Advanced Combat Helmet Market Size, Share, Russia/Ukraine War and Industry Analysis, By Material (Ballistic, Thermoplastic, and Metal), By Application (Protection, Communication, and Visual Assistance), By End User (Law Enforcement and Military), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global advanced combat helmet market size was valued at USD 2.62 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 2.77 billion in 2024 to USD 4.29 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the advanced combat helmet market with a market share of 53.05% in 2023.

An advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) is used by military & defense, law enforcement organizations, and homeland security to improve a soldier's ballistic protection. The increasing use of such helmets reduces penetrating injuries and protects soldiers. ACH is lighter than the earlier PASGT infantry helmet. This advanced helmet includes a pad suspension system and enhanced four-point retention that attaches at four points with ballistic-resistant hardware. The helmets are stable and fitted adequately, as adjustment slides are on the front and rear retention.

Furthermore, the helmets consist of night vision cameras and head-mounted lights for enhanced vision in the dark or any critical situation, introducing Augmented Reality (AR). Besides, these are cost-efficient, lightweight, and of high quality. Introducing these advanced features also boosts the market for advanced combat helmets. Key players are increasing their R&D activities and expenditures on developing cost-efficient, high-quality, lightweight combat helmets.

For instance, in February 2022, Avon Protection plc secured an order for the second-generation Advanced CombatHelmet with the U.S. Department of Defense Logistics Agency. The contract has a maximum value of USD 204 million over five years, one year's base period with an additional amount of up to USD 46 million, and four yearly extension options. The value of the base year shall be at least USD 7 million.

RUSSIA–UKRAINE WAR IMPACT

Ongoing Conflicts between Russia and Ukraine Lead to Increasing Demand for Advanced Combat Helmets for Soldier's Safety 

In the ongoing Ukrainian-Russian war, many countries that depend on Russia and Ukraine for their defense equipment have begun to focus on self-sufficiency in defense. As the war between Russia and Ukraine changes, a new wave of defense spending boosts is affecting the world. However, these conflicts can have a greater impact than the military budget. It can also catalyze a change in procurement priorities. Further, in 2021, the U.S. Federal Government supported the Ukrainian military in close coordination with its allies. Moreover, the Federal Government has sent 28,000 advanced combat helmets to Ukrainian troops.

The Russian-Ukraine War has also changed the balance of defense procurement, and the defense needs to prepare for that change. Several developed and developing countries, such as the U.S., U.K., Germany, and China, witnessed increased military expenditure in 2021. For instance, according to an analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the Consolidated Region military spending has increased by 2.6% and reached the value of USD 1981 Million in 2021. Additionally, according to a U.S. DoD report, in 2021, the Ukraine government ordered body armor and helmets from the Turkish company Aselsan due to the war situation.

Advanced Combat Helmet Market Trends

Growing Demand for Lightweight Combat Helmets in Military Operations to Boost Market

A new Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH), Generation II, uses ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a lighter material than kevlar, which reduces 22 percent weight than other helmets. The lightweight material ultra-high weight molecular weight polyethylene has high breaking strength about 15 times stronger than steel and is flexible like fabrics. The new helmet has the ability to carry 9mm pistols. The development of the combat helmet ACH Gen II reduces the tactical weight of soldiers on the ground. This increases combat effectiveness and reduces battlefield injuries and fatigue. Additionally, due to its lightweight nature, it improves the effectiveness and overall survivability of soldiers.

Increasing Adoption of Latest Technologies in Combat Helmets to Foster Market Growth

The primary function of the combat helmet is to protect soldiers from bullets. Introducing the latest technologies mounted on the helmet, such as night vision, data display, secure communication, and others, drive market growth. The Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) used by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy pilots uses bones instead of earphones to transmit voice communication.

In 2021, according to the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Research and Engineering Center, a heads-up display technology system was jointly developed in collaboration with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This system will combine the Heads Up Navigation, Tracking, and Reporting (HUNTR) technology to envision data, especially at night, as it has helmet-mounted night vision goggles.

Furthermore, combat helmets manufactured using advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence, help soldiers analyze battlefield environments and provide extra specific vision.

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Advanced Combat Helmet Market Growth Factors

Rising Emphasis on Soldier Safety in Combat Operations to Spur Product Demand 

For defense forces and governments, the growing pitfalls arising from growing security threats, such as cross-border disputes, increased terrorist financing and political turmoil, create lucrative global opportunities. Additionally, increasing global security threats, such as cross-border insurgencies, terrorist activities, and internal conflicts, are driving the growth of the global market. For instance, in September 2021, the U.S. DoD awarded a contract to Galvion Ballistics (previously Revision) to supply advanced combat helmets to the U.S. Army. The agreement was worth around USD 3.6 million.

Manufacturers are focusing on developing lightweight and fireproof army helmets that enhance performance and protect the wearer from attacks. These advanced combat helmets are compatible with the current Night-Vision Goggles (NVG), Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) defense equipment, communications packages, and body armor.

Growing Defense Budget and Military Modernization Programs for Soldier Security to Drive the Market 

Most countries across the globe are focusing on strengthening their defense forces through troop expansion and expanding military camps with new recruits. Growing political conflicts, cross-border issues, increases in crime, and increased terrorist activity have led to the expansion of the military, law enforcement, and internal security forces. In 2019, the U.S. government declared a defense budget of around USD 686.1 billion for improving the capability of the armed forces. Developing defense powers, such as China and India, also increase spending on military modernization programs.

Public safety & law enforcement, disaster management & first responders, and government critical infrastructure security are included in homeland security. Thus, increasing demand for combat helmets from homeland security personnel to protect themselves drives the market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Development Cost and Malfunctioning to Restrict Market Growth

The relatively high cost involved in building combat helmets is a major factor restraining the growth of the market. ACH systems consist of night vision goggles and head-up displays, which are very expensive compared to other helmets. In addition, the market is hampered by malfunctioning some technologies and regular replacement requirements.

In the financial year 2019-2020, due to the COVID-19 effect, the key players of the global market are facing major supply issues, and this effect will continue to have a substantial reverse impact on the defense industry. The direct result of COVID-19 on the defense industry is a production halt, and supply chains are primarily affected due to the lockdown that hampers the market growth globally.

Advanced Combat Helmet Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

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Increasing Use of Ballistic Material for Better Protection to Propel the Market Growth

The market is classified into ballistic, thermoplastic, and metal based on material.

Among these, the ballistic segment is the fastest growing during the forecast period and held the highest market share in 2023. The growing use of lightweight materials such as twaron, kevlar, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene drives the segmental expansion. For instance, in 2019, MKU Limited signed a contract worth USD 24.19 million with the Indian Army to provide 158,000 ballistic helmets.

The metal and thermoplastic segments will grow moderately due to the rising demand from law enforcement agencies and homeland security forces. For instance, in September 2021, the U.S. Army awarded a contract to Avon Rubber P.l.c., a contract of two years to develop and supply the next-generation Integrated Head Protection System ballistic helmet. Moreover, the increasing adoption of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in thermoplastic helmets boosts segmental growth during the forecast period.

By Application Analysis

Increasing Protection Concern for Military Troops to Create Significant Demand

Based on application, the market is segmented into protection, communication, and visual assistance.

The protection segment is the fastest growing segment as the products are specially designed with multi-layer construction consisting of aramid and ballistic polyethylene. This provides added protection to the user from ballistic hazards and fragmentation. The internal harness comprises a foam-cushioned headband and a comfortable chin strap. For instance, in October 2022, Avon Protection received an award from the U.S. Army to supply Next Generation Ballistic Helmets for troops. The contract was valued at around USD 42.1 million.

The communication segment is the second fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. The increasing use of communication systems during the combat situation with crew members is driving market growth.

By End User Analysis

Military Segment to Lead the Market with a Significant Share Owing to Rising Product Usage

By end user, the market is classified into military and law enforcement.

The military segment is expected to hold the largest market share and is the fastest-growing during the forecast period. The military is increasing the use of combat to protect soldiers from head injuries produced by shrapnel, gunshots, and IED explosions. For instance, in April 2023, the Australian Minister of Defense awarded a contract to local company Aquaterro to refurbish the ADF Tiered combat helmet fleet. Under the USD 35 million contract, the company will assist with the technical inspection and complex program service.

The law enforcement segment will observe significant growth in the market. Developing advanced helmets for improved performance, survivability, and wearer protection drives the segment's growth during the forecast period.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

Asia Pacific witnessed a significant advanced combat helmet market share in 2023, with remarkable growth in the market during the forecast period. Growing defense expenditure and increasing procurement of advanced combat helmets from countries such as China, India, and Japan are expected to drive market growth. Rising cross-border conflicts and increasing terrorist activities drive the need for strengthening military forces, creating the demand for combat helmets across the region.

Europe is the fastest growing market due to the expansion of defense forces in Russia, Germany, the U.K., and others. In addition, key manufacturers such as BAE Systems, Morgan Advanced Materials, and others propel the market growth across Europe.

The North America advanced combat helmet market growth will exhibit significant expansion over the forecast period. The growth is attributed to the increasing defense expenditure, growing spending on R&D activities, and military modernization programs. Furthermore, key OEMs such as ArmorSource LLC, GENTEX CORPORATION, Revision Military, 3M, Honeywell International Inc., and others drive the growth of the ACH market across North America.

The Middle East & Africa region is anticipated to grow remarkably during the forecast period. The expansion is owing to the increasing spending on military modernization programs. Further, the Latin America market is poised to depict slow growth during the forecast period. The upsurge comes as countries in this region increase their military budgets.

List of Key Companies in Advanced Combat Helmet Market

Introduction of Innovative Technologies by Key Market Players to Propel the Market Growth.

The upcoming trends in the market are the development of lightweight combat helmets and the introduction of advanced technologies such as night vision, head-up displays, secure communication, and others. A diversified product portfolio and rising expenditure on R&D activity is the prominent factor responsible for the dominance of these key market players. Furthermore, companies adopted key growth strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, partnerships, contracts, and agreements for business expansion. In January 2020, Avon Rubber p.l.c acquired 3M’s ballistic protection business. The unit includes ballistic helmets, helmet attachment products, body armor, and others.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED

• ArmorSource LLC (U.S.)


• Armor Express (U.S.)


• Avon Rubber p.l.c. (U.K.)


• BAE System (U.K.)


• Indian Armour System Pvt Ltd (India)


• MKU Limited (India)


• Morgan Advanced Material (U.K.)


• Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.)


• Point Blank Enterprises Inc. (U.S.)


• DuPont de Nemours Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• February 2023 – The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency awarded a second contract to Avon Rubber p.l.c. to supply second-generation Advanced Combat Helmet contract SPE1C1-22-D-1516. The total contract was valued at around USD 6.7 million.


• February 2023 – The U.S. Army awarded a contract to ArmorSource LLC. to deliver 14,000 Advanced Combat Vehicle Crewman Helmets (ACVC-H). The agreement was valued at around USD 6 million.


• September 2022 - The U.S. Army awarded a contract to Avon Group to deliver Next Generation Integrated Head Protection System (NG IHPS) helmet contract W91CRB-21-D-0022. The agreement was valued at around USD 42.1 million.


• September 2020 – The U.S. Army awarded a sole-source contract to Avon Group to supply and develop next-generation Integrated Head Protection System. The agreement was valued at around USD 93 million.


• September 2019 - The Drug Enforcement Administration awarded a contract to Armor Express to supply a prestigious Ballistic Helmet. The company did not disclose the contract value.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report offers qualitative and quantitative insights. It provides a detailed analysis of the market size & growth rate for all possible segments in the market. The report also provides an elaborative analysis of the market dynamics, the war’s impact, emerging trends, and competitive landscape in the market.

Key insights offered in the report are the adoption trends of advanced combat helmet systems by individual segments, recent industry developments such as mergers & acquisitions, partnerships, consolidated SWOT analysis of key players, Porter’s five forces analysis, business strategies of leading market players, micro and macroeconomic indicators, and leading industry trends.

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