Body Armor Manufacturing in the US: Market Size, Businesses & Forecast 2026

The body armor manufacturing industry in the US produces personal protective equipment including ballistic vests, helmets, and armored vehicles for military, law enforcement, and commercial markets. The sector has experienced growth in recent years driven by increased defense spending and security concerns, with an estimated market size of $1.5 billion in 2022 (industry sources). Industry output has been supported by consistent procurement from government agencies and rising demand from civilian security markets.

Industry snapshot

Key public data points

Historical & forecast

Get in touch and our analysts will be happy to help with custom market sizing, deeper segmentation, supplier detail or a bespoke study built for you.

What does the Body Armor Manufacturing in the US industry cover?

The body armor manufacturing industry encompasses companies that design and produce protective equipment that can stop projectiles or other threats. Products include soft body armor (bullet-resistant vests), hard armor plates, helmets, vehicle armor systems, and specialized tactical gear for military, law enforcement, and commercial applications.

• •The industry produces both soft and hard armor systems with varying protection levels (NIJ standards in the US)
• •Products range from individual protective equipment to vehicle armor systems
• •The industry serves military, law enforcement, corrections, and commercial security markets

Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?

The body armor manufacturing market is moderately concentrated with several established players alongside smaller specialized manufacturers. Major companies have secured long-term contracts with government agencies, creating barriers to entry while allowing niche operators to serve specific segments.

• •The market includes approximately 50-100 manufacturers ranging from large contractors to specialized small businesses
• •Contract manufacturers often produce under brand names of major distributors
• •Distribution channels include direct government contracts, law enforcement distributors, and commercial retailers

What drives demand in the industry?

Demand for body armor is primarily driven by government procurement, law enforcement needs, and increasing commercial security requirements. Federal, state, and local government agencies represent the largest customer segment, with additional demand from private security firms and individual consumers.

• •US military procurement programs represent approximately 40% of industry revenue (Source: industry sources 2023)
• •State and local law enforcement agencies purchase over $300 million annually in body armor equipment (Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics)
• •Growing commercial security market and increased civilian safety concerns drive additional demand

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

The industry features several established manufacturers with global reach alongside specialized domestic producers. Competition focuses on technological advancement, material innovation, and government contract performance. Major companies often secure multi-year supply contracts with defense and law enforcement agencies.

• •Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. (PBII) - one of the largest US body armor manufacturers
• •Armor Holdings, Inc. - produces tactical body armor and vehicle protection systems
• •Mantis - develops specialized armor solutions
• •Gall Tactical Enterprises - manufacturer of ballistic vests and plates

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The industry has seen increased investment in advanced materials like ceramic composites and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene. Companies are developing lighter, more protective products while maintaining cost competitiveness. The market is expected to grow gradually as defense budgets remain stable and security concerns persist.

• •Development of lightweight ceramic composites improves protection while reducing weight
• •Increased focus on female-specific body armor designs to address equipment gaps
• •Integration of smart armor technologies with communications and health monitoring

How is the industry regulated?

Body armor manufacturers must comply with rigorous testing and certification standards set by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and other regulatory bodies. Products require third-party testing to meet ballistic protection standards before sale to law enforcement and military customers.

• •NIJ Standard-0101.06 sets minimum performance requirements for body armor (updated in 2022)
• •ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) governs export of ballistic protection technology
• •FBI and DHS maintain additional certification requirements for specific equipment

Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.

• industry sources, Body Armor Market Size in the US 2023 ·
• Bureau of Justice Statistics, Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS) 2021 ·
• National Institute of Justice, Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor Standard-0101.06 2022 ·
• industry sources, Body Armor Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2023-2028) ·
• US Census Bureau, NAICS 334519 - Communication and Energy Wire Manufacturing 2022 ·
• Defense.gov, Annual Procurement Reports 2022