Global Active Protection Systems Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

Recent Developments:

• July 2022 - Elbit Systems Limited was awarded a contract worth USD 80 million to provide airborne EW (Electronic Warfare) systems and DIRCM (Direct Infrared Counter Measures) to an Asia Pacific nation.

• May 2022 - Turkey revealed plans to commence serial mass production of its battle tanks. These 65-ton main battle tanks (MBTs) would feature Aselsan APS, offering protection against top-attack anti-tank guided munitions such as Javelin.

• May 2022 - Raytheon Missiles & Defense secured a contract with the U.S. Navy valued at USD 423 million to sustain the production of SPY-6 radars. These radars have the capability to defend against surface ships, cruise missiles, hostile aircraft, and ballistic missiles concurrently.

• November 2021 - General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Rafael), and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) formed a joint venture company named EuroTrophy. This new German-based firm aims to provide sales, production, and marketing opportunities for the Trophy APS within European markets.

• February 2021 - Lockheed Martin entered into a contract with the U.S. Army to deliver 20 Modular Active Protection System (MAPS) base kits for U.S. Army combat vehicles. The contract, valued at USD 30 million, included a processor integrating sensors and countermeasures.

In this report, the Active Protection Systems Market, Segmented by Type, Platform, Solution, End Users and Geography.

Active Protection Systems Market, Segmentation by Type

The Active Protection Systems Market, Segmented by Type into Hard-Kill Systems and Soft-Kill Systems.

Hard-Kill Systems

Hard-kill systems dominate the active protection systems market with a share of around 60%, owing to their ability to physically intercept and destroy incoming threats like anti-tank missiles and rocket-propelled grenades. These systems are widely used in armored fighting vehicles and are valued for their high battlefield survivability.

Soft-Kill Systems

Soft-kill systems account for approximately 40% of the market and are increasingly preferred for their non-destructive countermeasures. They work by disrupting or misleading targeting systems through methods such as smoke screens, infrared jamming, and electronic countermeasures, making them ideal in stealth-driven operations.

Active Protection Systems Market, Segmentation by Platform

The Active Protection Systems Market , Segmented by Platform into Terrestrial and Naval.

Terrestrial

The terrestrial segment commands a dominant share of approximately 75%, fueled by widespread use in main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, and infantry fighting vehicles. Rising geopolitical tensions and the need for vehicle survivability in ground combat operations are driving adoption of these systems.

Naval

The naval segment accounts for around 25% of the market, with growing application in warships, patrol vessels, and coastal defense platforms. These systems enhance protection against guided munitions and torpedoes, especially in high-threat littoral and open-sea environments.

Active Protection Systems Market, Segmentation by Solution

The Active Protection Systems Market , Segmented by Solution into Hardware and Software.

Hardware

The hardware segment dominates the market with a share of nearly 70%, driven by high demand for physical defense components such as radars, launchers, sensors, and countermeasure devices. These elements are critical to ensuring accurate detection and interception of threats in real time.

Software

The software segment accounts for about 30% of the market and plays a crucial role in the integration, processing, and decision-making algorithms that support active protection functions. With increasing advancements in AI-driven threat assessment and predictive analytics, this segment is experiencing steady growth.

Active Protection Systems Market, Segmentation by End Users

The Active Protection Systems Market , Segmented by End Users into Defense and Homeland Security.

Defense

The defense segment holds a dominant share of approximately 85%, driven by extensive adoption in military vehicles, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and combat support vehicles. Increasing defense budgets and the need for force protection in high-threat zones fuel growth in this segment.

Homeland Security

The homeland security segment represents around 15% of the market and is gaining traction with rising concerns over domestic threats and urban warfare scenarios. Active protection systems are being considered for use in critical infrastructure protection and law enforcement vehicles in select regions.

Active Protection Systems Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Active Protection Systems Market , Segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Active Protection Systems Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America leads the global market with a share of nearly 35%, supported by robust defense spending, advanced military modernization programs, and widespread adoption of active protection technologies by the U.S. military. Ongoing investments in combat vehicle upgrades further boost regional growth.

Europe

Europe holds around 25% of the market, driven by increasing focus on armored vehicle protection and NATO-backed defense collaborations. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK are integrating active protection systems into their land forces as part of modernization efforts.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific accounts for approximately 22% of the market and is witnessing rapid growth due to heightened geopolitical tensions and increased military procurement by countries like China, India, and South Korea. The demand for indigenous defense innovation is further accelerating adoption.

Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa segment contributes nearly 10% to the market, primarily driven by the demand for advanced vehicle protection in conflict-prone zones. Nations in the Gulf region are investing in high-end defense platforms to counter evolving threats.

Latin America

Latin America holds a modest share of around 8%, with limited but growing interest in active protection systems. Budgetary constraints hinder widespread adoption, though select countries are exploring options for border security and urban conflict zones.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Active Protection Systems Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities.

Drivers

• Military Modernization Programs
• Threat of Emerging Technologies
• Enhanced Survivability of Armored Vehicles
• Focus on Soldier Protection

• Shift Towards Modular and Scalable Systems :One of the significant drivers of the global active protection systems (APS) market is the shift towards modular and scalable systems. Traditional APS often featured fixed configurations, limiting their adaptability to different platforms and mission requirements. However, with the emergence of modular and scalable APS solutions, military forces can now customize their protection systems according to specific needs and operational environments. These modular systems allow for the integration of additional sensors, countermeasures, and control interfaces, providing enhanced flexibility and versatility. By adopting modular APS, military units can easily upgrade their protection capabilities over time, keeping pace with evolving threats without the need for complete system replacements.

  Moreover, scalability in APS enables seamless integration with various platforms, including armored vehicles, naval vessels, and aircraft, catering to diverse defense needs across different branches of the armed forces. This adaptability not only streamlines logistics and maintenance but also optimizes resource allocation by enabling standardized APS components to be utilized across multiple platforms. As military operations become increasingly dynamic and multifaceted, the ability to deploy scalable APS systems ensures that defense forces can maintain a high level of protection across their entire fleet, effectively countering emerging threats while maximizing operational efficiency and readiness.

Restraints

• Complex Integration
• Technological Limitations
• Regulatory Hurdles
• Interoperability Concerns

• Cybersecurity Risks:Cybersecurity risks present a significant restraint for the global Active Protection Systems (APS) market. As APS increasingly integrates advanced technologies such as sensors, artificial intelligence, and communication systems, they become susceptible to cyber threats. Hackers could exploit vulnerabilities in these interconnected systems to infiltrate and compromise APS, potentially rendering them ineffective or even turning them against their own operators. The interconnected nature of modern APS opens up avenues for cyberattacks ranging from data breaches to system manipulation, posing a serious threat to military operations and national security.

  As APS becomes more reliant on digital interfaces and communication networks, the potential for cyberattacks to disrupt or disable these systems rises exponentially. A successful cyberattack on APS could not only jeopardize the safety of military personnel and assets but also compromise strategic missions and objectives. Furthermore, the interconnected nature of APS within larger defense networks amplifies the ripple effects of cyber breaches, potentially cascading into broader security breaches across military infrastructure. Addressing cybersecurity risks thus emerges as a critical challenge for the global APS market, necessitating robust strategies and investment in cybersecurity measures to safeguard against potential threats and vulnerabilities.

Opportunities

• Technological Advancements
• Counter-UAS Systems
• Urban Warfare

• Naval Applications:Naval applications represent a promising opportunity for the Global Active Protection Systems (APS) market. With the increasing sophistication of maritime threats, including anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and unmanned underwater vehicles, there is a growing need for effective defense systems to safeguard naval vessels. APS systems tailored for naval use can provide crucial protection against these threats, enhancing the survivability of ships and their crews in hostile environments.

  The proliferation of naval platforms across various maritime missions, including littoral operations, convoy escort, and maritime interdiction, underscores the significance of APS in ensuring maritime security. By integrating APS into naval vessels, countries can bolster their maritime defense capabilities, deter potential aggressors, and maintain control over vital sea lanes. Moreover, as naval forces increasingly operate in contested environments, the deployment of APS offers a proactive defense mechanism, enabling ships to detect and neutralize incoming threats swiftly, thereby enhancing overall fleet survivability and mission effectiveness.

Key players in Global Active Protection Systems Market include:

• RTX Corporation
• Leonardo S.p.A.
• BAE Systems plc
• Rheinmetall AG
• ASEKSAN A.S.
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
• General Dynamics Corporation
• THALES
• Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
• Saab AB
• Artis
• Elbit Systems Ltd
• Rostec state Corporation

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis