Vector Strategy forecasts that the US Military will procure $6 billion of body armor for US Army Soldiers and Marines between 2009 and 2015.
This $6 billion of body armor will not be procured evenly between 2009 and 2015.
There will be surges required for specific theater needs; and the development and procurement of the Next Generation Vest and Plate will cause procurement volume fluctuations between now and 2015.
The market will rely substantially on sustainment requirements in certain fiscal years.
Between 70 and 75 million pounds of material will be required to produce body armor from 2009 to 2015 including ceramic tiles, aramid and UHMWPE fibers, and other non ballistic materials.
Military priorities and initiatives in the next two to three years include enhancements and improvements to current body armor components, as well as procurement of body armor to fulfill special near term theater needs.
Specific programs and initiatives within this timeframe include:
- Improved Modular Tactical Vest (IMTV) for the USMC
-
USMC Plate Carriers
- US Army Plate Carriers
- Design enhancements to the current IOTV
- Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH)
- Lighter weight ESAPIs and XSAPIs that meet current performance requirements
- Lighter weight plates with lower ballistic protection levels
- Combat Vehicle Crewmen body armor systems
2012 to 2015 is an important timeframe for body armor developers and military agencies who define system requirements because next generation body armor systems will either be solicited or initially procured during those years.
The desired long term solution is one body armor vest that can effectively and efficiently scale between a plate carrier and an IOTV or IMTV.
Vector assumes the US Army and the USMC have a shared development goal for a Next Generation Vest that incorporates scalability, weight, mobility, and ballistic improvements.
The USMC Program Manager Infantry Combat Equipment (PM ICE) and US Army Program Manager Soldier Equipment (PM SEQ) are conducting a joint effort to develop a requirements document for the Next Generation Combat Helmet.
Military body armor testing will continue to experience changes in protocol and oversight.
Near term evolutionary improvements and longer term revolutionary advancements in ballistic performance will be required.
The procurement outlook for body armor in 2009 to 2015 will be driven by product evolutions and emerging threats, not full fleet deployment.
Report purchasers have answers to the following questions. And your company should too!
What is the procurement outlook for body armor and helmets annually through 2015?
How does the market fluctuate year to year and what drives these fluctuations?
How many vests and plate carriers will be procured annually through 2015 for both sustainment needs and fielding of new components?
Based on current assumptions regarding sustainment rates, what is the requirement for the front and back plates in 2009 and 2010?
How does the development and procurement of the Enhanced Combat Helmet affect the helmet market between now and 2015?
When is the Next Generation Combat Helmet likely to be procured and what are the components and performance requirements of that system?
What is the structure of the military body armor supply chain and who are the dominant players in the market?
What dynamics will drive change in the body armor supply chain?
How many pounds of ceramic and ballistic fiber will be required in 2009, 2010, and 2011? What programs drive these material requirements?
How do material requirements fluctuate annually between now and 2015?
When will ballistic fiber requirements surge and what drives that surge?
Copyright 2010 by Vector Strategy, Inc.
Phone: 910-420-2208 Fax: 910-401-1597
26 Pinecrest Plaza, #134; Southern Pines, NC 28387
Photographs are courtesy of the US Army and the USMC.
Quick Links
March 2010 Armor Procurement Forecast for US Military Ground Vehicles is ready for immediate purchase and delivery. Read more.
Find out how we can help you with your custom market research needs. Read more.
