DSEI UK 2025: NP Aerospace introduces body armour for women

NP Aerospace launched a new line of body armour for women at DSEI UK 2025 in London. The company, which specialises in high-performance materials for defence and security, stated that the product was developed from the ground up to address the specific needs of women working in high-risk environments.

NP Aerospace said that it has already received an order for 2,000 sets of the new armour from an undisclosed customer. The development of the new armour follows years of research and development, which identified that many women in defence and security services globally have had to wear body armour designed for men. The company stated that this practice can lead to a compromised fit, which in turn may affect protection and cause discomfort.

The new armour system includes a curved hard armour plate, a women’s specific soft armour insert, and a carrier, which were developed with the company’s partner, Logistik Unicorp. According to NP Aerospace, this integrated approach is necessary to ensure that vital organs are protected from all angles. The company also noted that a better fit can improve a user’s effectiveness and endurance when wearing the armour for prolonged periods.

James Kempston, the chief executive of NP Aerospace, stated that feedback from women in combat and security roles highlighted a growing need for this type of specialised armour. He added that the company’s new product aims to enhance survivability, reduce injury, and improve endurance, which is particularly relevant as the number of women serving in armed forces and security services globally is increasing. 

Calibre comment

Body armour designed for women is one of the many deficiencies that has been brought to the fore by women being allowed to perform frontline combat roles in the British Army. However, this challenge is not unusual. Even in the Israeli Defence Force, where women have fought in frontline roles for some time, The Times of Israel reported on complaints over the lack of uniforms and protective gear designed for women. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 16, 2025. Credit for the lead image is NP Aerospace.