The global military
wearables market is foreseen to grow by 2.1%, from USD 3.46 Billion in 2022 to
USD 4.09 Billion in 2030. Developing lightweight and rugged wearable systems, asymmetric
warfare encourages adoption of military wearable technologies is to drive the
market for the upcoming forecast period. However, Conventional warfare systems
preferred over advanced systems in developing countries, supply chain
disruptions remains one factor hindering the market growth over the anticipated
period.
Market Definition
Military wearables are advanced technologies that are
designed to be worn on the body by military personnel. They are innovative,
high-tech devices that provide a range of functions and capabilities for
soldiers, including health monitoring, communication, navigation, situational
awareness, and much more.
Market Overview
These wearable
devices come in various forms and shapes, including smartwatches, wristbands,
glasses, helmets, and even exoskeletons. They are equipped with sensors,
processors, communication modules, and batteries that enable them to collect
data, process information, and communicate with other devices.
One of the most
significant benefits of military wearables is their ability to monitor the
health and wellbeing of soldiers in real-time. These devices can monitor vital
signs such as heart rate, body temperature, and respiration rate, which helps
to identify and address any health issues or injuries quickly.
Military
wearables also play a crucial role in situational awareness, giving soldiers a
better understanding of their environment and the potential threats they face.
Wearable cameras and sensors can provide a 360-degree view of the surrounding
area, while augmented reality glasses can provide soldiers with information
about their surroundings and help them make better-informed decisions.
Moreover,
military wearables can improve communication among soldiers and between
soldiers and their commanders. Wearable communication devices enable soldiers
to stay connected with their team and receive instructions or updates in
real-time. This feature can be especially critical in a combat situation, where
quick and clear communication can make all the difference.
In conclusion,
military wearables are a game-changer in the military industry. They provide
soldiers with enhanced capabilities and functionality that improve their
safety, effectiveness, and overall performance. With the constant advancements
in wearable technology, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions in
the future that further transform the way soldiers operate on the battlefield.
Countries
around the world are equipping their soldiers with innovative technologies,
including advanced head-mounted displays, body diagnostic sensors, improved
navigation and communication devices, and other military wearables, in an
effort to provide better protection for their troops. This trend has been
driven by advancements in networked soldier technology and future soldier clothing,
which have enabled the development of lightweight and advanced military
wearables.
Governments
across the world are investing in soldier modernization programs to enhance
their troops' combat capabilities and minimize casualties. This has led to a
gradual increase in demand for military wearables in mature markets such as
Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America. Advanced protection gadgets,
equipment, and electronics are being integrated into soldiers' uniforms to
assist military forces in reducing the number of casualties sustained in
asymmetric warfare.
However, the
expansion of the market for military wearables is being hampered by financial
instability, particularly in developing countries. Inflation and low GDP have
forced countries such as South Africa, Sudan, and the Philippines to purchase
more conventional weapons systems rather than investing in advanced military
equipment. As a result, defence ministries in these countries are unable to
invest in enhancing the capabilities of their army systems, thereby limiting
the expansion of the military goods market.
As secondary
stakeholders in this ecosystem. The military wearables market is highly
competitive, and there are several leading companies in the market. These
companies provide a wide range of products and services, including
communication and intelligence wearables, ballistic materials, and other
advanced technologies.
To stay ahead
in the market, companies are focusing on developing and integrating advanced
technologies into their products, including modular wearables that can address
various deficiencies faced by soldiers on the battlefield. The use of smart
clothing and radio communication devices can be especially useful in situations
where injured soldiers are unable to transmit a message for help.
However, the
market faces several challenges, including the lack of clarity on long-term
military needs, and the discrepancy between the predicted performance of
technologies and their availability. This has led some governments to adopt an
incremental approach to modernizing military wearables, to ensure sustained
procurements and prevent delays.
Overall, the
military wearables market ecosystem includes a range of stakeholders, each
playing an important role in the development and adoption of advanced
technologies to enhance the capabilities of current generation military
equipment.
The military
wearables market is projected to witness significant growth during the forecast
period. The market is segmented based on end-user, technology, and wearables
type. According to the report, the land forces segment is estimated to account
for the largest share of the military wearables market during the forecast
period. This is due to the current design features of military wearables, which
augment the capabilities of land forces as soldiers are constantly exposed to
hazardous working conditions, leading to an increased risk of loss of life.
The video &
surveillance segment is projected to lead the military wearables market during
the forecast period. Advancements in the technology for military wearables have
helped soldiers combat tough situations, whether it is war or weather. Thermal
cameras and night vision goggles are being widely adopted among soldiers,
thereby driving the growth of the vision & surveillance segment of the
market. Companies have been undertaking extensive research to develop
integrated military wearables with enhanced capabilities to provide soldiers
with survivability, sustainability, safety, mobility, command, control,
communication, and intelligence.
The headwear
segment is projected to lead the military wearables market during the forecast
period. This is due to the integration of headwear with advanced technology
such as Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR). Modern military
wearables include a fire control computer, an integrated camera, and a display
for enhanced low-light capability. For instance, Surface Optics Corporation
developed a 3D camera technology for multispectral imaging that captures the
information required to generate complete multispectral cubes with each focal
plane exposure.
The Asia
Pacific segment is expected to account for the largest share in 2022 due to
enhanced adoption driven by threats such as terrorism, cross-border disputes,
and sensitive multi-cultural issues. Increased defence expenditure and
investments in the modernisation of various law enforcement agencies in these
countries are also boosting the growth of the military wearables market in the
region.
In conclusion,
the military wearables market is expected to witness significant growth during
the forecast period, with the land forces, video & surveillance, headwear,
and Asia Pacific segments projected to witness the highest market share. The
integration of advanced technology into military wearables is expected to play
a key role in driving the growth of the market.
Several
significant developments have occurred in the defense industry recently. Elbit
Systems won a contract in May 2022 to provide the Direct Infrared
Countermeasures and Electronic Warfare systems for the Airbus A330-200 MRTT
Aircraft of the European Air Force. Elbit Systems Ltd of America also secured a
contract in the same month to supply Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggles
systems worth USD 49 million to the U.S Marines Corps. Thales was awarded a
contract to deliver advanced tactical radio to the U.S Army under the Combat
Net Radio (CNR) Modernization Program. The contract worth USD 6 Billion is part
of Thales' efforts to replace its outdated Single-Channel Ground and Airborne
Radio System (SINCGARS). Aselsan A.S. was also awarded a contract in March 2022
for the sale of communication equipment and services for ground platforms used
by the Qatari military. These developments highlight the ongoing investment and
development of advanced technologies in the defense industry.
Market Segmentation
For the purpose
of this report, the global Military Wearables market segmented on the basis of wearable
type, technology, end user, and region:
Wearable Type Outlook:
On the basis of
wearable type, the market is segmented into headwear, eyewear, wristwear,
hearables, bodywear.
Technology Outlook:
On the basis of
technology, the market is segmented into communication & computing, network
and connectivity management, navigation, vision & surveillance,
exoskeleton, monitoring, power and energy source, smart textiles. Further, communication
& computing is segmented into tactical multiband radios, wearable
computers, tactical headsets, embedded antennas. Further, network and
connectivity management is segmented into wearable personal area networks &
hubs, compact connectors, wires & cables, health monitoring and diagnostics.
Further, navigation is segmented into dismounted IFF, personnel recovery
devices, dismounted positioning, navigation, and timing. Further, vision &
surveillance is segmented into augmented reality & virtual reality, imaging.
End User Outlook:
On the basis of
end user, the market is segmented into land forces, naval forces, air forces.
Figure 1 Military Wearables Market By End
User (Market Size And Forecast By Value - USD Million, 2022 & 2030)