Armored Vehicle Hull Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Platform (Combat Vehicles, Combat Support Vehicles, and Unmanned Ground Vehicles), By Hull Type (Monocoque Hulls and V-shaped Hulls), By Armor Protection Level (Level B6, Level B7, Level CEN B7, and Level STANAG 4569 Level 3), By Vehicle Weight (Lightweight (Below 10 tons), Medium weight (10 to 30 tons), and Heavyweight (Above 30 tons), ( Amphibious Operations, and Urban Combat Adaptations), and Regional Forecast till 2032

The armored vehicle hull market is growing as the requirement for armored vehicles is increasing. The key factor driving this surge is the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Although Ukraine and Russia do not involve nuclear warheads in the conflict, they are using and importing most of the armed vehicles to capture most of the land. Other countries are also using armed vehicles to tackle cross-border terrorism and secure border security. Globally, increasing tension between countries such as Gaza-Israeli and China-Taiwan is also driving the market growth. 

Armored vehicle hulls comprise a set of panels and have a passenger cabin with an interior defined by at least some of the panels. The panels are attached through several bolts. Furthermore, the hull has one or more arrangements for preventing the bolts from reaching the interior of the passenger cabin in the event that they become secondary projectiles.

Armored Vehicle Hull Market Drivers:

Advancements in Military Modernizations

Military modernization plans are an important and significant driver for the armored vehicle hull market. Modernizing plans include the acquisition and development of advanced armored vehicles, including military equipment, to ensure safety and security.

Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Concerns

In recent years, terrorists and criminals have increasingly adopted new techniques and advanced tactics in an effort to circumvent homeland security and threaten safety, security, and prosperity. This is a key factor boosting the demand for the increasing adoption of armored vehicles.

Armored Vehicle Hull Market Restraints:

The market may face issues such as high maintenance costs, drivetrain issues, suspension problems, and electrical system vulnerability, which may hamper its expansion.

• High Maintenance Cost: Armored vehicles often require specialized maintenance due to their complex systems and heavy armor, leading to increased operational costs. This can deter military budgets and procurement decisions. For instance, in March 2024, the U.S. Army reported that maintenance costs for its fleet of armored vehicles, including the JLTV, have risen significantly, prompting discussions on budget reallocations to manage these expenses effectively.


• Drivetrain Issues: The heavy weight of armored vehicle hulls can lead to drivetrain failures and increased wear on components, complicating logistics and reducing vehicle availability for operations. For instance, in February 2023, AM General announced enhancements to the JLTV A2's powertrain to address previous drivetrain issues, indicating ongoing challenges in maintaining vehicle reliability under combat conditions.


• Suspension Problems: Armored vehicles often experience suspension-related issues due to the demanding environments they operate in, which can affect mobility and safety during missions. For instance, in January 2024, Rheinmetall highlighted that its new armored vehicle models would incorporate advanced suspension systems to mitigate previous issues faced in urban and rugged terrains.


• Electrical System Vulnerability: As armored vehicles become more reliant on electronic systems for navigation, communication, and weaponry, vulnerabilities in these systems can lead to operational failures or compromises during missions. For instance, in December 2023, a report indicated that several military contracts are now focusing on enhancing the cybersecurity of armored vehicle electrical systems to protect against potential threats and ensure operational integrity.

Key Insights:

This report includes the following key insights:

• Armored Vehicle Hull Market Drivers


• Challenging Factors of the Armored Vehicle Hull Market


• Segmentation analysis of the Armored Vehicle Hull Market by Platform, Hull Type, Armor Protection, Vehicle Weight, Mobility Application, and Region

Segmentation:

Analysis By Platform:

Based on platform, the market is divided into combat vehicles, combat support vehicles, and unmanned ground vehicles.

Combat vehicles are ground vehicles designed to enhance the mission readiness of crews operating tanks and armored vehicles. Combat support vehicles provide fire support and operational assistance to combat elements. Unmanned ground vehicles provide a comprehensive operational solution that reduces causalities and facilitates long-term personnel reduction in various scenarios.

Analysis By Hull type:

Based on hull type, the market is fragmented into monocoque hulls, modular hulls, and v-shaped hulls.

Armored vehicles use different types of hulls, such as the monocoque hull, which significantly reduces the vehicle's overall weight by integrating the chassis and the body into a single unit. Examples include the German TPz Fuchs and RG-33. The modular hull maintains the standard chassis to ensure commonality and enable worldwide support while assembling the modular. They are used on an armored vehicle that includes a cab body having a frame, an armored roof, an armored floor, and attachment elements being permanently attached to the frame. The V-shaped crew compartment hull on top helps to deflect any blasts from underneath the truck to dissipate around the crew area, minimizing damage.

Analysis By Armor Protection Level:

By armor protection level, the market is divided into level B6, level B7, level CEN B7, and level STANAG 4569 level 3.

The armor protection levels are designed to stop some serious threats and protection levels such as B6, B7, CEN, B7, and others can adequately protect against such threats. Security vehicles such as SUVs are armored for different reasons for bullet proofing. For example, police-type trucks are often designed to defeat 50-caliber rounds.

B1 & B2 standards do not include protection for armored vehicles but can withstand a 9mm.The B3 standard is for 0.357 Magnum, and B4 standard is for 0.44 Magnum, shot at close range with low velocity.

The B5 standard offers protection against AK-47s and other assault weapons, with a minimum ballistic steel thickness of 7.5 mm. B6 provides a high level of protection, offering a significant security advantage. B7 is an extremely secure protection level that stops a variety of armor-piercing rounds from sniper rifles and other high-velocity rifles.

Analysis By Vehicle Weight:

Based on vehicle weight, the market is lightweight (up to 10 tons), medium weight (10 to 30 tons), and heavyweight (over 30 tons).

Armored vehicle operations require a balanced combination of maneuverability, protection, and firepower to ensure mission success. All these phenomena depend upon the weight of the vehicle, such as lightweight vehicles (up to 10 tons), medium-weight vehicles (10 to 30 tons), and heavyweight vehicles (over 30 tons).

The weight of the vehicle is based on the protection level and vehicle dimensions. Although this extra weight can affect the vehicle's dynamics, measures need to be taken to preserve the best possible maneuverability and safety. Armoring professionals' consultancy is a must to strike an appropriate balance between safeguarding and operational efficiency tailored to requirements.

Analysis by Armor Composition:

By armor composition, the market is segmented into steel armor, composite armor, ceramic armor, and reactive armor.

The steel armor segment is the dominant segment and held the largest market share in 2023. The growth is attributed to high cost-effectiveness and availability of steel armor and well-established manufacturing processes and supply chains, making it a preferred choice for many defense contracts. For instance, in November 2023, the U.S. Army awarded a contract to Northrop Grumman for the supply of upgraded steel armor for its fleet of military vehicles. This contract, valued at USD 200 million, focuses on enhancing the protection levels of existing armored personnel carriers, reflecting the continued reliance on steel armor in military applications.

The composite armor segment is anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. The growth is owing to the high demand for lightweight and enhanced protection and innovations in composite materials, such as aramid fibers and high-performance polyethylene. For instance, in January 2024, Rheinmetall announced the development of a new composite armor system designed for next-generation armored vehicles. This system integrates advanced materials to improve resistance against both ballistic and explosive threats, aiming for deployment in upcoming military contracts.

Analysis By Mobility Application:

By mobility application, the market is fragmented into all-terrain capability, amphibious operations, and urban combat adaptations.

Armored vehicles are used for various purposes, such as all-terrain capability, amphibious operations, urban combat adaptations, and others. The all-terrain armored vehicles, with the capability of amphibious operations, is dominating the market as it provides both off-roading capabilities and suitability for a military operation.

By Region:

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By region, the market is segmented as the U.S. and Canada in North America; France, Germany, U.K., Italy, and Spain in Europe; China, India, and Japan in Asia Pacific; and the Middle East and Latin America in the rest of the world.

Key Players Covered:

• BAE Systems plc. (U.K.)


• General Dynamics Corporation (U.S.)


• Oshkosh Corporation (U.S.)


• Rheinmetall AG (Germany)


• Thales Group (France)


• ST Engineering (Singapore)


• Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)


• Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel)


• Mahindra Defense System (India)


• Lenco Industries, Inc. (U.S.)


• Elbit Systems (Israel)

Key Industry Developments:

• July 2021: WFEL was selected as the KMW UK footprint for the Boxer MIV Program. It would employ high levels of U.K. content, create, and protect sovereign engineering and manufacturing skills, and ensure that the vehicles remain supported throughout their operational life. The deal would facilitate the manufacturing of armored hulls for the British Army’s new vehicles. WFEL would be responsible for Assembly and integration and would complete its first fabricated and painted drive module hull in 2022.