Muqeet Mubashir
New Delhi, July 20: Growing security concerns among business leaders, industrialists, politicians, celebrities and high-net-worth individuals are driving a sharp increase in demand for luxury armoured vehicles across India, with industry estimates indicating a significant acceleration in the market over the past four years.
Industry experts said premium SUVs and luxury sedans are increasingly being equipped with advanced ballistic protection as buyers seek enhanced personal security without compromising on comfort, performance or aesthetics. The trend is being attributed to evolving geopolitical uncertainties, rising crime concerns and heightened threat perceptions.
According to industry estimates, demand for armoured vehicles, which grew at an annual rate of 5–7 per cent between 2011 and 2022, has accelerated to nearly 18 per cent during 2022–2026.
Shield Armoring Pvt. Ltd., an Indian manufacturer of armoured vehicles, said the industry has witnessed sustained growth as both government agencies and private clients increasingly opt for customised high-security mobility solutions. The company, which has been operating since 2011, said its business has also recorded growth of around 18–20 per cent in recent years.
Modern armoured vehicles incorporate comprehensive ballistic protection rather than conventional bulletproofing. These include certified ballistic steel, lightweight composite armour, multi-layered ballistic glass, reinforced doors, roof, pillars, firewall, fuel tank, battery compartment, underbody blast protection and run-flat tyre systems designed to provide all-round protection against ballistic and explosive threats.
Premium SUVs continue to dominate the market, with vehicles such as the Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser LC300, Toyota Fortuner, Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW X5 and BMW 7 Series among the preferred platforms for armouring.
Industry sources said demand remains strong from government agencies procuring vehicles for Chief Ministers, Home Ministers, Z+ security protectees and other VVIPs. At the same time, private buyers, including builders, corporate executives, industrialists and mining entrepreneurs, are increasingly investing in armoured mobility.
The market is also expanding into the electric vehicle segment. Shield Armoring said it has developed specialised engineering solutions to provide ballistic protection for premium electric vehicles while maintaining battery safety, structural integrity and vehicle performance.
Depending on the vehicle model and level of protection required, the cost of armouring generally ranges between ₹22 lakh and ₹1.8 crore.
“Security today is no longer limited to government agencies. We are seeing increasing awareness among entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, celebrities and families who recognise that personal mobility must also offer protection against emerging threats. Our focus is to deliver world-class armoured vehicles that provide maximum security while preserving the luxury, comfort and driving experience of the original vehicle,” said Inderjeet Singh Rathor, Director of Shield Armoring Pvt. Ltd.
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