Shield Defence Solution

Threat
Matrix

Compare handgun, rifle and AP rifle protection levels across NIJ, VPAM, SK and HOSDB — then match the right armor to the real threat.

One threat. Different standards. One clear choice.

Find my protection level →
4
Standards covered
4
Threat groups
3
NIJ levels
Standards overview
NIJ IIIA / III / IV VPAM 3 / 7 / 9 SK1 / SK3 / SK4 HG2 / RF1 / RF2 V50 / STANAG 2920
Standards are orientation guides. Test methods, velocities and acceptance criteria differ between systems.
01 — Threat selector

What threat do you need protection from?

Start with the incoming threat. Read across to see the closest class in each standard and the recommended armor solution.

Soft armor

Handgun

Handgun protection mapped to NIJ IIIA, VPAM 3, SK1 and HOSDB HG2. Covered by flexible soft armor.

NIJ
IIIA
VPAM
3
SK
SK1
HOSDB
HG2
Armor solution Soft armor vest or insert
Hard plates

Rifle

Rifle threats mapped to NIJ III, VPAM 7, SK3 and HOSDB RF1. Requires hard armor plates.

NIJ
III
VPAM
7
SK
SK3
HOSDB
RF1
Armor solution Hard armor plates
Ceramic plates

AP Rifle

Armor-piercing rifle mapped to NIJ IV, VPAM 9, SK4 and HOSDB RF2. Requires ceramic hard plates.

NIJ
IV
VPAM
9
SK
SK4
HOSDB
RF2
Armor solution Hard ceramic plates
02 — Standards matrix

Protection level translator

NIJ, VPAM, SK and HOSDB are not direct equivalents — this table maps the closest practical class for each threat level. Fragments are shown separately as V50 under STANAG 2920.

Threat NIJ VPAM SK HOSDB Armor solution
HandgunPistol and revolver threats IIIA 3 SK1 HG2 Soft armorFlexible vests, concealable carriers, soft panels.
RifleStandard rifle threat III 7 SK3 RF1 Hard platesRigid plates in plate carrier systems.
AP RifleArmor-piercing rifle threat IV 9 SK4 RF2 Ceramic hard platesHigh-end ceramic plate setup for AP threats.
FragmentsBlast and secondary fragmentation V50 / STANAG 2920 Soft armorAssess V50 requirement directly against the fragment threat profile.
03 — Armor types

Soft armor, hard plates, or a full system?

Use the threat first. Soft armor covers handgun threats. Hard plates cover rifles. A combined system covers higher-risk missions where coverage and threat escalation both matter.

Flexible

Soft armor

Best for
  • Handgun threats
  • Daily wear and comfort
  • Concealable configurations
  • Fragment support roles
Not designed for
  • Standalone rifle threats
  • AP rifle threats
Rigid

Hard armor plates

Best for
  • Rifle threats
  • Vital zone protection
  • Plate carrier setups
  • High-impact environments
Not designed for
  • Full wraparound coverage alone
  • Low-profile daily concealment
Combined

Full armor system

For elevated-risk missions, combine soft armor and hard plates to close both the threat gap and coverage gaps.

  • Plate carrier with rifle plates
  • Soft armor underneath or around the carrier
  • Optional side, collar or groin modules
  • Mission-driven balance of coverage and weight
04 — Mission profile

Choose protection by mission, not only by standard

The same certification level can feel very different depending on mobility requirements, wear time and expected threat escalation.

01

Civilian / executive

NIJ IIIA / SK1 / VPAM3 / HG2

Prioritises concealment, comfort and longer wear times where rifle escalation is unlikely.

Focus: Discreet, mobile, all-day wearable

02

Law enforcement patrol

Soft armor base + rifle option

Flexible handgun base with a clear path to plate escalation when rifle exposure rises.

Focus: Modularity and quick escalation

03

High-risk tactical

NIJ IV / SK4 / VPAM 9 / RF2

Rifle and AP rifle planning shifts the balance toward hard plates and coverage planning.

Focus: Vital zone protection under higher threat

05 — FAQ

Common questions

Why does this page only show NIJ IIIA, III and IV?

We removed lower levels because we do not carry products at those ratings. The matrix starts at IIIA to reflect what we actually offer.

Why are VPAM and SK shown next to each other?

They are related standards, both widely used in Europe. Keeping them adjacent helps you compare them at a glance without having to jump across the table.

Is HOSDB a direct equivalent to NIJ?

No. HOSDB (now CAST) is a separate standard with different test protocols. This matrix uses the closest practical class: HG2 for handgun (IIIA), RF1 for rifle (III) and RF2 for AP rifle (IV).

How do I read the fragments column?

Fragments are assessed through V50 under STANAG 2920 — a different methodology to the class-based systems. The fragments row merges the standard columns into a single V50 reference because there is no direct NIJ or HOSDB class equivalent.

Do I need soft armor, hard plates, or both?

For handgun threats only: soft armor is typically sufficient. For rifle threats: hard plates are required. For high-risk or fragment-heavy environments: a combined system — plates plus soft armor — provides the best coverage.

Expert advice

Not sure which protection level you need?

Tell us the expected threat, the mission type and the required coverage area. We will help you choose the right Shield Defence Solution setup.

Get help choosing armor →
Shield Defence Solution — Threat Matrix
NIJ VPAM SK HOSDB STANAG 2920