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Composites In The Defense Market Expansion From $15.86 Billion In 2026 To $20.28 Billion In 2030
The size of the composites in the defense market has seen robust expansion in recent years. This market is projected to expand from $14.87 billion in 2025 to $15.86 billion in 2026, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. Historically, this growth has been driven by a greater uptake of lightweight composite materials for military aircraft structures, an increased application of composites in ballistic protection equipment like helmets and panels, the expansion of unmanned aerial vehicle production boosting demand for composite airframes, the development of composite-based missile casings to enhance performance and durability, and the integration of composite materials in radar enclosures to support stealth and signal transparency requirements.
The composites in the defense market size is projected to experience significant growth over the next few years. It is expected to expand to $20.28 billion by 2030, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. This growth during the forecast period is attributable to an increasing demand for advanced composites to support next-generation stealth platforms, a greater utilization of high-temperature and impact-resistant composites in missile and drone systems, rising defense modernization programs emphasizing lightweight vehicle components, advancements in resin and fiber technologies enabling stronger multifunctional composite structures, and the expanding applications of composites in autonomous defense systems and space-related military programs. Major trends anticipated in the forecast period include the increasing adoption of lightweight composite structures, a rising demand for high-impact ballistic composites, the growing use of stealth-grade composite materials, the expansion of composites into missile casings and UAV airframes, and a higher preference for corrosion-resistant naval composites.
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#Composites In The Defense Market Growth Factors: Which Forces Are Supporting Market Expansion?
The escalating requirement for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is anticipated to boost the growth of composites within the defense market moving forward. A UAV is an aircraft that operates without a human pilot onboard, controlled either remotely or autonomously, and is widely utilized for diverse military, commercial, and recreational applications, including surveillance, delivery, and aerial photography. The increased demand for UAVs arises from their capability to execute a broad spectrum of tasks more efficiently, safely, and economically than traditional methods. The expanding deployment of UAVs in the defense industry has fostered a greater reliance on advanced composites, as these materials minimize overall weight while sustaining structural strength and durability. For instance, in June 2025, as per a report issued by the Ministry of Defense, a UK-based government department, the UK is set to provide 100,000 drones to Ukraine, representing a tenfold increase from the 10,000 drones delivered in 2024. Thus, the rising demand for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a significant driver for composites in the defense market.
Composites In The Defense Market Segment Breakdown: Which Categories Generate The Most Revenue?
The composites in the defense market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Type: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), Aramid Fiber Reinforced Plastic (AFRP), Boron Fiber Reinforced Plastic (BFRP)
2) By Resin Type: Thermoset Composites, Thermoplastic Composites, Ceramic Matrix Composites
3) By Manufacturing Process: Layup, Filament Winding, Injection Molding, Pultrusion, Other Manufacturing Processes
4) By Applications: Military Aircraft, Naval System, Land Vehicles, Arms And Ammunition, Body Armor, Military Hard Wall Shelters
Subsegments:
1) By Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP): Thermoset Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), Thermoplastic Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), High-Modulus Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), Standard-Modulus Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP), Aerospace Grade Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP)
2) By Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP): E-Glass Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), S-Glass Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), R-Glass Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), Thermoset Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), Thermoplastic Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP)
3) By Aramid Fiber Reinforced Plastic (AFRP): Meta-Aramid Reinforced Plastic, Para-Aramid Reinforced Plastic, Thermoset Aramid Fiber Reinforced Plastic (AFRP), Thermoplastic Aramid Fiber Reinforced Plastic (AFRP)
4) By Boron Fiber Reinforced Plastic (BFRP): Boron-Epoxy Composites, Boron-Aluminum Composites, Hybrid Boron Composites, High-Strength Boron Fiber Reinforced Plastic (BFRP)
#Composites In The Defense Market Growth Trends: What Is Influencing The Future Outlook?
Leading companies operating within the composites in defense market are concentrating on developing innovative solutions, such as adaptable composite ballistic protection, to enhance mission-specific defense capabilities. This customizable composite ballistic protection refers to flexible armor systems crafted from advanced fiber-resin composites, offering tailored protection levels while simultaneously reducing weight and improving mobility. For instance, in November 2023, Integris Composites, a US-based protective materials company, introduced customizable composite ballistic shields and vests. These products incorporate scalable protection configurations, a lightweight multi-hit capability, and an ergonomic design for optimal coverage and user comfort. They are engineered for military and law enforcement operations requiring rapid adaptation to changing threat levels. The customizable composite ballistic shields and vests provide enhanced survivability and mobility without compromising protection.
Composites In The Defense Market Key Players And Strategic Industry Positioning
Major companies operating in the composites in the defense market are Airbus SE, General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Safran S.A., Thales Group, Toray Industries Inc., Evonik Industries AG, Leonardo S.p.A., Teijin Limited, Elbit Systems Ltd., Spirit AeroSystems, Hexcel Corporation, SGL Carbon SE, Magellan Aerospace, Gurit Holding AG, Patria Group, Plasan Sasa Ltd., CPI Aerostructures.
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Composites In The Defense Market Regional Outlook: Where Are The Largest Opportunities Located?
North America was the largest region in the composites in the defense market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the composites in the defense market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
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Wasay has over a decade of experience in market research, data modelling, and analytics, with prior experience at GlobalData and Decision Tree Consulting Services. At The Business Research Company , he leads research operations across syndicated studies, customized consulting engagements, and the Global Market Model platform. His professional experience includes supporting organizations such as Boston Consulting Group, KPMG, and Ernst & Young. Wasay holds a degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering, postgraduate management qualifications from International Management Institute Belgium and Indian School of Business and Entrepreneurship, and completed the Integrated Program in Business Analytics from Indian Institute of Management Indore.