Soldier systems market seen topping $16 billion by 2030

The Business Research Company projects the global soldier systems market will rise from $12.46 billion in 2025 to $13.13 billion in 2026, then reach $16.04 billion by 2030. The report points to rising terrorist threats, better battlefield communications and growing demand for integrated wearable defense gear as key growth drivers.

Why it matters: - Soldier systems are becoming more central to battlefield survivability, mobility and decision-making as military operations grow more complex. - The market’s projected rise signals continued spending on connected gear that combines protection, communications and sensor-based capabilities. - Rising terrorist attacks are adding urgency to soldier protection and mission-readiness investments.

What happened: - The Business Research Company released its Soldier Systems Global Market Report 2026 on June 11, 2026. - The report pegs the global soldier systems market at $12.46 billion in 2025 and $13.13 billion in 2026. - The report forecasts the market will reach $16.04 billion by 2030. - North America held the largest share of the market in 2025.

The details: - The report says recent market growth has been driven by wider adoption of infrared target locators, personal counter-IED equipment, battlefield communication systems, leadership development and training programs, and laser target designators. - The report defines a soldier system as a comprehensive battlefield platform designed to maximize military personnel capabilities. - The report says future growth will be supported by integrated soldier systems that combine sensors, communications and protective gear into streamlined platforms. - The report also points to augmented reality, wearable technologies, lightweight modular equipment, autonomous and semi-autonomous support systems, and data fusion and analytics as growth areas. - Expected trends include wider adoption of wearable soldier technologies, higher battlefield situational awareness, multi-domain systems integration, expanded training and simulation, and stronger personal protection and counter-IED capabilities. - The report includes coverage of Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - The 2026 edition adds market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, market hotspots infographics, and updated technology and trend analysis.

Between the lines: - The market outlook reflects a broader defense shift toward connected, modular and data-driven systems rather than standalone equipment. - The emphasis on wearables and integrated platforms suggests future procurement will likely favor gear that improves both survivability and coordination. - The report ties market demand to heightened security threats, which can accelerate defense modernization spending. - The Institute for Economics and Peace reported in February 2024 that terrorist attacks became more lethal in 2023, with an average of 2.5 deaths per attack versus 1.6 in 2022.

What’s next: - The market is expected to grow at a 5.1% CAGR from 2026 to 2030. - Demand will likely continue shifting toward lighter, smarter and more connected soldier equipment. - The report’s forecasting tools and trend analysis are positioned to support defense suppliers and buyers tracking future procurement priorities.

The bottom line: - Soldier systems are moving from niche battlefield gear to a broader defense technology priority, with growth driven by safety, connectivity and mission effectiveness.