by Active protection systems (APS) are a key technique for safeguarding military vehicles against incoming threats like rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank missiles. These integrated APS collect data via radar, optical sensors and other methods to identify threats and then neutralize them using hard-kill or soft-kill strategies before impact. APS deploy complex electronics to intercept projectiles mid-flight and have revolutionized protection for armored vehicles on modern battlefields.
The global active protection systems market is estimated to be valued at US$ 4.30 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.6% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Active protection systems shield platforms from rocket propelled grenades, anti-tank guided missiles and kinetic energy rounds through hard kill methods like a rocket, projectile or mortar fired from the protected platform. APS have become a crucial military technology as they can instantly react to protect assets from multiple incoming fire taking safety of soldiers to another level.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the active protection systems market are Airbus SAS, Artis LLC, Aselsan AS, Israel Military Industries, KBM, Rafael Advanced Defense System Ltd., Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Rheinmetall AG, SAAB AB, Safran, IMI Systems, Krauss Maffei Wegmann, and General Dynamics.
There is a rising Active Protection Systems Market Demand owing to increasing defense budgets and territorial conflicts worldwide. Several armed forces are augmenting their military land systems with active APS to shield infantry fighting vehicles, main battle tanks and combat vehicles from latest anti-tank weapons.
Major defense contractors have increased their global footprint to tap growth opportunities in active protection systems segment. Many have formed strategic partnerships with local players in emerging nations of Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa for joint development of next-gen APS and technology transfers.
Market Key Trends
One of the dominant trends driving the Active Protection Systems Market is advancing interceptor technologies. Key players are investing heavily in R&D to develop interceptor solutions beyond kinetic energy based hard-kill systems. Some are exploring directed energy weapons like high power microwaves, gas guns and lasers as interceptors of the future for APS. This will allow neutralizing threats at even longer ranges with precision.
Porter’s Analysis
- Threat of new entrants: High capital requirements for R&D and manufacturing pose barriers for new players to enter.
- Bargaining power of buyers: Buyers have moderate bargaining power given the niche nature and specialized requirements of the product.
- Bargaining power of suppliers: Suppliers have moderate bargaining power as there are few technology specialists for critical components like interceptors and launchers.
- Threat of new substitutes: No close substitutes available currently for protection against RPG and ATGM threats.
- Competitive rivalry: Intense competition exists among major international players like IMI, Rafael, Rheinmetall and newer domestic suppliers from countries like India, South Korea and China.
Geographical Regions
The Active Protection Systems market in terms of value is currently concentrated in North America and Europe due to high defense budgets and ongoing procurements by US, Western European nations for battlefield protection. Countries like the US, UK, Germany, France, Sweden, Israel are fielding APS on battlefield tanks like M1 Abrams, Challenger 2, Leopard 2 and developing new technologies.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest growing market during the forecast period due to increasing defense modernization programs and up gradation of armored vehicles by countries like China, India, South Korea against regional threats. India’s initiatives to develop indigenous APS along with contracts for Israeli and Russian technologies will boost the future market potential in the region. Large procurement plans for APS announced by China and South Korea also indicate strong growth opportunities.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
