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.
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Integris Composites named armor partner for XM30 Combat Vehicle
Expertise in composite armor for land vehicles, aircraft, naval vessels and other applications will support $45 billion U.S. Army program.
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Lockheed Martin Sikorsky receives 5-year contract to build up to 99 CH-53K helicopters
Multiyear award from the U.S. Navy will ensure consistent deliveries of the heavy-lift composite helicopter between 2029-2034.
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HydroGraph graphene, coatings to advance Seadar subsea radar
Technical synergies will be explored to enhance the performance of Seadar’s radars, nodes, tethers and electronics, like graphene-enhanced Kevlar-reinforced survey lines and graphene composite structural components.
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LIFT to lead new "Critical Materials Processing" program on ceramics, CMC
Multifaceted project aims to accelerate development and scale-up of ultra-high temperature material technologies including ceramic matrix composites (CMC) and carbon fiber as a precursor in CMC preforms.
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Guanglian Aviation achieves milestone in carbon fiber circular chains development
Following six years of R&D, Guanglian Aviation has introduced circular chains made from carbon fiber and Kevlar that weigh 4-5X less than metal chains, offer 15-year saltwater corrosion resistance, and are poised for large-scale applications in marine engineering, mining and defense.
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Babcock, Uplift360 to recycle composite parts from Typhoon aircraft
Chemical recycling process will be explored for breaking down and repurposing Typhoon and other defense platforms, forming U.K. defense supply chain resiliency.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
Join us for insights into advanced bonding techniques and welding processes for composite materials to ensure durability and structural integrity.
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This CW Tech Days event will explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.
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Hexcel, A&P collaborate with NIAR to develop FAA certification framework for overbraided structures
Acceptable composite specifications, design data and methodology will enable affordable, high-rate structure manufacturing for DOD aircraft.
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Electroformed 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.
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Aerodine Composites expands composite propeller capabilities
Mission-tailored propellers for unmanned platforms including drones and UAS/UAVs are built for reliability, stealth and adaptability.
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Registration 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.
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Scaled 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.
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Mako, 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.
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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.
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Converting 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.
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From 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.
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Near-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.
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A 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.
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JEC 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.