P&SN Staff
The ballistic protection industry has seen steady advancements over the past year, with new upgrades and design enhancements improving armor effectiveness. Here’s a look at some of the latest developments.
Adept Armor
Adept’s new Nova Titanium™ is a high cut titanium combat helmet designed to deliver steel helmet toughness at polyethylene (PE) helmet weight, with low backface deformation and an indefinite shell service life.
Weighing approximately 2.02 pounds in size L/XL, including shell, pads, retention, and hardware, Nova Titanium is rated to stop 9mm FMJ at 1,312 ft/s with low backface deformation. Its continuous 260LC™ titanium armor shell provides edge-to-edge protection without the resin matrix used in composite helmets, meaning it will not delaminate; degrade from UV exposure; or corrode from salt air, sweat, rain, oils, fuels, or most solvents.
Adept positions Nova Titanium as a lighter, tougher, longer lasting alternative to premium PE helmets which can be expensive, thicker, softer shelled, and limited by finite service life. The titanium shell offers visible impact damage, strong multihit tolerance, a closer fit, smaller silhouette, and long-term durability.
Available in M and L/XL sizes and Black, Green, and Raw Titanium, Nova Titanium uses Adept’s NovaSteel retention and pad system. (ade.pt)
Armored Devices Corporation
Armored Devices has introduced the RAPA™ (Rifleman’s Armored Protective Apparatus), a new protective system designed to provide rifle-rated coverage for upper body areas not protected by standard SAPI plates, including portions of the face, head and neck.
A key feature of the RAPA is its patented rifle support arm which supports the rifle from beneath the barrel and replaces the shooter’s support hand. This allows rifle carrying personnel to maintain weapon control while gaining added ballistic protection in high-risk environments.
The RAPA is recommended for close quarters combat and SWAT applications, particularly for rifle operators positioned behind a lead ballistic shield. Standard protection is RF2-rated and designed to stop 5.56 x 45mm M855 at 3250 feet per second.
Armored Devices also offers full-size ballistic shields equipped with the same rifle support arm technology. (armoreddevices.com)
ArmorSource
ArmorSource is expanding production after receiving a $17.6 million contract to manufacture and deliver 25,000 Advanced Combat Helmet Gen II (ACH Gen II) systems for the US Army. The ACH Gen II is engineered to provide advanced ballistic protection while reducing overall helmet weight and improving comfort for the warfighter.
The contract award comes as ArmorSource continues to invest in helmet innovation and user comfort. The company recently introduced its AireLink Prime retention system, featuring independent left side and right side micro-adjustments for improved fit and stability. ArmorSource has also expanded its suspension offerings with the AireSupport Max 3D platform, designed to help reduce blunt impact forces while improving comfort during extended wear. (armorsource.com)
BlueRidge Armor
BlueRidge Armor is advancing its protective equipment lineup for law enforcement with the TRIBUTE™ Series soft body armor system and an updated standard feature package for its VENGEANCE X8 hard armor ballistic shield line.
Developed exclusively for law enforcement, the TRIBUTE Series is a lightweight, flexible personal protection system designed to provide dependable everyday ballistic coverage for officers serving in patrol, border security and other public safety assignments. The armor combines durable technical composites and specialty fabrics with an emphasis on comfort, flexibility and high ballistic performance.
The TRIBUTE Series is tested under the latest NIJ 0101.07 certification process and is available in HG1 and HG2 ballistic threat protection levels. BlueRidge Armor positions the system as a tribute to the men and women of law enforcement who wear the badge and place themselves in harm’s way to protect their communities.
BlueRidge Armor has also updated the standard feature package for its VENGEANCE X8 hard armor ballistic shield platform, expanding its protection, handling and carry capabilities for law enforcement and tactical users. The VENGEANCE X8 is available in XLR (Xtra-Lite Rifle) and SLR (Standard Lite Rifle) composite ballistic configurations.
Standard X8 features include the company’s weapon mount shield platform, VENGEANCE Viewport, high-performance ballistic composite construction, ultralight composite bezel protection, rifle-rated ballistic hardware, and 360 degree edge protection with slide rack indicators. Handling features include a ten inch carbon fiber ambidextrous handle, a high-density impact absorbing forearm pad and an adjustable lower forearm strap.
Each shield includes black polyurea coated ballistic components, a custom ID placard, a single point sling with shield hook, and an X8 zippered carry bag with a shoulder strap. The VENGEANCE X8 is offered in 18 inch by 30 inch and 20 inch by 34 inch sizes, with weights ranging from approximately 17 to 23 pounds depending on shield size, ballistic configuration and lighting options.
BlueRidge Armor plans to expand the VENGEANCE Series in the fourth quarter of 2026 with new X8-HG2 handgun-rated and X8-RF1 ASTM-rated ballistic shield models. (blueridgearmor.com)
Hardwire® LLC
Hardwire has expanded its rifle protection line with two lightweight In-Conjunction-With (ICW) armor plates designed for law enforcement, corrections and tactical users.
The Hardwire Level III ICW Rifle Plate provides NIJ Level III rifle protection when worn with approved soft armor. Made with advanced polyethylene, the 10″ x 12″ shooter’s cut plate weighs just 1.98 pounds and measures 0.62 inches thick. It is available in shooter cut and SAPI sizes from X-Small through X-Large.
For enhanced protection, Hardwire also offers its Level III+ ICW Rifle Plate, NIJ Certified as model #IMPAC C1.4 ICW HW-2019-01-SB and available through Safariland®. It is designed for use with Hardwire’s 0.68 psf Soft Armor Backer, model #HW-2019-01-SB.
Both plates work with the soft armor officers already wear, reducing weight and bulk while helping maintain mobility during patrol, active shooter response, warrant service, corrections, and tactical operations. (hardwirellc.com)
RMA Armament
RMA Armament has added Generation 2 upgrades to its Level IV armor line, making its plates lighter and thinner while maintaining multihit Level IV/RF3 protection.
The leading model, the 1165 Gen2, weighs 5.3 pounds in a 10″ x 12″ Shooter’s Cut and measures just 0.7 inches thick. It features a Hypure Alumina strike face, Dyneema® UHMWPE, multicurve construction, and edge-to-edge ballistic coverage. A 9.5″ x 12.5″ SAPI version weighs 6.1 pounds, with an 11″ x 14″ size expected in summer 2026.
The upgraded 1155 Gen2 weighs 6.6 pounds in a 10″ x 12″ Shooter’s Cut and measures 0.9 inches thick. The 9.5″ x 12.5″ SAPI version weighs 7.4 pounds. It also offers multicurve comfort, edge-to-edge protection and multihit Level IV/RF3 performance. (rmadefense.com)
RTS Tactical
Although not brand-new for 2026, RTS Tactical has two recent rifle-rated shield offerings: the Tactical LEGION Ballistic Shield and the Tactical Centurion Ballistic Shield.
Each is rated to NIJ 0101.07 RF1, the rifle threat protection level which replaces NIJ 0101.06 Level III, and is tested against 7.62×51mm M80 Ball, 7.62×39mm MSC and 5.56mm M193 threats.
A key feature of both models is RTS Tactical’s patented boltless viewport design which eliminates bolts and adhesives through the glass to reduce traditional weak points and provide a zero gap protective barrier. Hardened RF1-rated ballistic bolts are designed to maintain structural integrity under impacts from multiple angles, while heavy-duty rubber corner bumpers help absorb shock and protect the shield during field use.
The LEGION Ballistic Shield RF1 is designed to deliver rifle-rated protection in a compact, lightweight platform. It is available in 18″ x 32″ at 16.8 pounds and 20″ x 36″ at 19.3 pounds, giving teams options for maneuverability and coverage.
The Centurion Ballistic Shield RF1 is also built for fast-moving tactical operations and close quarter environments. Its single curve architecture is designed for balance, control and easier movement through doorways and tight spaces. It is available in 18″ x 32″ at 17.5 pounds and 20″ x 36″ at 20 pounds. (rtstactical.com)
Southwest Armor Technologies
Southwest Armor Technologies (SWAT Armor) has developed a fully injection moldable rifle plate system designed to improve armor piercing protection, reduce blunt trauma and increase manufacturing efficiency. Its patented axial-displacement matrix uses aerospace-grade thermoplastics and engineered geometric structures to disrupt a projectile’s path without adding significant weight or thickness.
Unlike conventional ceramic-faced plates which can be fragile and labor intensive to produce, SWAT Armor’s multilayer thermoplastic solution can be molded on a single machine. The company says the process can produce approximately 10,500 plates in 30 days, compared with an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 conventional plates per month. (swatarmor.com)
Spartan Armor Systems®
Spartan Armor Systems is highlighting two discreet Level IIIA soft armor solutions designed to fit into everyday routines. Its 11″ x 14″ Backpack Armor Panel uses Flex Fused Core® technology and aramid fibers to provide handgun-rated protection in backpacks, laptop bags and school packs. The panel weighs approximately 1.45 pounds, measures 0.35 inches thick and is designed to fit most bag compartments without significantly reducing comfort or storage space.
The company’s Flex Fused Core Level IIIA Executive Protection Package combines a low profile, breathable protection shirt with 10″ x 12″ front and back panels plus 5″ x 7″ side panels for concealable 360 degree coverage. Available in sleeved and sleeveless versions, the machine washable system is intended for executives, security personnel, public officials, and other professionals seeking lightweight, flexible handgun protection which can be worn discreetly under everyday clothing. (spartanarmorsystems.com)
Super Seer Corporation
Defense in Motion™ (DIM) is the first lightweight ballistic motorcycle helmet platform engineered specifically for modern law enforcement operating in motion. Meeting both DOT vehicular impact standards and NIJ ballistic standards, DIM eliminates the long-standing choice between mobility and firearm protection.
Purpose-built (not modified), DIM integrates vehicular impact resistance, ballistic protection and all-day operational comfort into a single system. Its lightweight ballistic carbon fiber shell reduces fatigue while maintaining critical protection, supported by Super Seer’s Dynamic Impact Mitigation System (DIMS) to manage blunt and ballistic forces.
Designed for motorcycle, ATV and mobile tactical operations, the platform features dual-strap retention for stability at speed, modular mission configurations and full agency customization. American made and developed with direct law enforcement input, Defense in Motion sets a new benchmark in head protection for officers. (superseer.com)
United Shield International
United Shield International’s Viper ICW Insert Plate provides Level III+ (RF2) rifle protection when worn with the company’s certified Level II or IIIA soft armor. The polyethylene and ceramic, multicurve shooter’s cut plate is tested against M80 7.62x51mm, 7.62x39mm PS Ball, M855 5.56mm Green Tip, and M193 5.56mm threats.
At just 0.7 inches thick, the Viper is designed for patrol and tactical use, combining a streamlined profile with multi-strike protection. It is also tested as a stand-alone special threat plate against 5.56mm and 7.62x39mm ammunition. Sizes range from X-Small to X-Large, with weights from 2.2 to 4.5 pounds.
United Shield’s Phantom Ballistic Shield offers NIJ 0108.01 Level III (RF1) multi-strike protection in a lightweight, 0.5 inch thick design. Built with proprietary polyethylene-based technology, it is tested against M80 7.62x51mm, 7.62x39mm PS Ball and M193 5.56mm threats.
The flat profile shield includes a three inch by nine inch viewport and is available in 20 inch x 34 inch and 24 inch x 48 inch sizes. The smaller model provides 677.5 square inches of coverage and weighs from 18.8 to 20.95 pounds, depending on handle configuration. Standard finish is a black CORDURA® wrap with a velour rear surface. (us.unitedshield.com)