Ballistic Standards

Protection Standards

Understanding what armored vehicles actually protect against — and how to choose the right protection level for your security requirements.

How Armored Vehicle Ratings Work

Armored vehicles are rated according to the ballistic threats they protect against, tested according to international standards. The two most widely recognized standards are CEN 1063 (European) and NIJ 0108.01 (US). Both use letter-number codes to indicate the threat level each armor rating can withstand.

A higher protection level adds more weight and bulk to the vehicle — there is always a trade-off between protection level and vehicle performance. The right level depends on your specific threat environment, not simply on wanting "the best."

Protection Levels Available

B4 / NIJ Level II
Threats Resisted
9mm FMJ, .44 Magnum
Typical Use
Urban executive transport, lower-threat urban environments
Available In
Mercedes E-Class, Toyota Camry
B6 / NIJ Level III
Threats Resisted
7.62mm NATO FMJ, 5.56mm, AK-47
Typical Use
High-risk urban, field operations, NGO/embassy convoy
Available In
Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado, Hilux, Coaster
B7 / NIJ Level IV
Threats Resisted
7.62mm AP (armor-piercing)
Typical Use
Maximum threat environments, very high-risk operations
Available In
Land Cruiser 76 Series, specialist platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

Not sure which protection level is right for your situation? We can advise based on your specific requirements.

Discuss Your Requirements