Armored Vehicle Braking System Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Type (Disc Brakes and Drum Brakes), By Component (Brake Rotor, Brake Caliper, Brake Pads, Brake Piston, and Brake Lines), By Application (Personnel Transportation, Cargo & Logistics, Mine & Explosive Protection, Homeland Security Operations, and Others), By Vehicle (Combat Vehicles, Combat Support Vehicles, and Unmanned Ground Vehicles), and Regional Forecast till 2032

The global armored vehicle braking system market is anticipated to record significant growth over the forthcoming years due to the rising system demand on account of the expanding logistics and transportation industries. A braking system is a crucial component of any heavy-duty vehicle, ensuring the safe operation of the armored vehicle. It includes various components such as the brake rotor, brake caliper, brake pads, brake piston, brake lines, and others.

Another factor driving market growth is the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflicts, which have seen a deployment of armored vehicles. This market relies on more than just new vehicle tenders. Armored vehicles are also used for training and in conflict situations. For instance, in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflicts, there is a high chance of brake failure or the wear and tear of brake systems. In such cases, government agencies may issue tenders specifically for updating or repairing the braking systems. These factors are driving the market for armored vehicle braking systems.

Armored Vehicle Braking System Market Drivers:

Adoption of Advanced Braking Technologies and Governments’ Increasing Spending on Armored Vehicles

Advanced braking technologies such as anti-lock braking systems, electronic brake force distribution, and electronic stability control are also anticipated to grow significantly and propel the growth of the armored vehicle braking system market. These advanced technologies offer improved stability of the vehicle and better control of the vehicle there by increasing safety on the roads.

Electric and hybrid armored vehicle braking systems are becoming increasingly popular, creating new opportunities for these systems. These vehicles require specialized braking systems to handle the future of regenerative braking and ensure optimal energy recovery and efficient braking system performance.

Armored Vehicle Braking System Market Restraints

Loud, Unnatural Voices and Veering While Braking May Restrain the Market Growth

The braking system of armored vehicles faces many challenges, such as loud, unnatural noises, brake pedal pulses, veering while braking, and a soft braking pedal. If the brakes are working properly, the sound must be hearable. The indications of an issue with the braking system are grinding or squealing. Letting this problem go will cause undue stress on the braking system, which can result in costly repairs in the long run. If the loud, unnatural noise continues for too long, it is likely to lead to awkward brake pedal activity or steering wheel vibrations at high speed. These are symptoms of a damaged rotor, which arose due to rust, heavy vehicle use, or excessive braking at high speeds.

If the vehicle gets pulled to one side during braking, it is most likely to experience caliper freezing, damage caused by a lack of lubrication. Other than outright failures, this problem is one of the most urgent symptoms; in this case, applying pressure to the brake is an indicator of imminent brake failure.

Key Insights:

The reports includes the following insights:

• Armored Vehicle Braking System Growth and Drivers


• Challenging Factors of the Armored Vehicle Braking System Market


• Segmentation Analysis of the Armored Vehicle Braking System Market

Segmentation:

Segmentation Analysis:

Analysis by Type

By type, the armored vehicle brake system market is segmented into disc brakes and drum brakes.

Drum brakes are enclosed in a round drum and function by using friction caused by brake pads pressing outwards against the drum to slow down or stop the vehicle. While disc brakes have largely supplanted drum brakes in most motor vehicles, they continue to be employed on the rear axle of less powerful cars and remain the preferred braking system for heavy-duty commercial vehicles and trailers.

Disc brakes consist of a flat disc attached to the wheel and operate by using hydraulic pressure to squeeze brake pads against the disc, slowing down or stopping the vehicle. There are two types of brake pad friction mechanisms: abrasive friction and adherent friction. This action slows the rotation of a shaft, such as a vehicle axle, either to hold it stationary or reduce its rotational speed.

Analysis by Component

By component, the armored vehicle braking systems market is segmented into brake rotor, brake caliper, brake pads, brake piston, and brake lines.

Brake Pads is the dominant segment by largest market share in the market in 2023. The growth is attributed to the increasing demand for high-performance braking systems that can withstand the rigorous operational conditions faced by armored vehicles.  

Brake rotor is anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment by component during the forecast period. This growth is owing to emphasis on advancements in braking technology and materials enhance rotor performance and durability, aligning with the increasing focus on safety and efficiency in armored vehicle design.

So, to ensure the safety of personnel, citizens, and vehicles, advanced and reliable components are used in brake systems and replaced in case of malfunction or failure.

For instance, in September 2022, Ricardo PLC was awarded a contract worth USD 20.2 million to provide Anti-lock Brake System/Electronic Stability Control (ABS/ESC) retrofit kits for the U.S. Army's High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). This contract includes the integration of upgraded brake pads along with other components such as calipers and rotors, aimed at enhancing vehicle safety and performance in military applications

For instance, in July 2024, Thales announced a USD 1.3 billion contract to build 1,100 small tactical vehicles and their trailers at Bendigo in central Victoria in 2022. The Australian federal government discovered braking issues in 1,100 Hawkei military vehicles, which led to the contract being put on hold. However, the government announced that they had resolved the braking system problems, allowing the contract to proceed. Additionally, the government signed a USD 45 million contract with French arms manufacturer Thales to produce 15 missile-equipped Bushmaster military vehicles in Victoria.

Analysis by Application

By application, the armored vehicle braking systems market is further segmented into personnel transportation, cargo and logistics, and homeland security operations.

The homeland security operations segment holds a large share of this particular market. For ground missions and emergency response personnel, transportation and homeland security need to travel to the operation location. The operation location can be anywhere, a crowded place, or difficult terrain. In such cases, brake systems play a crucial role in avoiding accidents.

Due to this, reliable brake systems are required depending upon the application, which drives the market for armored vehicle braking systems.

Analysis by Vehicle

Based on vehicle type, the armored vehicle braking systems market is segmented into combat vehicles, combat support vehicles, and unmanned ground vehicles.

The combat vehicles segment is dominant segment with largest market share in 2023. The factors which contributes to the segmental growth are increased military modernization programs for existing armored vehicles and innovations in braking technology to improve vehicle control during high-speed maneuvers and adverse military operations.

For instance, in October 2024, the Spanish Ministry of Defence awarded General Dynamics European Land Systems-Santa Barbara Sistemas a contract worth EUR 1.74 billion (USD 1.83 billion) to supply 348 Dragon Wheeled Combat Vehicles (VCR), which will feature enhanced braking systems among other upgrades. This contract highlights the ongoing modernization of armored combat vehicles.

The unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) segment is anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. The increasing integration of autonomous technologies in military applications and high operational efficiency of UGVs for various military operations are the factors driving the segmental growth during the forecast period.

For instance, in November 2023, several defense contractors are focusing on developing UGVs equipped with cutting-edge braking technologies to enhance their operational capabilities. These advancements include improved sensor integration that allows for real-time adjustments to braking performance based on terrain and speed.

The demand for vehicle braking systems depends on the application and driving conditions. In terrain conditions, mostly All-Terrains Vehicles (ATV) armored vehicles are being used as they are reliable in different terrains and the same goes for other vehicle types. Braking systems vary depending on the type and purpose of the armored vehicle.

Analysis by Region

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Based on region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

North America has been dominant region in the market owing to: -

• Substantial increase in defense spending


• Advanced braking technology adoption such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC)


• Stringent safety regulations imposed by government agencies such as, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which require the implementation of advanced braking systems in new vehicles


• Growing safety awareness


• Strong presence of major manufacturers such as, Oshkosh Defense, Textron Systems, General Dynamics Corporation

These factors collectively create a conducive environment for sustained growth in this sector. The U.S. dominates the market of armored vehicle braking systems, with the presence of key players such as Tenneco and Meritor, Inc. The U.S. currently has more than 45,000 armored fighting vehicles in active service, including 2,640 main battle tanks. Additionally, there are 12,800 vehicles in reserve, out of which 2,000 are main battle tanks. Due to the frequency of use for training and border surveillance, these vehicles' brake systems continuously require maintenance and replacement in wear and tear conditions.

Europe is the second largest market for armored vehicle braking systems. France and Germany are the two main countries that have the upper hand in manufacturing and supplying defense vehicles and equipment.

Key Players Covered:

• Robert Bosch (Germany)


• Continental AG (Germany)


• ZF Friedrichshafen (Germany)


• Tenneco (U.S.)


• Meritor, Inc. (U.S.)


• WABCO Vehicles Control System (U.S.)


• Knorr-Bremse (Germany)


• Hyundai Mobis (South Korea)


• Akebono Brake Industry Co. Ltd. (Japan)

Key Industry Developments:

• In April 2023, Armored Vehicle Manufacturing announced the launch of its Stage III BBK High-Performance Braking System, which was specifically designed, optimized, and manufactured for use on modern civilian armored vehicles. 


• In March 2023, the U.S. Army delivered the first AMPVs produced by BAE Systems to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team. In August 2023, the AMPV entered full-rate initial production, which comes with planetary hub-reduction drive axles having disc brakes.


• In September 2019, Alcon Components Ltd launched a new bespoke armored vehicle brake caliper. The new CIR46 has been designed and developed to fit 4x4 and 6x6 type military vehicles operating at 12-25+ tonne GVM. It is offered to the global defense and security market, allowing OEMs, fleet managers, maintainers, and vehicle modification companies to install an off-the-shelf military special brake system.