Market for armoured vehicles AFES set for steady growth

The global market for Armored Vehicles Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems (AFES) was valued at $101.8 million in 2024 and is forecasted to grow to $121.7 million by 2030, according to a report published by Global Industry Analysts.

The market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.0% during this period.

The report highlights that increased investment in defence safety systems and technological advancements in fire suppression are contributing to this growth.

The use of AFES in military and law enforcement vehicles is expected to rise due to growing concerns over fire hazards caused by combat threats, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and projectile strikes.

Importance of AFES in armoured vehicle safety

AFES plays a critical role in protecting military personnel by automatically detecting and suppressing fires in armored vehicles.

The systems use various extinguishing agents such as Halon, dry chemicals, or clean agents to control fire outbreaks within seconds.

The need for AFES is driven by the risks associated with modern combat environments.

Vehicles deployed in high-threat zones face fire hazards from both external attacks and internal system malfunctions.

AFES helps mitigate these risks by ensuring rapid fire suppression, reducing the chances of vehicle damage and personnel casualties.

Technological advancements in AFES

Advancements in sensor technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are improving AFES efficiency.

Modern systems incorporate infrared and ultraviolet sensors, allowing for faster fire detection.

AI integration is also enhancing predictive maintenance, enabling vehicles to detect potential fire risks before ignition.

The industry is also shifting towards eco-friendly extinguishing agents.

These alternatives aim to reduce environmental impact while maintaining fire suppression effectiveness.

As defense forces worldwide adopt greener technologies, the demand for sustainable AFES solutions is expected to increase.

Regional market insights and growth trends

The United States remains a key market for AFES, with a valuation of $27.6 million in 2024.

China is projected to expand at a 2.8% CAGR, reaching $19.3 million by 2030.

Growth is also evident in Europe, with markets in Germany, France, Italy, and the UK showing steady demand.

The report identifies that Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) are expected to drive a significant portion of market growth, with projections reaching $70.5 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.3%.

Tanks and other fighting vehicles are anticipated to grow at 2.6% CAGR over the same period.

Global armored vehicles AFES market projected to reach $121.7 million by 2030: Summary

The global market for Armored Vehicles Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems (AFES) was valued at $101.8 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $121.7 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.0%.

According to Global Industry Analysts, this growth is driven by increasing defense investments and advancements in fire suppression technology.

AFES enhances vehicle and personnel safety by detecting and suppressing fires caused by combat threats and system malfunctions.

The adoption of AI, advanced sensors, and eco-friendly extinguishing agents is improving system efficiency.

The US market was valued at $27.6 million in 2024, while China is projected to grow at a 2.8% CAGR, reaching $19.3 million by 2030.

The APC segment is expected to reach $70.5 million by 2030 with a 3.3% CAGR.