.
Ballistic Shields Market Type Insights
The Ballistic Shields Market is segmented into types, which includes Ballistic Shield Flat and Ballistic Shield Curved. The Ballistic Shield Curved segment is expected to hold a larger market share in 2023, owing to its increased usage in law enforcement and military applications. The Ballistic Shield Flat segment is projected to witness a steady growth rate during the forecast period, due to its affordability and ease of use. The Ballistic Shields Market revenue for the Ballistic Shield Flat segment is projected to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.2%. The Ballistic Shield Curved segment is anticipated to reach a valuation of USD 1.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.5%. These projections indicate the growing demand for ballistic shields in various applications, driven by rising security concerns worldwide.
Ballistic Shields Market Application Insights
The Ballistic Shields Market is segmented into various applications, including Military, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, and Civilian Protection. Among these, the Military segment holds a significant market share owing to the rising demand for ballistic shields in combat operations and peacekeeping missions. The Military segment is projected to continue its dominance in the market, driven by ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions around the world. Law Enforcement is another major application segment, with a growing need for ballistic shields during crowd control, SWAT operations, and counter-terrorism activities.
The increasing incidence of mass shootings and terrorist attacks has led to a surge in demand for ballistic shields among law enforcement agencies. Homeland Security applications also contribute to the growth of the Ballistic Shields Market. Government agencies and security forces require ballistic shields to protect their personnel during border patrol, counter-terrorism operations, and civil unrest situations. Civilian Protection applications, such as personal safety and self-defense, are expected to witness steady growth in the coming years. The increasing awareness of personal safety and the rising incidence of violent crimes have prompted civilians to invest in ballistic shields for their protection. Overall, the Ballistic Shields Market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand from various application segments, including Military, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, and Civilian Protection.
Ballistic Shields Market Regional Insights
The regional segmentation of the Ballistic Shields Market presents distinct market dynamics and growth opportunities. North America holds a significant market share, driven by the presence of major defense contractors and law enforcement agencies, with market values of 0.695 billion USD in 2023 and projected to reach 0.998 billion USD by 2032. Europe follows closely, with key markets in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, valued at 0.34 billion USD in 2023 and expected to increase to 0.499 billion USD by 2032.
The APAC region is expected to witness substantial growth, led by the increasing defense spending in countries like China and India, with market values ranging from 0.347 billion USD in 2023 to 0.499 billion USD by 2032. South America also offers growth potential, with Brazil being a notable market, valued at 0.104 billion USD in 2023 and projected to grow to 0.157 billion USD by 2032. The Middle East and Africa are expected to present opportunities as well, with market values of 0.173 billion USD in 2023 and increasing to 0.248 billion USD by 2032. The Ballistic Shields Market segmentation provides valuable insights into the regional distribution of revenue, growth rates, and competitive landscapes, enabling stakeholders to develop targeted strategies and capitalize on market opportunities.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Ballistic Shields Market Key Players and Competitive Insights:
The is high for Ballistic Shields. Most of the leading players are introducing more technically advanced and superior products. Moreover, they have developed considerable recognition and association with the end users. As a result of which the switching cost of the end users is on the higher side. Although, most of the companies are developing inorganic growth strategies such as partnership and acquisition of the local players the threat from the new entrants are high for now.Intensity of Competitive Rivalry – Although there are limited number of players in the Ballistic Shields Market however; the players are rigorously involved in developing an innovative product which can provide them an edge over the other. As a result of which Intensity of Competitor Rivalry is becoming very high.
Avon Protection Systems. Avon Protection Systems are the market leader and a U.K based manufacturer of protective and defense equipments. Many regulators and the organizations that approve the military equipment developed by companies have approved the products of Avon Protection Systems. In addition, Avon Protection systems are also approved by the international test organization (NIJ). Leading companies such as Para and DuPont and DSM suppliers the advanced raw materials radiated with enhanced performance capacity.
SafeGuard Armor. SafeGuard Armor manufactures a large variety of ballistic shields that are of the highest quality and value. The ballistic shields of the company are designed in United Kingdom. Each shield of the company is manufactured by the merger of the advanced technology and the U.K defense standards. The ballistic materials and raw materials used in the company’s shields are ISO approved. In addition, the shields also underwent various tests such as Fragmentation tests, EDGED blade penetration tests etc.
Key Companies in the Ballistic Shields Market Include:
- VIKING International
- BAE Systems
- Ceradyne, Inc.
- Gentex Corporation
- Taser International, Inc. (Axon Enterprise, Inc.)
- Wheelchair Security International, LLC
- Hardwire, LLC
- Safariland, LLC
- Revision Military Limited
- Condor Outdoor Products, Inc.
- Point Blank Enterprises, Inc.
- Department 13 International AB (Viking Tactics, Inc.)
- DeWalt Corporation
- MD Helicopters, Inc.
Ballistic Shields Market Industry Developments
The ballistic shields market is projected to reach USD 2.4 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.18% from 2024 to 2032. Rising geopolitical tensions, increased terrorist activities, and the growing adoption of lightweight and advanced materials are key factors driving market growth. North America currently dominates the market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. Key industry participants include BAE Systems, Rheinmetall AG, and ArmorSource LLC. In recent news, BAE Systems secured a contract to supply the U.S. Army with lightweight ballistic shields, highlighting the ongoing demand for these protective solutions in military and law enforcement applications.
Ballistic Shields Market Segmentation Insights
- Ballistic Shields Market Material Outlook
- Polycarbonate
- Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
- Kevlar
- Advanced Ceramics
- Composite Materials
- Ballistic Shields Market Level of Protection Outlook
- NIJ Level III
- NIJ Level IV
- NIJ Level III/IV
- NIJ Level V
- Ballistic Shields Market Type Outlook
- Ballistic Shield Flat
- Ballistic Shield Curved
- Ballistic Shields Market Application Outlook
- Military
- Law Enforcement
- Homeland Security
- Civilian Protection
- Ballistic Shields Market Regional Outlook
- North America
- Europe
- South America
- Asia Pacific
- Middle East and Africa
| Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
| Market Size 2022 |
1.59 (USD Billion) |
| Market Size 2023 |
1.66 (USD Billion) |
| Market Size 2032 |
2.4 (USD Billion) |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
4.18% (2024 - 2032) |
| Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Base Year |
2023 |
| Market Forecast Period |
2024 - 2032 |
| Historical Data |
2019 - 2023 |
| Market Forecast Units |
USD Billion |
| Key Companies Profiled |
VIKING International ,BAE Systems ,Ceradyne, Inc. ,Gentex Corporation ,Taser International, Inc. (Axon Enterprise, Inc.) ,Wheelchair Security International, LLC ,Hardwire, LLC ,Safariland, LLC ,Revision Military Limited ,Condor Outdoor Products, Inc. ,Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. ,Department 13 International AB (Viking Tactics, Inc.) ,DeWalt Corporation ,MD Helicopters, Inc. |
| Segments Covered |
Material, Level of Protection, Type, Application, Regional |
| Key Market Opportunities |
Government security investments Increasing focus on homeland security and antiterrorism initiativesGrowth of tactical operations Rising demand for lightweight and mobile shields by law enforcement and military forcesTechnological advancements Integration of advanced materials and electronics to enhance protection and usabilityEmerging threats Terrorism and active shooter incidents driving the need for effective shieldsProduct diversification Development of specialized shields for specific applications such as vehicle mounted shields |
| Key Market Dynamics |
Increasing demand for enhanced protectionGovernment initiatives for law enforcement modernizationTechnological advancements in materials and designGrowing awareness of personal safetyExpansion of private security services |
| Countries Covered |
North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The ballistic shields market size was valued at USD 1.66 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.4 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.18% during the forecast period.
North America is expected to dominate the ballistic shields market throughout the forecast period. The region's dominance can be attributed to the presence of major defense contractors and the high adoption of advanced weaponry and equipment by law enforcement agencies.
Ballistic shields are primarily used by law enforcement and military personnel for protection against gunfire and other threats. They are also used in riot control, hostage rescue operations, and other high-risk situations.
Some of the key competitors in the ballistic shields market include ArmorGroup, BAE Systems, Ceradyne, Inc., CMI Defence, and DSE.
The increasing demand for advanced personal protection equipment by law enforcement and military forces, coupled with the rising incidence of terrorist attacks and mass shootings, are the primary growth factors driving the ballistic shields market.
The high cost of ballistic shields and the stringent regulations governing their manufacturing and use pose challenges to the growth of the ballistic shields market.
The integration of advanced materials and technologies, such as lightweight composites and ballistic fabrics, is a prominent emerging trend in the ballistic shields market.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a moderate impact on the ballistic shields market. The initial lockdowns and disruptions in supply chains caused a temporary decline in demand. However, as the pandemic subsided, the demand for ballistic shields rebounded due to increased security concerns and the need for personal protection equipment.
The ballistic shields market is expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period. Factors such as the rising demand for advanced personal protection equipment, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and the increasing frequency of violent incidents are expected to drive market growth.
Key opportunities in the ballistic shields market include developing innovative products with advanced materials and technologies, expanding into emerging markets, and targeting specific application areas such as riot control and homeland security.
