Blog
18 Jul 2025
Flexible ballistic shields
Flexible ballistic shields are an additional protective element for providing personal protection in high-risk situations. They serve as a mobile defence barrier against various threats and are used by law enforcement agencies, the military and private security forces.
Thanks to their unique combination of mobility, low weight and high level of protection, these shields are revolutionising operational deployment and provide protection from head to toe.
Flexible protection for complex deployment scenarios
Flexible ballistic protective shields are an essential part of a comprehensive protection concept and are often used in conjunction with plate carriers, visored helmets and other equipment. As with other personal protective equipment, ensuring the shield is user friendly is essential. These shields can protect against projectiles, splinters and blunt force. In contrast to hard ballistic plates, which are worn on the body, ballistic shields are portable or can be mounted in place.
Flexible ballistic protective shields consist of multi-layer composite materials such as aramid fibres (such as Kevlar) or UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene). These materials allow the shields to be rolled up or folded very quickly and transported as a compact unit without losing their protective effect. For even better protection, they can also be equipped with hard ballistic plates of any size.
Flexible protective shields offer key advantages over fixed shields:
- Mobility and speed: They are easier to carry in a backpack and ideal for concealed use. Rapid action is guaranteed: they are able to be folded to an ultra-compact size within 3 seconds and can be unfolded seamlessly in 1 second.
- Weight: Using lightweight, high-performance materials significantly reduces the shield’s weight, which minimises strain during longer periods of use.
- Modularity: Many models have a modular design and can be extended or combined to form larger protective surfaces serving as temporary barricades or to protect several people at once, for example.
Using high-performance materials significantly reduces the shield’s weight, which minimises strain during longer periods of use. Many models have a modular design and can be extended or combined to form larger protective surfaces serving as temporary barricades or to protect several people at once, for example. This versatility makes it attractive both as a personal protective shield and for use on vehicles or in building entrances.
Compact, mobile, effective: hand-held flexible protective shields for dynamic situations
Flexible ballistic protective shields are a versatile means of protection for a variety of deployment scenarios: from police and military operations to personal protection and rescue missions. They create a mobile security zone that allows operators to approach threats or safely evacuate vulnerable persons, especially in dynamic situations where conventional cover options are not available.
Flexible ballistic protective shields are a common option and are used primarily by police and security forces. Thanks to their ergonomic handles, they are lightweight, portable and easy to manoeuvre, making them ideal for tight spaces and long-term use.
These properties make them particularly valuable for:
- Police and special forces during house searches, hostage situations or demonstrations. Able to be transported in civilian vehicles or backpacks, they offer discreet protection during covert operations.
- Military applications, especially in urban settings. They provide protection in house-to-house fighting, at checkpoints or when deployed as a vehicle-integrated barrier.
- Personal protection for VIPs during events or evacuations. Concealed in a standard bag, they are unobtrusive, yet immediately ready for use in an emergency.
- Civil protection and rescue services in the event of evacuations, rescue operations or first aid. They not only protect operators but can also serve as a stretcher for injured persons.
Overall, hand-held ballistic shields are valued for their adaptability, mobility and versatility – three key factors for ensuring effective protection in complex and hazardous situations.
Concealed protection when on the move: ballistic shields in vehicles
Flexible ballistic shields are particularly useful in deployment scenarios where mobility, discretion and rapid response are critical. They can be integrated discreetly into different vehicles and offer life-saving protection if an emergency occurs.
There are several possible applications in cars: flexible shields can be mounted or held in front of doors and windows inside the vehicle for protection when being fired upon while driving or disembarking. Stowed in the boot or on the back seat, they can be quickly deployed as mobile cover in the event of an ambush. As a partition between the driver and passenger area, they offer additional protection against external attacks and remain virtually invisible until they are called into use.
Compact solutions are especially suitable for motorcycles. A shield transported in a backpack can quickly be used as cover when the rider stops. Alternatively, flexible shields can be stowed in side pockets to serve as an instant protective barrier in the event of danger.
Flexible shields also provide valuable protection in helicopters. They serve as protective door and window panelling when dropping troops on the ground or can be integrated into backrests and under seats. A key advantage: portable shields provide immediate cover when exiting a helicopter – crucial in hot landing zones or when conducting an evacuation under fire.
On boats, flexible shields can be attached to the railings. They provide cover during boarding operations and can be stowed with minimal space required under the floor or seats – while always remaining within reach in the event of an attack at sea. They are an ideal solution for environments with limited available storage space and where mobility is high.
These versatile applications show that flexible ballistic shields are more than just a means of protection – they are a tactical tool with a built-in surprise factor that increases responsiveness and saves lives. They offer an invaluable advantage in dynamic situations where every second counts.
Summary
Flexible ballistic protective shields are a mobile, lightweight and versatile protection solution for operators in high-risk situations.
They are made of innovative composite materials such as aramid or UHMWPE, enabling them to be folded, taken on covert operations and transported in vehicles. They can be expanded thanks to their modular design, offer protection against projectiles, splinters and blunt trauma, and fulfil multiple functions for the police, military, disaster response and rescue services, and as personal protection in general.
They are a discreet form of protection that can be deployed immediately – particularly for vehicles, whether in cars, on motorbikes, in helicopters or on boats. The future of protection lies in the smart connection and integration of these shields into modern tactical systems.
