A recent study by Global Market Insights Inc. predicts that the body armor market size is projected to exceed $2.5 billion by 2027 on the back of increasing product development trends in the industry.
At the first glance, law enforcement or the military seem like rewarding and respectful professional sectors, if only the viewpoint of the masses is considered.
The truth, however, is that the fields are remnant of life-threatening challenges and gory situations, for most parts.
As per preliminary data compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 458 states, federal, local, and tribal law enforcement officers in the United States succumbed to Line-of-Duty deaths in 2021.
Most of these fatalities are a result of war, protests, and open arm firing. Firearms-related deaths alone represented a 38% surge in 2020.
These statistics clearly depict the consistent and imminent need for protective equipment, such as body armor, to avert the possibility of death or trauma.
Why are body armors among the more significant protective equipment?
Body armors are protective shields and are one of the pivotal safety equipment for law enforcement professionals and officers.
Currently, body armors are seen making it to the headlines amid the trending dispute between Russia and Ukraine.
Ever since Russia announced the invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022, the number of fatalities has only been increasing, be it the civilians or soldiers engaged in the war.
To this end, the demand for body armor is skyrocketing, giving companies an opportunity to keep the supply in proportion.
(Relief groups are buying armor for resistance. Courtesy of KGUN9 and YouTube. Posted on Mar 10, 2022.)
An exemplary instance for the same is Americans’ donation of body armor to the Ukraine military. People across the United States are collecting sets of body armor, ammunition, and guns in response to the latter’s pleas for military aid.
In yet another instance, the Vermont State Police announced gathering more than 100 vests donated by the members of the public and law enforcement agencies to support soldiers during Russo-Ukraine war.
(Vermont State Police and law enforcement agencies across the state donate more than 1,000 gently used Level 3 and above body armor vests to aid Ukraine. Courtesy of MyNBC5-WPTZ and YouTube. Posted on Mar 10, 2022.)
Keeping in mind the safety of military personnel, protection equipment manufacturing companies have been working on improvements in body armor design and production.
The efforts to bring about innovative products to the mainstream will have a profound impact on the body armor industry forecast.
Law enforcement and the public have donated about 1,000 body-armor vests and 45 helmets to the Vermont State Police, which coordinated an extensive effort to collect the items and prepare them for shipment to Ukraine. More: https://t.co/HK2a8lt11Y pic.twitter.com/2piXBmm9MZ
— Vermont State Police (@VTStatePolice) March 24, 2022
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Next-generation body armors
While body armors are sure-shot protection against bullet wounds and blunt forces, they require constant up-gradation to meet the current safety standards and protocols suggested by law enforcement agencies and governments.
Body armor used currently are highly safe and equipped with proper protection. However, the need for next-generation and advanced body armors is being largely felt, given the volatility and political climate in some parts across the globe and the consistent requirement for innovative, high-intensity war weapons and arms.
Rostec, a Russian defense producer, announced in 2021 that it was gearing up for the launch of the next-generation body armor in 2035. Officials state that the new suit will offer far greater protection than the existing body armors while posing the ability to restrict 0.50 caliber rounds.
(Russia has begun first phase development of its next-generation battle armor for field soldiers. While still in the works, the gear is expected to be the world’s lightest bullet-proof armor, resistant even to rounds capable of damaging even light armored vehicles, according to state-run outlet Russia Beyond. The armor will be made out of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber, and will reportedly also be able to absorb the shock of incoming fire, which can kill a soldier even if the armor is not penetrated. Additionally, the Ratnik-2 is covered with infrared-blocking materials from head to toe so soldiers can avoid detection by various infrared equipment. Courtesy of Defense Watch and YouTube. Posted on Feb 2, 2021.)
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Development of advanced materials for building high-performance armors
The demand for lightweight materials is surging in almost every industry – indeed, even the uniforms for defense and military personnel require lightweight material. Major body armor manufacturers, material suppliers, and defense agencies are branding new body armor components that include these improvements.
To illustrate, the Defense Research and Development Organization publicized its plans of developing a lightweight bullet-proof jacket with the support of new technology. Reports have it that the jacket, which weighs approximately 9 kilos, meets the qualitative needs of the Indian Army.
Speaking of the novel materials being researched today, a recent experiment by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), revealed that nanotech-built armors could eventually replace Kevlar and steel for soldier protection.
These technological advancements are expected to drive the demand for body armor in both law enforcement and the military, as end-users seek to replace conventional components with new solutions that provide better protection and are lightweight.
(VSP donate more than 1,000 gently used Level 3 and above body armor vests to aid Ukraine.
Is sustainability the new trend in body armor market?
As sustainability is becoming an intrinsic area of emphasis across the key industries, government agencies are seeking to implement environmental policies with stringent regulations around carbon emissions, recycling, and waste prevention.
The personal protection industry, inclusive of law enforcement, defense, and military, is being significantly impacted by such regulations, enabling body armor manufacturers to analyze the environmental impact of raw materials.
This has paved way for new and sustainable innovations.
DSM lately launched a biobased Dyneema fiber; according to sources, a soft armor vest made with the fiber has carbon footprint that is nearly 50 to 80% lower than counter products.
(When it matters, you can’t compromise. In this day and age, you need a material that is sustainable yet offers the highest level of protection and performance. Courtesy of Dyneema and YouTube.)
In recent years, body armors have been largely used as the primary protection for front-line respondents of war, military personnel, police, and others. With ongoing advancements in the space and sustainability being the buzzword, the world is likely to witness a commendable growth in body armor market share in the coming years.
About the Author:
A qualified Engineering graduate, Vinisha Joshi takes pride in playing with words. Presently, she pens down insightful articles on business, core industry, technology, and the like.
Creativity comes naturally to her, and Vinisha makes sure to effectively combine the same with her technical expertise in the articles she writes.
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Select Engineering Services Returns to Compete in 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Seventh Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
Select Engineering Services (First of Two)
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Best Personal/ Protective Equipment Product
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Automatic Injury Detection (AID) System
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The Automatic Injury Detection (AID) system provides help in seconds when the sensing panel has been pierced by a bullet, knife or shrapnel.
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When an AID flexible mylar sensor panels (front & back, comfortably inserted into the wearer’s bulletproof vest) is pierced by either a bullet, knife or shrapnel from an IED, the communications module will sense the break in the circuit and automatically sends an emergency alert with GPS location to phone, radio or communication system.
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The automated and instant emergency alerts help save lives by improving the response from medics and backup personnel to stop, apprehend or contain the attacker, even when the officer is incapacitated.
Select Engineering Services (Second of Two)
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Best Alert Notification System
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Personal Emergency Transmitter (PET)
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The Personal Emergency Transmitter (PET), is a wearable device that automatically sends alert text messages, with your personal info and a link to your GPS location in the event of an emergency.
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The PET system provides a covert method to summon help when you are faced with a dangerous situation and it’s impossible to call help without alerting your attacker (i.e. reaching for your cell phone).
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The PET system allows you to avoid escalating a potentially dangerous confrontation and have backup on the way in seconds.
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*Select Engineering Services was also recognized with Multiple Award Wins in the 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Programs.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards highlight the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
AST Honors Thomas Richardson, FDNY Chief of Department; Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Systems; and Richard Blatus, FDNY Assistant Chief of Operations, at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon at ISC East.
The United States was forever changed 20 years ago on September 11th, and we were fortunate to have many of those who responded to those horrific tragedies join us at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.In the days that followed 9/11, the critical needs of protecting our country catapulted us into new and innovative ways to secure our homeland – which is how many of the agencies and enterprise organizations that are today ‘ASTORS’ Awards Champions, came into being.
Our 2021 keynote speaker featured a moving and informative address from TSA Administrator and Vice-Admiral of the United States Coast Guard (Ret), David Pekoske; to our attendees who traveled from across the United States and abroad, on the strategic priorities of the 64,000 member TSA workforce in securing the transportation system, enabling safe, and in many cases, contactless travel.
Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton of the New York Police Department, the Boston Police Department, and former Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department was also live at the event, meeting with attendees and signing copies of his latest work ‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America,’ courtesy of the generosity of our 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Premier Sponsors.
The 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by AMAROK, Fortior Solutions and SIMS Software, along with Returning Premier Sponsors ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, and Reed Exhibitions.
The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will emphasize the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2022, as well as the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. #MentorshipMatters
So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon in November of 2022 in New York City!
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Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | COVID Innovations |
| Workforce Management | Government Security Programs | And Many Others to Choose From! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
In 2021 over 200 distinguished guests representing Federal, State and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields which included:
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI)
- Customs & Border Protection (CBP)
- The Federal Protective Service (FPS)
- Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
- DHS Science & Technology (S&T)
- The National Center for Disaster Medicine & Public Health (NCDMPH)
- The American Red Cross
- The InfraGard National Alliance
- The Metropolitan Police (MPD)
- The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)
- Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS)
- The Federal Air Marshals Service
- The San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, and Many More!
Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their record of accomplishment include:
AlertMedia, Allied Universal, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems of America, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, HID Global, Mark43, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Lumina Analytics, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Senstar Corporation, ShotSpotter, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and Wiresecure, just to name a few!
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The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.
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AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local level as well as from private firms allied to the government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
(See just a few highlights of American Security Today’s 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East. Courtesy of My Pristine Images and Vimeo.)
To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please see the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2021 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of Annual ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.
It serves as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2021 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, begin HERE.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
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Select Engineering Services Returns to Compete in 2022 ‘ASTORS’
