Military Wearables Market

Market Overview

The global military wearables market size was valued at USD 4.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 5.2 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 2.8% during the forecast period 2023-2031. The increased usage of new technology for soldier monitoring, communication, enhanced situational awareness, demand for soldier coordination and training, asymmetric warfare, purported geopolitical disputes, and soldier upgrading projects will stimulate market growth.

Military wearables are wearable technology expressly created for military personnel to improve their operational capabilities, safety, communication, and overall effectiveness in the field. These wearables are outfitted with sensors, communication modules, and processing capabilities to offer soldiers and commanders real-time data and insights. 

Military wearables market share is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 4.5% because of the increased usage of new technology for soldier monitoring, communication, and enhanced situational awareness; factors driving the growth of the military wearables market include an increase in the demand for soldier coordination and training, an increase in asymmetric warfare, purported geopolitical disputes, and soldier upgrading projects. However, emerging economies' adoption of conventional combat systems rather than innovative military wearables is projected to hamper market growth. On the other hand, exoskeletons, smart textiles, power and energy management, and communication and computing are opportunistic for the future growth of the military wearables market.

Market Dynamics

Global Military Wearables Market Drivers

Communication and Coordination

Wearables enable soldiers and units to communicate in real time through integrated communication technologies. This improves overall combat efficiency by improving coordination and reducing communication delays. The United States Army's "Tactical Augmented Reality" (TAR) system is an example of wearable technology that improves communication and coordination. Maps, navigation information, and other essential data are displayed immediately in the soldier's field of view via augmented reality glasses.

Additionally, it allows soldiers to communicate via voice commands, allowing for hands-free communication while keeping soldiers aware of their surroundings. The frequent necessity for ongoing communication has supported the military wearables market trend. Wearables with communication modules allow soldiers to communicate real-time information, including enemy positions, mission updates, and tactical instructions, resulting in faster responses. Traditional modes of communication, such as radios, might suffer from delays or interference. Wearable communication technologies give an immediate and direct route of communication.

Global Military Wearables Market Restraints

Data Security and Privacy Concerns

Military wearables collect and transmit sensitive data such as location, health, and tactical aspects. To avoid unwanted access or potential breaches, it is critical to ensure the security and privacy of this data. Data breaches or illegal access to crucial information in military operations can seriously impact national security and operational performance. The "Defense Science Board Report on Cyber Supply Chain" emphasized the necessity of cybersecurity in military technologies, highlighting the risks of data breaches and espionage.

According to an Accenture poll, 68% of defense enterprises surveyed said cybersecurity is a key worry in deploying wearable technologies for military applications. It is critical to protect wearables from physical tampering or hacking efforts to retain their integrity. The "National Advanced Mobility Consortium" (NAMC) is working with industry partners to develop secure wearables in the United States for military use. They focus on implementing security features such as encryption, authentication, and secure communication protocols into wearable devices to address data security concerns. Hence, concerns relating to data security hinder the military wearables market growth.

Global Military Wearables Market Opportunities

Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Technologies

The incorporation of AI and machine learning technology into military wearables has the potential to revolutionize how soldiers acquire and understand data on the battlefield. AI-powered wearables can deliver actionable insights, improve decision-making, and allow predictive capabilities by processing massive volumes of real-time data. The Department of Defense (DoD) of the United States has been investing in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development for military applications, recognizing its potential to improve situational awareness and operational efficiency. An example of AI-enabled military wearables is the "Integrated Visual Augmentation System" (IVAS) being developed for the United States Army.

IVAS combines augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and sensor technologies to provide soldiers with improved situational awareness, navigation help, and the capacity to overlay digital information on the actual world. Microsoft was awarded a USD 480 million contract by the US Army to deploy up to 120,000 HoloLens-based IVAS modules. This demonstrates the military's commitment to using AI-powered wearables to improve operational capabilities. As AI advances and proves its worth in defense applications, incorporating these technologies into military wearables will likely play a critical role in molding the future of modern armed forces.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

The global military wearables market analysis is conducted across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

Asia-Pacific is predicted to rise at a substantial CAGR of 2.5% throughout the forecast period. China and India have the most armed forces on Land, sea, and aviation platforms. As a result, additional wearable equipment is required for its application in various settings. The Asia-Pacific region's geopolitical tensions drive the demand for innovative defense technologies, particularly wearables, to improve situational awareness and readiness. China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been actively engaged in military modernization projects. In China, advances in cyber and electronic warfare have created wearable devices that improve communication, navigation, and situational awareness for its military.

Additionally, the Indian military has been spending on updating its equipment and technologies. The Indian Army, for example, is investigating wearable devices that can supply soldiers with real-time data, increasing their efficacy in the field. Rising defense budgets and modernization efforts in countries like India, China, and South Korea present prospects for adopting sophisticated wearable technology. Furthermore, adopting advanced wearables in this area drives demand during the projection period.

Europe holds a sizeable global market share and is expected to boost at a CAGR of 2.7% during the forecast period. Wearables are increasingly being used in all platforms, including armed forces, naval forces, and air forces, for diverse threat protection applications across the area. Countries like Germany, France, Russia, Spain, and the United Kingdom also invest in modern technical items for threat/soldier protection. Increased spending on wearables to improve army capabilities will help the European industry grow in the future.

Furthermore, according to the European Defense Agency (EDA), European Union member states spent more than Euros 220 billion on defense in 2019, indicating a commitment to enhancing defense capabilities. The European Commission has promoted initiatives such as the European Defense Fund to encourage EU member states to collaborate on research and development. The military wearables market insights show that the European market will expand tremendously during the forecast period.

North America holds a sizeable global market share. In 2021, the United States had the greatest defense spending. The increased use of next-generation advanced wearables for workers, as well as the existence of significant manufacturers, is expected to drive market expansion in North America. L3Harris Technologies was given a contract by the United States Army to supply AN/PRC-163 Leader and AN/PRC-158 Manpack radios. These products provide multi-mission networking capability to warfighters. The contract was for USD 235 million, with a five-year base and an additional five-year option.

Furthermore, the Canadian Department of National Defense gave Logistik Unicorp a contract to provide suitable clothes and footwear to military troops. Logistik Unicorp will supply operating gear for 160,000 personnel, including regular and reserve force members, under the terms of the deal. The agreement was worth USD 2.82 million in total. Furthermore, increased federal funding for military acquisition plans for all military platforms, including air, sea, and Land, will boost market expansion throughout the projection period.

Segmental Analysis

The global military wearables market is segmented based on wearable type, technology, end-user, and region.

Wearable type is further segmented into Headwear, eyewear, wristwear, hearables, and bodywear.

Bodywear holds the largest market share.

Bodywear refers to wearable devices that cover a large section of the body and frequently incorporate sensors and technology to monitor vital signs, movement, and posture.

Wearable items designed to be worn on the head, such as helmets or head-mounted displays, are called Headwear. These gadgets frequently incorporate augmented reality (AR) displays, communication systems, and sensors to immediately offer real-time data and information in the wearer's field of view.

Based on technology, the market is sub-segmented: Smart Textiles, Network and Connectivity Management, Exoskeleton, Vision and surveillance, Communication and Computing, Monitoring, Power and Energy Sources, and Navigation.

Communication and computing led the market growth.

Wearables that enable real-time communication, data processing, and decision-making skills for soldiers are part of communication and computing technology. Smart communication headphones include good audio communication, noise reduction, and voice command functions to improve combat communication. The increasing use of communication technology in wearable devices will support market expansion. These devices enable soldiers to be more connected and efficient on the battlefield by allowing them to interact with one another and obtain critical information.

Fabrics or materials embedded with electrical components, sensors, and conductive elements that allow them to respond to stimuli, collect data, and provide specialized capabilities are referred to as smart textiles.

The segment can be further bifurcated into Land, naval, and air forces by end-users.

Land forces are the major end-users in the market.

Land forces include the army and ground-based military groups conducting land operations. Soldiers in this category are involved in ground warfare, surveillance, and other land-based duties.

Air forces are aviation units in charge of aerial operations such as combat, reconnaissance, and air support. Pilots and aircrew members are involved in this segment.

Recent Developments

• August 2023- Hanwha, an Elbit Systems partner, was chosen for the Australian Land 400 Phase 3 Project.
• August 2023- General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) stated that it had increased the computational capability of its Dogwood and Cactus supercomputers by 20%.
• July 2023- Honeywell will purchase SCADAfence, bolstering its cybersecurity software portfolio.