Military Gas Masks Market

Military Gas Masks Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global military gas masks market is valued at US$ 1.1 million in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 1.4 million by the end of 2033. Global demand for military gas masks is predicted by Fact.MR to increase at a CAGR of 3% over the next 10 years.

Military gas masks are used to protect wearers from airborne contaminants and toxic gases. These masks not only protect the user's mouth and nose but also the whole face. Poisonous substances can be gaseous in nature, such as chlorine and other toxic gases produced by various weaponry, or they may be particulate in nature, such as viruses, bacteria, and other biological agents.

A majority of military gas masks are made in a way that shields the wearer from various hazardous substances. Typically, a military gas mask consists of a stretchy face covering piece, clear eye lenses, straps, and filtration cartridge canisters.

Military gas mask demand is being driven by increasing concerns about improving soldier safety as well as the need for defense against insurgent improvised explosive device (IED) attacks. Additionally, the rise in terrorism, disputes, and ongoing unrest in many countries around the world is expected to increase sales of military gas masks during the forecast period.

• Some of the types of gas masks available in the defense sector are full-face gas masks and half-face gas masks. Sales of full-face military gas masks are predicted to increase at a healthy pace during the next 10 years.

Military units and first responders all over the world are increasingly using full-face gas masks because they offer better face comfort and security. The design of advanced full-face gas mask models enables them to get a better view than half-face masks. Full-face gas masks are safer than half-face gas masks because they provide complete protection to the entire facial area despite being heavier.

Moreover, first responders and military employees frequently encounter health risks as a result of the growing threats posed by nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) agents. Full-face gas masks' ability to thwart such threats will therefore spur development in the following years.

Demand for various troop protection products, such as full-face masks, which offer enhanced safety against radioactive particulates, is expected to increase as a result of the growing CBRN threats in the military.

• Full-face gas mask sales are expected to increase substantially due to the existence of numerous manufacturers, including 3M, MIRA Safety, and Parcil Safety, among others, who are involved in designing cutting-edge full-face gas masks.

Report Attributes	Details
Military Gas Masks Market Size (2023E)	US$ 1.1 Million
Forecasted Market Value (2033F)	US$ 1.4 Million
Global Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	3% CAGR
Leading Regional Market	North America
Key Companies Profiled	Avon Protection Systems, Inc. Honeywell International Inc. 3M Company Nexter Group Metadure Inc. All Safe Industries Shalon Chemical Industries Ltd. Durham Mask MSA Safety Inc. Drägerwerk AG & Co. KG

Which Market Dynamics are Expected to Benefit Suppliers of Military Gas Masks?

“Growing Disputes between Several Countries at Various Levels”

First responder gas mask demand is currently leading due to the rising rate of accidents involving chemical spills, radioactive particulate matter diffusions, and the emergence of biological threats and pandemics. In addition, the demand for military-grade gas masks is likely to rise as a result of escalating political turmoil, rising terrorism, and other global disturbances.

The unpredictable nature of modern combat has led to the incorporation of extremely lethal biological and chemical warfare agents into weaponry, endangering the lives of troops on the front lines. Due to this, presently there is a growing global need for military gas masks.

“Gas Masks Play Vital in Reducing Virus Spread”

Patients with COVID-19 experiencing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) typically require a tracheotomy. During the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a high risk of viral transmission, the French Army Biomedical Research Center gave hospitals military masks with P3 filter cartridges and an integrated ventilation device so that these surgeries could be performed safely. FFP2 or FFP3 masks can offer enough protection because they have an efficiency of 95% to 99% when evaluated with particles that are 0.30 m in size.

Military gas masks enable safe tracheotomies to be performed in situations when there is a significant danger of virus infection. Thus, rising cases of COVID-19 in some countries could generate potential opportunities for military gas mask suppliers.

What are the Roadblocks to Smooth Market Growth?

“Rapid Changes in Warfare Techniques & Technologies”

Military gas mask producers are challenged by changing military tactics and technology because they need to continuously invest in developing advanced military gas masks to maintain their market position. Also, there is a significantly greater risk of replacement by the new product, which might undermine investor trust and limit demand for military gas masks over the projected period.

“Improper Knowledge Regarding Maintenance of Gas Masks”

Components such as valves, breathing tubes, cartridges, blowers, and pumps are used in provided air-purifying respirators such as PAPR, SCBA, and other types of gas masks. To maintain effective and secure operation, these gas masks need proper upkeep and extra attention. The user may be at risk from component damage or wear and tear.

A gas mask must be thoroughly checked over and maintained before being used again after being used in a severe environment. Manufacturers offer instructions for using and caring for different kinds of gas masks.

Using an air-purifying respirator as an example, certain models call for the cartridges to be kept separately in a dry and clean area after use, in addition to inspecting for cracks, tears, gaps, and unclean valves before use, eliminating alcohol wipes to clean, and discarding of cartridges within the specified time.

A mask can also be harmed by radiation and some sterilization methods. Unfortunately, because of carelessness or a lack of understanding of the significance of maintenance, workers frequently fail to follow these instructions. This results in the inefficient performance of gas masks, which subsequently creates a piece of bad information regarding gas masks and lowers the demand.

Country-wise Analysis

Why is the United States a Leading Exporter of Military Gas Masks?

“Continuous Innovations Due to Presence of Leading Companies of Military Gas Masks”

One of the world's top exporters of military gas masks is the United States. Also, the country is always updating its military and first responder protection technologies, which is anticipated to generate revenue for the players that produce military gas masks.

• In September 2022, to decontaminate ship surfaces, tactical vehicles, and weaponry, the United States Department of Defense aimed to create a single decontaminant that was effective against chemical and biological toxins.
• The M50 gas masks are currently required to be utilized by all branches of the armed forces according to the United States Department of Defense. Also, the M50 gas masks offer exceptional defense against a range of dangers.

The market for military gas masks in the United States is expected to expand significantly over the next 10 years due to the presence of numerous military gas mask manufacturers who are producing advanced military gas masks.

Avon Protection just created the M53AI mask. The Joint Service General Purpose (JSGP) initiative of the United States served as the foundation for the development of the M53Ai mask. The mask has also been designed to offer maximum operating flexibility while meeting the specific needs of Special Mission Units. Thus, during the forecast period, the sales of military gas masks are likely to experience significant growth as a result of such innovations.

How are German & United Kingdom Manufacturers of First Responder Gas Masks Faring?

“Ongoing Russia-Ukraine War Driving Up Product Demand”

Producers of military gas masks in the United Kingdom and Germany are seeing increased product sales due to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. Increasing military expenses, rising riots, and hostile agitations are also increasing the demand for military gas masks in the United Kingdom & Germany.

• The United Kingdom ranks among the top countries worldwide for defense spending, according to NATO. The government declared in February 2022 that it would spend US$ 270 billion on the purchase of new military equipment and deliver essential assistance for ongoing services between 2021 and 2031. It is anticipated that the investment may assist the government in enhancing its military capabilities.

With a sizable portion of the world's spending on defense and aerospace, Germany is one of the top economies in Europe. Major manufacturers of respirator gas masks, including Drägerwerk AG & Co. KG, Jacob Nettekoven Techn. Handels-GmbH, Denios SE, and Carl Geisen GmbH, are headquartered in Germany. These companies are significantly accelerating the development of protective gas mask technologies and production rates through domestic and international investments, collaborations, partnerships, and other means.

Why is Russia in High Need of Military Equipment and Masks?

“War with Ukraine Escalating Need for Protective Gas Masks”

A political-military strategy for the Russian armed forces has been devised based on the country's security policy objectives and perceived threats. Strategic deterrence, regional domination within the non-Baltic former Soviet Union, expeditionary operations, readiness for a major conflict, and internal stability are the five main objectives that the military must carry out as part of this policy.

Russia is actively developing the BMPT armoured vehicle, which can tackle various targets, including enemy tanks and ground forces, by carrying a combination of missiles, cannons, and fully automatic weapons. Since it started in 2014, Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in a military struggle that has escalated to war.

Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022, which resulted in sparking a worldwide search for improved defense technologies. Because of its need for weaponry for the war with Ukraine, Russia also budgeted for a considerable increase in the manufacture of defense equipment.

While expanding artillery attacks near and across Ukraine's nuclear power installations in August 2022, the Russian military launched five Kalibr cruise missiles at the Black Sea. As exposure to nuclear facilities would release hazardous gases, it is anticipated that a major deployment of such weapons is likely to increase demand for advanced military gas masks.

Category-wise Analysis

Why are Powered Respirators Widely Preferred by Several End-use Industries?

“Helpful in Reducing Life Harm in Dangerous Encounters”

Non-powered respirators and powered respirators are some of the gas mask respirator types. Powered respirators are currently leading the demand graph. Firefighters widely prefer using powered air-purifying respirators in dangerous encounters.

Respective governments worldwide have raised their budgetary allotment for purchasing public safety equipment. The need for powered air-purifying respirators is also rising as a result of many organizations upgrading their equipment to reduce various encountered risks at the workplace.

The use of personal protective equipment, such as powered air-purifying respirators for the labour force, has become essential due to the rise in accidents, resulting in fatalities, and injuries in the mining, construction, oil and gas, and chemical industries. Using powered air-purifying respirators reduces the risks of injuries and fatalities significantly while increasing productivity in various sectors.

Competitive Landscape

Some of the key players in the military gas masks market are Avon Protection Systems, Inc., Honeywell International Inc., 3M Company, MSA Safety Inc., and Drägerwerk AG & Co. KG. Manufacturers are concentrating on introducing improved types of gas masks that enhance situational awareness in terms of visibility and user ergonomics as industry competition heats up.

As a result, the production of face shields with flexible polyurethane lenses that provide a wide field of vision and facepieces constructed of strong yet supple rubber material for better quality is currently the emphasis.

Also, the use of more modern, cutting-edge technologies and materials may contribute to the creation of better, more efficient & cost-effective gas masks, possibly leading to the eventual replacement of the conventional gas masks currently used by many military forces and first responders across the world. Hence, concentrating research on better technologies and materials may benefit the companies over time.

Key Segments of Military Gas Masks Industry Research

• By Mask Type :

  • Full-face Gas Masks
  • Half-face Gas Masks

• By Product Type :

  • Non-powered Respirators
  • Powered Respirators

• By End User :

  • Military
  • First Responders

• By Application :

  • Chemical Defense
  • Biological Defense
  • Nuclear Defense
  • Radiological Defense

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • MEA