Market Trends of Riot Control Equipment Industry
Vests Segment is Expected to Experience the Highest Growth
- Political disputes, civil unrest, and violence have surged in recent years, fueled by domestic and geopolitical factors. This has led to a landscape where many nations face a myriad of risks, from political instability to racial injustices, all against the backdrop of deepening polarization. Protests in several regions have spiked the demand for personal protective equipment, particularly vests. These vests, known by various names like body armor or personal armor, are crafted to absorb or deflect physical attacks. While historically the domain of the military, today, they find utility among a diverse range of users, including law enforcement, private security, and even civilians.
- Responding to this heightened demand, many nations are ramping up their procurement of bulletproof vests. Innovations like 3D printing and composite materials are poised to reshape the landscape of personal protective vests. For example, the MOBAST, groundbreaking body armor from Mehler Vario, can be comfortably worn under regular uniforms paired with ballistic innerwear, offering protection against low-energy shrapnel and blast elements. Notably, the MOBAST innerwear enhances coverage without adding excessive bulk. Highlighting the market's momentum, in September 2023, Ace Link Armor (United States) collaborated with Glágio do Brasil (Brazil) to introduce advanced ballistic protection to the US market. Their new NIJ-certified hard armor plate is designed to withstand high-powered rifle rounds, including the 7.62×51 M80, 5.56x45 mm M855, and 7.62x39 MSC. These advancements underscore the market's growth during the forecast period.
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North America to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
- The United States, known for its frequent and large-scale riots, is a key driver of the regional market's demand for riot control equipment. Notably, in 2023, the United States witnessed a 20% surge in mass shootings compared to 2019, underscoring the escalating nature of this issue. This rise in shootings, a trend that has plagued the nation for decades, has put a strain on law enforcement, with reports of equipment shortages during crowd management. As a response, procurement of riot control equipment is anticipated to rise in the coming years. In anticipation, federal agencies have upped their inventories, stocking up on essentials like tear gas and sponge-tipped bullets. Moreover, the United States is actively engaged in R&D, focusing on developing advanced, less-lethal weapons and other riot control technologies.
- For example, the Pentagon's Joint Intermediate Force Capabilities Office (JIFCO), previously known as the Joint Nonlethal Weapons Directorate, collaborated with private arms companies in extensive testing. Their endeavors range from wireless taser bullets with extended ranges to sonic guns capable of disabling car engines from 150 feet away.
- Recent events further underscore the need for enhanced protective gear for law enforcement. In a notable incident in April 2024, Georgia police reportedly resorted to rubber bullets and tear gas to quell a university protest. Similarly, in December 2023, the Alpharetta City Council inked a five-year deal with Galls for concealable body armor. This contract, valued at an estimated USD 35,000 for FY 2024, will see police, reserves, and volunteer personnel equipped with concealable ballistic vests. The funding for this initiative is set to come from a USD 17,000 bulletproof vest grant from the US Department of Justice, supplemented by the FY 2024 uniform budget. These strategic investments and initiatives are poised to propel the market's growth in the United States over the forecast period.
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