Composites Use in Military & Defense
One of the main drivers of composites use in defense-related structures – such as components for fighter jets and other aircraft, weapons systems, and to some extent land- and water-based vehicles – is the high temperatures and harsh conditions in which these applications are used. Composite materials also offer high impact resistance, light weight and corrosion resistance needed for work in the field.

Latest Defense Articles
VIEW ALLElectroformed barrier technology hits project milestones, use case potential
Under the LEEF project, leading edge protection layer for composite structures developed by Ultima Forma and Polar Technology is being considered for eVTOL/UAV rotor and propeller blades, aerofoils and outlet guide vanes.
Read MoreAerodine Composites expands composite propeller capabilities
Mission-tailored propellers for unmanned platforms including drones and UAS/UAVs are built for reliability, stealth and adaptability.
Read MoreRegistration opens for CW Tech Days: High-Temperature Composite Solutions
CW Tech Days: High-Temperature Composite Solutions for Defense and Space Applications will take place Oct. 16, 2025.
Read MoreScaled Composites Model 437 aircraft to be flown for Beacon autonomy testbed
Northrop Grumman subsidiary part of Digital Pathfinder development of stealth aircraft with wings using continuous carbon fiber additive manufacturing and determinate assembly.
WatchMako, PTM&W Industries launch HyperCure composite systems
The Mako resin and adhesive system, paired with PTM&W’s comprehensive materials portfolio, deliver speed, strength and full U.S. supply chain compliance for composite UAS manufacturers.
Read MorePiasecki launches Kargo II UAV featuring triple payload capacity
Payload, drivetrain and performance enhancements will support a range of military and commercial missions.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers

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LEARN MORELatest Defense News And Updates
Fibre Glast achieves AS9120B certification
Composites distributor demonstrates compliance with rigorous aerospace, aviation and defense quality standards in addition to its existing ISO 9001:2015 certification.
Read MoreArcher acquires assets from Overair, Mission Critical Composites
Aiming to accelerate its defense aircraft portfolio, acquisitions include a patent portfolio from tiltrotor aircraft specialist Overair, and a composites manufacturing site.
Read MoreCRG Defense secures $2 million contract to build hybrid military vehicle electric motors/generators
The effort also supports a broader initiative to accelerate hybrid-electric propulsion technologies to ground and air platforms, leveraging FRP structures and composite-based magnetic retention systems.
Read MoreThird Re:Build Manufacturing site achieves AS9100 certification
New Kensington site certification expands Re:Build’s aerospace and defense manufacturing footprint, offering customers an experienced, responsive partner capable of taking on mission-critical programs.
Read MoreMangohojden acquires Slingsby Advanced Composites Ltd.
Swedish company seeks to develop a group of specialist aerospace and defense businesses to improve and enable investments needed to meet European industry demand.
Read MoreSpintech grows Miamisburg footprint to advance composite airframe capabilities
Additional 53,000 square footage, which could grow to 250,000 square feet of operational space by 2027, will support complex airframe component delivery for DOD, UAS programs.
Read MoreFeatured Posts
Ceramic matrix composites: Faster, cheaper, higher temperature
New players proliferate, increasing CMC materials and manufacturing capacity, novel processes and automation to meet demand for higher part volumes and performance.
Read MoreConverting carbon fiber for UHTCMC to 3500°C
Advanced Ceramic Fibers LLC demonstrates ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites using SiC and other metallic carbides for applications in aerospace, defense, energy and more.
Read MoreFrom prototypes to performance: Composites company makes inroads into new markets
Top Shops 2024 honoree Calian’s composites division blends R&D, rapid prototyping and scalable production with deep engineering integration and corporate synergy.
Read MoreNear-zero erosion ultra-high temperature CMC
K3RX commercializes UHTCMC for a wide range of markets, demonstrating performance in prototypes, assemblies and advancing manufacturing to reduce cost.
Read MoreA return to the Space Symposium: Charting the next frontier
Since 2019 the space sector has been on a rapid upward trajectory. This year’s Space Symposium delivered that same optimism, celebrating the community’s continued proliferation, even as political and financial uncertainty raise new questions.
Read MoreJEC World 2025 highlights: Trends in aerospace, new space and defense
CW editor-in-chief Scott Francis discusses trends in aerospace on display at JEC World — as the composites industry awaits a new single aisle aircraft program, the industry puts continued focus on new space, defense, UAM.
Read MoreFAQ: Defense
How are composites used in the defense market?
Composites can be used to lightweight defense aircraft and other vehicles, increasing range or allowing higher payloads.
Ultra-high temperature (UHT) composite materials can also be tailored to withstand harsh environments and high temperatures, or to be antiballistic. Research and production of ultra-high temperature (UHT) ceramic matrix composites (CMC), with melting points of 2,500°C (4,532°F) or higher, has ebbed and flowed over the years, following rising and falling demand for applications like hypersonic defense systems and space launch vehicles.
Source: Lockheed Martin expands development, production of ultra-high temp CMCs with facility expansion
Can composite materials be antiballistic?
New materials cntinue to be developed for use as bullet-proof armor for vehicles, infrastructure and equipment.
Historically, antiballistic material designers have preferred tough but expensive aramids, high-density polyethylenes and the like, passing over conventional E-glass as too brittle to have ballistic stopping power.
Proprietary additives and resin systems have enabled the development of bullet-proof fiberglass materials. 3D weaving of carbon fiber, fiberglass or other composite materials can also help to develop high-strength preforms for use as armor materials or molded panels.