Active Protection System Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Platform (Ground, Marine, and Airborne), By Kill System Type (Soft Kill System, Hard Kill System, and Reactive Armor), By End-Use (Defense and Homeland Security), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 To 2030

The active protection system (APS) market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to the factors such as growing defense spending, advancement in technology, and increasing demand for advanced protection systems. APS is a technology that detects and defends against incoming threats such as missiles, rockets, and other projectiles. The technology has garnered significant interest from defense organizations worldwide due to its effectiveness in protecting military vehicles and personnel from enemy attacks.       

One of the major growth drivers of the active protection system market is the increasing demand for military vehicles. The rise in geopolitical tensions has led to an increase in military spending, with many countries investing heavily in defense equipment. This has resulted in a surge in demand for military vehicles that can withstand enemy attacks. For instance, as per the PETER G. PETERSON FOUNDATION data published in April 2023, the U.S. government defense spending increased by USD 71 billion in 2022 compared to 2021, owing to the military help sent to support the ongoing Ukraine war. The U.S. is planning to spend more on the military and defense in the coming years.

APS has been proven to be effective in protecting military vehicles from a variety of threats, including anti-tank missiles and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). As a result, many defense organizations are investing in APS technology to enhance the capabilities of their military vehicles. For instance, according to the KED Global News Network in May 2023, Hanwha Group announced the development of the core technology for an APS or survivance equipment that protects combat vehicles. Hanwha Group also signed a contract with the Korea Research Institute for the development of advanced technology. The project, estimated to be worth USD 27.5 million, aims to develop intelligent and smart APS technology for next-generation infantry fighting vehicles against multiple threats.

Another growth driver for the APS market is the increasing threat of terrorism. In recent years, terrorist groups have increasingly used rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and other projectiles to attack military and civilian targets. This has led to a surge in demand for APS systems that can detect and defend against such threats. APS systems have been proven to be effective in detecting and intercepting incoming threats, thereby protecting personnel and assets from harm. As the threat of terrorism continues to grow, the demand for APS technology is expected to increase.

The advancement in technology is another major growth driver for the APS market. Advances in sensor technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have significantly enhanced the capabilities of APS systems. These technological advancements have enabled APS systems to detect and respond to threats in real time, improving their effectiveness in protecting military vehicles and personnel. The miniaturization of APS components has made it possible to install these systems on a wide range of military vehicles, including helicopters, tanks, and armored personnel carriers. In addition, the increasing use of APS systems in civilian applications is expected to drive the growth of the APS market. The technology is effective in protecting civilian targets such as critical infrastructure, public transport, and commercial vehicles from terrorist attacks. As a result, many companies are investing in APS technology to protect their assets from harm.

Based on kill system type, the market is segmented into soft kill system, hard kill system, and reactive armor. Soft kill systems, such as countermeasures, jammers, and decoys, are gaining popularity due to their ability to effectively protect military vehicles and assets from various threats, including guided missiles, RPGs, and other forms of attacks. The growing demand for advanced soft kill systems that can be integrated with existing platforms is driving the growth of the segment.

Hard kill systems, such as active protection systems (APS) and reactive armor, are also gaining popularity due to their ability to provide superior protection against advanced threats. These systems are designed to detect and intercept incoming threats, including RPGs, anti-tank missiles, and other advanced weapons, before they can cause damage to the protected vehicle or asset.

Reactive armor is another type of defense system that is often used in conjunction with APS. It uses explosive charges to disrupt and disable incoming threats, such as armor-piercing projectiles. The use of reactive armor can enhance the effectiveness of APS by providing an additional layer of protection against incoming threats.

Active protection system Market Segmentation

• By Platform

  • Ground

  • Marine

  • Airborne

• By Kill System Type            

  • Soft Kill System

  • Hard Kill System

  • Reactive Armor

• By End-Use

  • Defense

  • Homeland Security

Key players

• Rheinmetall AG

• Saab AB

• Raytheon Technologies Corporation

• ASELSAN A.S

• AIRBUS

• Boeing

• Artis

• Lockheed Martin Corporation.

• HENSOLDT

• Israel Defense

• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.

• Leonardo DRS