PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1773650
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1773650
A military exoskeleton refers to computer-controlled devices that alleviate joint strain and enhance soldiers' capabilities to carry heavy loads by improving their mobility, physical endurance, and load-carrying capacity. These devices aim to augment a soldier's mobility on the battlefield, enhancing their strength, stamina, safety, and ergonomics.
The primary types of military exoskeletons are full-body exoskeletons and partial-body exoskeletons. A full-body exoskeleton is a type of human-machine interface designed to enhance the interaction between humans and machines. These wearable devices can be worn over a regular uniform to augment a soldier's strength. They are powered by either active exoskeleton or passive exoskeleton systems, utilizing battery-operated and cable-operated mechanisms. The applications of military exoskeletons include physical augmentation, human-machine interface (HMI), and human-computer interface (HCI).
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The sharp increase in U.S. tariffs and resulting trade disputes in spring 2025 are significantly affecting the aerospace and defense sector. Prices for key materials such as titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics primarily sourced from international suppliers have surged. Defense contractors, constrained by fixed-price government contracts, are forced to absorb these rising costs. Meanwhile, commercial aerospace companies are encountering resistance from airlines over increased aircraft prices. In addition, customs delays are disrupting already tight production timelines for jets and satellites. In response, the industry is stockpiling essential materials, pursuing import waivers for defense-related goods, and working with allied nations to diversify supply chains.
The military exoskeleton market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides military exoskeleton market statistics, including military exoskeleton industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a military exoskeleton market share, detailed military exoskeleton market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the military exoskeleton industry. This military exoskeleton market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The military exoskeleton market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.09 billion in 2024 to $1.24 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to initial military applications, strategic shifts in warfare, military rehabilitation initiatives, advancements in materials and engineering, rise in defense spending.
The military exoskeleton market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to expanded military applications, advancements in materials and design, customization and adaptability, growing demand for medical rehabilitation, global military modernization programs. Major trends in the forecast period include enhanced soldier performance, medical rehabilitation and support, increase in R&D investments, miniaturization and portability, integration of ai and sensors, specialized applications.
The forecast of 12.7% growth over the next five years indicates a slight reduction of 0.1% from the previous projection for this market.This marginal decrease is influenced by ongoing tariff-related uncertainties between the U.S. and its trade partners.This is likely to directly affect the US through tariffs on carbon fiber actuators from Japan and South Korea, raising costs for soldier augmentation technology.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.
The increasing incidence of terrorist activities and cross-border disputes is expected to drive the growth of the military exoskeleton market in the future. Terrorism refers to the deliberate use of violent means or threats to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals by instilling fear or coercing civilians. Cross-border disputes involve legal disagreements or conflicts between individuals or organizations from different nations. Military exoskeletons enhance soldiers' physical capabilities, such as strength, agility, and endurance, thereby improving their preparedness to respond to terrorist threats. For instance, in February 2024, The Institute for Economics and Peace, an international think tank based in Australia, reported that terrorist attacks became more lethal in 2023, with an average of 2.5 deaths per attack compared to 1.6 in 2022. Therefore, the rise in terrorist activities and cross-border disputes is fueling the growth of the military exoskeleton market moving forward.
The expected growth in military spending is poised to propel the military exoskeleton market in the future. Military spending refers to the financial resources allocated by a government for the development, maintenance, and operations of its armed forces and defense capabilities. Increasing defense budgets facilitate greater investment in military exoskeleton technology, enhancing soldiers' mobility, strength, and protection on the battlefield. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's April 2023 report, North American military spending reached $904 billion in 2022, marking a 0.7% increase from 2021. Additionally, Canada's military spending rose by 3% to $26.9 billion in 2022 compared to the previous year. Hence, the upward trajectory of military spending propels the growth of the military exoskeleton market.
The development of lightweight exoskeletons stands out as a prominent trend gaining traction in the military exoskeleton market. Companies in this market are introducing new iterations of lightweight exoskeletons to maintain their competitive positions. For example, in April 2023, Comau Robotics, an Italy-based automation specialist, launched the Mate-XT, a wearable exoskeleton designed for industrial, non-industrial, and open-air environments. The exoskeleton features a thin, lightweight carbon fiber structure with an easily manageable control system. Resistant to water, dust, UV light, and temperature, it can be swiftly customized to fit various body frames.
Leading companies in the military exoskeleton market are concentrating on developing advanced technologies, such as personal protection technology, to improve soldier safety and enhance combat efficiency. Personal protection technology encompasses devices, equipment, or systems designed to shield individuals from physical harm or injury. This technology enhances physical protection against ballistic threats while also providing increased strength, endurance, and mobility. It assists in redistributing the weight of heavy loads, reducing fatigue, and improving combat effectiveness, all while ensuring high levels of protection. For example, in January 2024, Mehler Protection, a Germany-based division of Mehler Systems specializing in advanced ballistic protection, introduced the ExoM Up-Armoured Exoskeleton, tailored for military and law enforcement use. This innovative exoskeleton combines superior ballistic protection with outstanding load-bearing capabilities, delivering unparalleled comfort and safety. Key features include load redistribution, enhanced ballistic protection, and improved mobility, representing a significant advancement in personal protective technology.
In April 2022, Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation acquired RE2, Inc., a US-based technology company, for $100 million. This strategic acquisition aimed to enhance Sarcos' product line by incorporating RE2's robotic arms and exoskeleton technology, including the Guardian XO full-body industrial exoskeleton.
Major companies operating in the military exoskeleton market include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation, Aselsan Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS, Dephy Inc., Rostec State Corporation, BAE Systems plc, General Atomics, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc., SpringActive Inc., Safran SA, General Dynamics Corporation, CYBERDYNE INC., Bionic Power Inc., B-Temia, Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace, QinetiQ Group plc, Hunter Defense Technologies Inc, Fifth Dimension Technologies, Endeavor Robotics, EXHAUSS Exoskeletons
Europe was the largest region in the military exoskeleton market in 2024. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global military exoskeleton market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the military exoskeleton market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa
The countries covered in the military exoskeleton market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain
The military exoskeleton market consists of sales of powered or unpowered exoskeletons. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Military Exoskeleton Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on military exoskeleton market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for military exoskeleton? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The military exoskeleton market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.