Body Armor in 2026: A Clear, Practical Guide for Law Enforcement and Public Safety Professionals

The ballistic body armor market is evolving faster than at any point in the past two decades. As standards transition, supply chains globalize, and marketing claims multiply, selecting effective protection has become increasingly complex. This article provides a practical, standards-aware overview of hard armor, soft armor, helmets, shields, and special threat solutions, focusing on what end users need to understand heading into 2026 to make informed, defensible decisions.