Vertical: AnD9 Sections
Market Size (2017)
$672.40M
Projected (2023)
$1.77B
CAGR (2017–2023)
17.5%
Key Players
10+
The demand for smart textiles has increased in military applications as they provide protection and functionality that enhance the performance of military personnel. The demand for lightweight textiles for military clothing and protective shelters has led to a rise in the use of smart textiles. These textiles enhance camouflage, reduce clothing weight, and improve the overall ballistic protection.
The global smart textiles for the military market is expected to register a 17.56% CAGR during the forecast period of 2018 to 2023. In 2017, the market was led by Americas with a 35.54% share, followed by Asia-Pacific and Europe with shares of 28.77% and 23.29%, respectively. The growth of the global Smart Textiles for the Military market can be attributed to the increased need for improved military performance, integration of high-performance miniaturized electronic systems, and rising demand for lightweight textiles.
The global smart textiles for the military market has been segmented based on type, application, and region. On the basis of type, the passive smart textiles market segment accounted for the largest share with 43.30% in the global smart textiles for the military market, in 2017. On the basis of application, the energy harvest market segment accounted for the largest share with 54.0% in the global smart textiles for the military market, in 2017.
The Smart Textiles for the Military Market market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17.5% from 2017 to 2023.
Subscribe to Wantstats
Unlock premium reports, insights, blogs, charts and more.
View Subscription PlansSubscribe to Wantstats
Unlock premium reports, insights, blogs, charts and more.
View Subscription PlansSmart textiles are the integration of textiles and electronic components for enhanced military functionality. They are made up of materials that can include optical fiber, conductive polymers, metal, and nanoparticle coatings to provide water-repellency, UV protection, self-cleaning, or anti-bacterial properties. Smart textiles also possess monitoring, protection, and technological capabilities.
Subscribe to Wantstats
Unlock premium reports, insights, blogs, charts and more.
View Subscription PlansSubscribe to Wantstats
Unlock premium reports, insights, blogs, charts and more.
View Subscription PlansSubscribe to Wantstats
Unlock premium reports, insights, blogs, charts and more.
View Subscription PlansResearch Process
Wantstats analysis is based on interviews with industry experts who offer insight into the market structure, market segmentation, technology assessment, competitive landscape (CL), market penetration, as well as the emerging trends. Besides primary interviews (~80%) and secondary research (~20%), their analysis is based on years of professional expertise in their respective industries. Our analysts also predict where the market will be headed in the next five to 10 years, by analyzing historical trends and the current market position. Furthermore, the varying trends in segments and categories in each region are studied and estimated based on primary and secondary research.
Primary Research
Extensive primary research was conducted to gain a deeper insight into the market and industry performance. For this particular report, we have conducted primary surveys (interviews) with the key level executives (VPs, CEOs, marketing directors, and business development managers, among others) of the major players active in the market. In addition to analyzing the current and historical trends, our analysts predict where the market is headed in the next five to 10 years.
Secondary Research
Secondary research was mainly used to collect and identify information useful for an extensive, technical, and market-oriented of the global smart textiles for the military market. It was also used to obtain key information about major players, market classification and segmentation according to industry trends, and developments related to the market and technology. For this study, analysts have gathered information from various credible sources such as annual reports, SEC filings, journals, white papers, corporate presentations, company websites, and paid databases.
Market Size Estimation
Both the top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the size of the market and to estimate the size of various other dependent sub-markets of the overall global smart textiles for the military market. The key players in the market were identified through secondary research, and their market contributions in different applications across the globe were determined through primary and secondary research. This entire process included the study of the annual and financial reports of the top market players and extensive interviews for key insights with industry leaders such as CEOs, VPs, directors, and marketing executives. All percentage shares, splits, and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources. All the possible parameters that affect the market covered in this research study have been accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to arrive at the final quantitative and qualitative data. This data has been consolidated, and detailed inputs and analysis from Wantstats added before being presented in this report. The following figure shows an illustrative representation of the overall market size estimation process employed for the purpose of this study.
Base Year
—
Historical Period
2017 – 2023
Forecast Period
2017 – 2023
Primary Interviews
150+
Historical performance and future projections
Our research process spans primary interviews with industry stakeholders combined with comprehensive secondary data analysis, validated through triangulation across multiple independent sources.
The global smart textiles for the military market comprise several global and regional players. However, the market is dominated by a few key players who hold nearly half of the market share. These players have adopted strategies such as contracts and expansion to improve their position in the market. High competition, rapid changes in technology, and integrated solutions by industry participants are the key factors that impact market growth. Vendors compete based on cost, product quality, and reliability. It is vital for these players to offer cost-effective and superior technology to succeed in the competitive market environment.
The growth of market vendors depends on market conditions, government support, and industry development. Thus, they should focus on improving their products and expanding their regional presence. Koninklijke Ten Cate BV, DuPont, and W. L. Gore & Associates, being the leading players, held nearly 36.23% of the market share in 2017.
Mide Technology Corporation, Ohmatex, Advanced Fabric Technology LLC, BeBop Sensors, Directa Plus SpA, BAE Systems, and Outlast Technologies are some of the other key players operating in the global smart textiles for the military market.
Market Share Analysis
The leading players, as mentioned above, are dominating the market due to their advanced product offering, vast industry experience, and geographic reach. These players may strengthen their presence worldwide through strategic partnerships and acquisitions during the forecast period. Players with access to better technologies can develop unique and innovative products, which could render the competitors’ offerings obsolete. The competitive environment in the market is likely to intensify further due to the increasing number of contracts and expansions.
Threat of New Entrants
The global smart textiles for the military market is expected to grow due to the increased need for improved military performance and rising demand for lightweight textiles. Moderate initial investments, the easy formation of a client base, and moderate technology requirements facilitate the entry of new players in the market. Moreover, an extremely high level of competition in the conventional textiles industry has led to players exploring new markets such as smart textiles by adding value and enhanced functionalities to the products. Hence, the growth of the market is expected to result in new entrants during the forecast period. Therefore, new entrants present a high threat to the major stakeholders in the market.
Bargaining Power of Suppliers
Smart textile is a relatively new segment in military wearables. A few of the major vendors with sophisticated technological expertise and manufacturing capabilities have maintained a good presence in the market. Manufacturers are focused on improving the design and testing of electronic components to enhance the performance of military wearables. Moreover, due to a few suppliers in the market and their dependency on buyers for raw material approval, the bargaining power of suppliers is expected to be high during the review period.
Bargaining Power of Buyers
The rising demand for smart textiles in the military is expected to result in the availability of an improved range of products grow. However, currently, there are limited options for smart textiles, which makes buyers highly reliant on established manufacturers. Hence, the bargaining power of buyers in the global smart textiles for the military market is projected to be low.
Threat of Substitutes
There has been a rise in the use of smart textiles in the military in recent years. However, in terms of application in military clothing, smart textiles can be substituted by exoskeleton suits that provide enhanced performance and protection. Therefore, the threat of substitutes in the market is projected to be high.
Intensity of Rivalry
There is strong competition among the existing players in the market in terms of products, enhanced functionalities, cost-effectiveness, and new opportunities. Moreover, there are a limited number of international and local players that manufacture smart textiles for the military. These players compete in terms of product quality, price, and technology. Thus, the intensity of rivalry in the market is expected to be high.
Market estimates by geography (2023)
InsightAmericas leads with $626.90M by 2023, while Asia Pacific is projected to grow fastest at a 18.0% CAGR.
Subscribe to Wantstats
Unlock premium reports, insights, blogs, charts and more.
View Subscription Plans| REGION | 2017 | 2017 | 2023 | CAGR | SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Pacific | $193.50M | $315.20M | $522.60M | 18.0% | 30% |
| Americas | $239.00M | $383.70M | $626.90M | 17.4% | 36% |
| Europe | $156.60M | $249.10M | $403.30M | 17.1% | 23% |
| Middle East and Africa | $83.40M | $131.90M | $212.30M | 16.9% | 12% |
| Total | $672.50M | $1.08B | $1.77B | 17.5% | 100% |
Subscribe to Wantstats
Unlock premium reports, insights, blogs, charts and more.
View Subscription PlansTotal Market Size
$1.77B
| APPLICATION | REVENUE ($B) | GROWTH RATE | MARKET PENETRATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passive smart textiles | $759.80M | 17.4% | 43% |
| Active smart textiles | $523.50M | 17.1% | 30% |
| Ultra smart textiles | $481.90M | 18.0% | 27% |
* Revenue projections based on 2025 estimates. Growth rates represent CAGR 2024–2030. Market penetration indicates current adoption rate within addressable market segments.
Subscribe to Wantstats
Unlock premium reports, insights, blogs, charts and more.
View Subscription PlansSee plans for professionals or small and medium businesses.
Analytical insights on Smart Textiles for the Military Market covering market dynamics, competitive landscape, and strategic outlook.
The Smart Textiles for the Military Market market is projected to reach $1.77B by 2023, growing at 17.5% CAGR. The Passive smart textiles segment holds the largest share.
The global market for smart textiles for the military is growing rapidly due to an increased need for improved military performance, integration of high-performance miniaturized electronic systems, and rising demand for lightweight textiles. However, the growth of the market may be hindered by high costs and stringent government regulations.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of armed conflicts such as the Syrian civil war, the India-Pakistan stalemate over Kashmir, the Lebanon conflict, the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, and the Russia and Ukraine conflict over Crimea. With the increasing extremist and border security threats, there is an imperative need for improved performance of military forces. To render assistance to these missions, new and advanced wearable technologies have come into existence.
Military clothing plays a significant role in protecting soldiers during combat and, thus, must perform well in rugged and demanding conditions. Over the years, military clothing has evolved with several modifications to functionality. The optimal performance of military clothing is of high priority during operations. Therefore, the demand for military clothing, body armor, and military equipment has also risen sharply in recent years.
Governments across the globe are focused on equipping their soldiers with the latest equipment. Smart textiles help enhance performance by optimizing camouflage, integrating the latest technology into the clothing, reducing the weight carried, and improving ballistic protection. Therefore, the need for improved military performance is expected to drive the demand for smart textiles during the forecast period.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the range of functionalities and capabilities of smart textiles. For instance, these textiles offer camouflage, waterproofing, and germ-proofing. Furthermore, smart textiles can be used for physiological monitoring, location monitoring, and energy harvesting.
Moreover, research is being conducted on enhanced camouflage for visible, near-infrared, shortwave infrared, and thermal infrared electromagnetic spectral applications that would prevent the detection of armed troops and equipment by the enemy forces. Functionality in smart textiles also includes adaptive insulation for clothing, sleeping bags, and blankets. Adaptive insulation offers advantages such as continuously variable insulation, improved moisture management, reduced sweating, and reduced moisture buildup in garments. These functionalities in smart textiles can improve the operational performance of soldiers on the battlefield and, hence, offer lucrative opportunities to market players.
The integration of electronics and use of various materials in smart textiles are subject to stringent regulations. Government agencies such as the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) monitor the use of chemicals in military clothing under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulations. Moreover, electronics have to comply with safety norms and regulations for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and various other standards depending on use.
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) addresses and enforces data privacy and security matters under its broad authority under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices affecting commerce. In 2015, the FTC released its report The Internet of Things: Privacy and Security in a Connected World, which addresses privacy concerns surrounding physical objects that are connected to the Internet, including wearable technology. This is a fundamental regulatory issue which needs to be appropriately addressed in the context of smart textiles, where garments are often shared with, or used by, persons other than the original consumer. Hence, stringent regulations are expected to hinder the demand for smart textiles during the forecast period.
Nanotechnology is an emerging field in textiles and is transforming fabrics into enhanced smart textiles. Nanotechnology enables the building of smart fabric at a microscopic level leading to enhancements in various functionalities. Fabric coating with nanoparticles can enhance the properties of the fabric such as anti-bacterial, water-repellence, UV-protection, and self-cleaning, while still maintaining breathability and tactical properties. Nanotechnology in smart fabrics improves the soldiers’ performance in extreme environmental conditions and provides additional protection.
With the advent of nanotechnology, a new area of textile finishing called nano-finishing has been developed. Thus, the use of nanotechnology is a trend observed in the smart textiles for the military market.
There have been 23 patents filed by the companies in the field of smart textiles, over the last five years (1st December 2014 – 14th December 2018), out of which 12 were in the application phase and the remaining 11 were granted.
Near-term growth will likely concentrate in modular bioreactor lines and closed-system media workflows that shorten validation cycles while preserving batch traceability.
Partnerships between CDMOs and instrumentation vendors should accelerate standard datasets for comparability across sites, improving forecasting models used in capacity planning.
Longer horizon, organoid and microphysiological adoption may reshape segment mix; teams that invest early in assay interoperability and cloud QC hooks are better positioned to capture upside without fragmenting their analytics stack.
Profiles of 108 companies operating in the Smart Textiles for the Military Market market, including revenue, employee count, and market positioning where available.
Showing 108 of 108 companies
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Roboto Condensed"; mso-ascii-font-family:"Roboto Condensed"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:"Roboto Condensed"; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} Company Headquarters: Farnborough, England, UK Founded: 1999 Workforce: ~87,800 Company Working: BAE Systems (BAE) operates in over 40 countries and employs a large skilled workforce. The company operates as a leading defense, aerospace, and security firm. It operates through five business segments, namely, platforms and services, electronic systems, air, maritime, and cyber & intelligence. Through the maritime segment, BAE offers naval vessel MRO services. The company has its offices in Australia, India, Saudi Arabia, the UK, the US, and in a number of other countries across the globe.
Company Headquarters: Newark, Delaware, US Workforce: ~10,000 Founded: 1958 Company Working: WL Gore & Associates manufactures polymer polytetrafluoroethylene products. The company offers consumer products, such as waterproof, windproof, and breathable garments; footwear accessories, electronic and electrochemical materials such as EMI shielding and grounding solutions, fabrics, and safety service fabrics. The company offers Gore-Tex fabric products to various industries ranging from medical to military. WL Gore & Associates has long partnered with the military to provide cables and materials for use in land vehicles, aircraft, and other military applications. In 1958, the company launched its first product, was an insulated wire and cable used primarily in defense applications.
Company Headquarters: Colorado, US Founded: 1990 Workforce: ~100 Company Working: Outlast Technologies LLC manufactures thermally adaptive and phase change materials. The company offers thermocules, which are microencapsulated phase change materials that absorb, store, and release heat for optimal thermal comfort. The company offers products which are used in outdoor sports, bedding, apparel, footwear, seating, and other applications, as well as home furnishings, packaging, military, medical, and other markets. It sells its products through a network of sales representatives in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Furthermore, the company has its presence in Heidenheim, Germany, and Hong Kong. Outlast Technologies LLC have patented a number of techniques for smart fabrics for military application. The company engages in the development of connectors used within the garment to prevent them from rusting and short-circuiting.
Headquarters: Almelo, the Netherlands Workforce: ~4000 Founded: 1957 Company Working: Koninklijke Ten Cate BV (TenCate) is a leading manufacturer of artificial grass, fiber, tent, and sunshade shelter applications. It has more than 50 subsidiaries in North America, Asia, Europe. As a business group of TenCate, the subsidiary TenCate Protective Fabrics-US has a significant contribution to the textile technological. TenCate Protective Fabrics holds numerous patents and is highly experienced in fabric manufacturing with a variety of products. The manufacturing processes comprise weaving, yarn formation, non-woven fabric formation, dyeing, and finishing. Through advanced technology and innovative and proprietary techniques, TenCate can ensure consistent quality and through a large and extensive network of supply chain partnerships. It develops, manufactures, and sells functional materials, modules, and systems, which are used for personal safety and protection of the living and working environments. It operates through the following three business divisions: · Geosynthesis and grass: This division produces and sells fabrics and grids for civil engineering and environmental projects, and industrial fabrics for agribusiness, sports, and recreational applications. · Advanced textiles and composites: This division produces and sells protective and safety fabrics for outdoor and professional wares. Through this division, the company also offers composites for personal and vehicle protection, industrial protection, and technological applications in the aerospace industry. · Other activities: This division manufactures and sells components such as foam rollers, rubber, and related products, including fax machines, copiers, printers, ATMs, and postal sorting machines to the office equipment industry.
Headquarters: Lomazzo, Italy Workforce: ~100 Founded: 2005 Company Working: Directa Plus SpA (Directa Plus) is one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of graphene-based products for use in consumer and industrial markets. The company has a unique and patented technology process with a portable manufacturing model. The firm produces graphene-based products and has additional production facilities at convenient locations for the customer to reduce transportation costs, waste and time-to-utilization. Graphene-based products are natural, chemical-free and sustainably produced and are found in commercial applications, such as smart textiles, tires, composite materials, and environmental solutions. It supplies graphene-based products to the smart textile fabrics manufacturers. These manufacturers further produce fabrics based on this material for military purposes.
Company Headquarters: Texas, US Founded: 2009 Workforce: ~100 Company Working: Advanced Fabric Technologies manufactures auxetic solutions in material systems. Auxetic fabrics offer better strength and energy absorption than conventional materials and are used extensively in the commercial, industrial, textile and healthcare sectors. It provides services to industries, such as oil & gas, power, aerospace & defense, and medical. The company manufactures Xtegra Fabric, which offers protection to the wearers and also to high-value equipment. Some applications of the Xtegra Fabric include offshore rig high-pressure manifolds, industrial test bays, security fencing, and frag containment.
8 interactive charts drawn from the Smart Textiles for the Military Market dataset — market size, regional splits and each segment breakdown. Open one to read its full data table and download it.
Global Smart Textiles for the Military Market Rest Of Middle East And Africa, Israel, Saudi Arabia and UAE Of Middle East And Africa
Global Smart Textiles for the Military Market Germany, France, United Kingdom, Russian Federation and Rest Of Europe By Country
Global Smart Textiles for the Military Market Australia, China, India, Japan and Rest Of Asia Pacific By Country
Global Smart Textiles for the Military Market By Region
Smart Textiles for the Military Market Middle East And Africa
Smart Textiles for the Military Market Europe By Country
Powering the world's best teams.
From next-gen startups to established enterprises.
Trusted by forward-thinking businesses
for data-driven intelligence
Co-Founder, Mojave Rail Fabrication Limited
This is really good guys. Excellent work on a tight deadline. I will continue to use you going forward and recommend you to others. Nice job.
Manager, JavolVision
Thanks, I am so happy that we worked together. Maybe we still can work together in the future.
Sales Operations & Pricing Manager, Intel
Thanks. It's been a pleasure working with you, please use me as reference with any other Intel employees.
Sales Leader, Bamberg
We bought your "2025 report" in 2020. Everything is fine and very good.
Account and Business Manager, EFS-Holland BV
Thanks for sending the report it gives us a good global view of the Betaïne market.
Senior Retail Manager, LG Chem
We found the report very insightful! we found your research firm very helpful. I'm sending this email to secure our future business.
Management Consultant, Level 21
I am very pleased with how market segments have been defined in a relevant way for my purposes (such as "Portable Freezers & refrigerators" and "last-mile"). In general the report is well structured. Thanks very much for your efforts.
Group Product Manager HVAC & Fire Protection GMA, Rockwool
I have been reading the first document or the study, the Global HVAC and FP market report 2021 till 2026. Must say, good info! I have not gone in depth at all parts, but got a good indication of the data inside!
R&D Director, Seojin
Thanks for your great support. Appreciate it. Well received report. It helps us to understand market well. We're planning other area of survey in the future, let's keep in touch.
Strategy & Business Development Director, Dogan Holding
We got the report in time, we really thank you for your support in this process. I also thank to all of your team as they did a great job.
Historical performance and future projections (2020–2030, USD Billion)
Market Size (USD Mn)
