Aardvark
AARDVARK is a privately held tactical equipment distributor and system integrator that sells purpose-built protective gear, breaching tools, and communications exclusively to verified U.S. law enforcement and military agencies through direct procurement.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersLa Verne, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Aardvark does
AARDVARK (DBA AARDVARK Tactical) is a privately held distributor and system integrator of purpose-built tactical equipment for sworn law enforcement and military operators, headquartered in La Verne, California. Founded in 1986, the company curates and sells an integrated portfolio spanning its own PROJECT7 ARMOR brand (ballistic vests, plate racks, battle belts, K9 armor), the KBT Kinetic Breaching Tool line distributed exclusively under a 2021 partnership with Kinetic Breaching Technologies, and resale products from brand partners including L3Harris (night vision), INVISIO (tactical communications), MAD (acoustic hailing systems), Combined Tactical Systems (less-lethal munitions), and Dark Systems (K9 protection). Technical differentiation rests on patented innovations such as the FLEX/Flexaroo modular loadout system, the Three-Piece Tactical Cummerbund, the P7K9 scalable K9 body armor, and KBT's .45-blank-driven mechanical breaching architecture.
The company generates revenue through one-time hardware sales to verified agency buyers via its direct website portal and trade show presence at events such as IACP, NTOA, and regional tactical officer associations. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; formal quotes are required, and product prices observed range from approximately $435 (B1X Ballistic Battle Belt) to $12,500 (KBT RAM or CHOP Kit). AARDVARK also offers Custom Integrated Solutions and pre-configured Sets & Kits (Chemical Agent, Less Lethal Munitions, and Barricaded Suspect modules) engineered to agency specifications. Customers are exclusively federal, state, local law enforcement, and military units purchasing through agency procurement, with no consumer-facing channel and no public revenue or funding disclosures.
Aardvark firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Aardvark
- Legal name
- AARDVARK
- Website
- https://aardvarktactical.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- AARDVARK is a privately held tactical equipment distributor and system integrator that sells purpose-built protective gear, breaching tools, and communications exclusively to verified U.S. law enforcement and military agencies through direct procurement.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Aardvark industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Tactical Defense Equipment
- NAICS
- Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing (332992)
- SIC
- Ordnance & Accessories, (No Vehicles/Guided Missiles) (3480)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Ammunition Manufacturing (Small-, Medium- & Large-Caliber) (IMABAHAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Public Safety & Law Enforcement Uniforms (CRAAALAC)
Keywords
Where Aardvark is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- La Verne
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Aardvark business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Tactical Equipment Sales: One-time hardware sales of purpose-built tactical equipment including armor platforms, breaching tools, less-lethal products, tactical communications, night vision devices, and accessories. Products sold exclusively through agency procurement to verified law enforcement and military customers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | UPR Ultralight Plate Rack base unit |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | P7K9 Ballistic K9 Vest |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | KBT Kinetic Breaching Tool RAM Kit |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | KBT Kinetic Breaching Tool CHOP Kit |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | KBT CHOP Cutting Head (Replacement) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | KBT RAM Door Breaching Head (Replacement) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | 2B Lightweight Acoustic Hailing Speaker Kit |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | B1X Ballistic Battle Belt |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Crowd Control Chemical Agent Module |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Crowd Control Less Lethal Munitions Module |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Barricaded Suspect Chemical Agent Module |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
Aardvark product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AARDVARK designs, manufactures, and distributes purpose-built tactical operator protection equipment — including proprietary armor platforms (PROJECT7 Armor), patented mechanical breaching tools (KBT), less-lethal munitions, tactical communications, night vision devices, and turnkey mission Sets & Kits — exclusively to verified sworn law enforcement and military personnel through agency procurement. The company operates as a hybrid manufacturer-distributor and system integrator, offering custom integrated solutions developed directly to agency specifications.
Product overview
AARDVARK is a tactical equipment distributor and system integrator specializing in purpose-built products for law enforcement and military operators. The portfolio centers on PROJECT7 Armor platforms (ballistic vests, plate carriers, battle belts, and K9 armor) and distributed products from partner brands. Core offerings include the P7K9 Ballistic K9 Vest, KBT Kinetic Breaching Tool (RAM and CHOP kits with interchangeable heads), UPR Ultralight Plate Rack, B1X Battle Belts, and ASR Active Shooter Rack. AARDVARK also distributes INVISIO tactical communications, L3Harris night vision devices, MAD acoustic hailing systems, Combined Tactical Systems less-lethal products, and various hard armor plates. Pre-configured Sets & Kits (Chemical Agent Modules, Less Lethal Munitions Modules) are available for rapid deployment scenarios. The company operates exclusively through agency procurement to verified law enforcement and military customers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- PROJECT7 ARMOR: Proprietary armor platform brand featuring tactical armor systems, plate racks, battle belts, and accessories. Includes products such as the P7K9 K9 Ballistic Vest, UPR Ultralight Plate Rack, B1X Battle Belts, and various armor platforms and accessories.
- KBT (Kinetic Breaching Tool)
Products and services
- P7K9 Ballistic K9 Vest Tactical armor vest for working K9 officers providing ballistic and stab protection, with biomechanical pivoting fasteners, scalable ballistic yoke, Cobra quick-release buckle, and sub-30-second don/doff. Available in three sizes for dogs 50–100 lbs; priced at $3,650 base.
- KBT Kinetic Breaching Tool RAM Kit Mechanical door-breaching tool delivering up to 850 ft/lb of force through a hardened steel ram, operating in confined spaces (36-inch length, 28 lbs) with no back-swing required and an 8-shot cylindrical magazine; ram head attaches via Quick Disconnect V-Band Clamp. Kit priced at $12,500 including tool, RAM head, sling, cylinders, 100 rounds, custom case, and 3-year warranty.
- KBT Kinetic Breaching Tool CHOP Kit Mechanical breaching tool using a proprietary .45-caliber handgun blank to deliver 70Ksi cutting force through hardened steel CHOP teeth, capable of cutting up to 3/4-inch steel bars, locks, chains, and rebar; 30-inch length, 32 lbs. Priced at $12,500 including tool, CHOP head, sling, 2 cylinders, 100 rounds, and 3-year warranty.
- UPR Ultralight Plate Rack Minimal-coverage hard armor plate rack with ultralight compact design for high-velocity operations such as aerial platform, maritime assault, vertical access, and linear assault missions. Features First-Spear Tubes closure system, SAPI-based sizing, internal/external wire routing, and Flexaroo Loadout System compatibility; $645 base with modular upgrades.
- ASR Active Shooter Rack Minimal-coverage hard armor plate carrier engineered for rapid donning in active shooter response scenarios. One-size-fits-all design with adjustable shoulder straps, kangaroo-style front pocket, bottom-loading plate pockets, and compatibility with 10x12 hard armor plates.
- B1X Ballistic Battle Belt 4-inch-wide Level IIIA ballistic battle belt with non-slip neoprene liner (B1X) or hook-VELCRO interior (B1X-V variant). Features MOLLE surfaces, COBRA buckle closure, and compatibility with duty/riggers belts and dropleg shrouds; priced at $435 base with ballistic package upgrades.
- INVISIO X7 In-Ear Headset Advanced tactical in-ear headset distributed through AARDVARK's INVISIO partnership, featuring Voice Pick-Up Sensor technology that captures inner-ear vibrations for silent communication with hearing protection. Weighs 47 grams, MIL-STD-810H certified, preserves 360-degree situational awareness, and fits under helmets and breathing apparatus.
- M1-SWAT Acoustic Hailer Acoustic hailing device distributed under AARDVARK's MAD partnership for clear communication through high background noise. Integrates with the Lenco Bearcat vehicle center console without increasing overall vehicle height, installable in under an hour.
- 2B Lightweight Acoustic Hailing Speaker Kit Long-range acoustic hailing system distributed under AARDVARK's MAD partnership with Clear Voice technology. Dual MAD-1 planar speakers produce 450 ft commanding voice range and 750 ft audible voice range; integrated Mass-Fone cellphone audio link enables virtually unlimited broadcast range; priced at $9,950 including battery, charger, head mic, tripod, road case, and manual.
- Barricaded Suspect Chemical Agent Module Pre-configured chemical agent deployment kit for a single grenadier in barricaded suspect scenarios. Includes 40mm and 12ga CS/OC ferret rounds, impact rounds, flameless tri-chamber grenades, and load-bearing vest integrated into a hard case with custom foam; priced at $5,453.11.
- Crowd Control Chemical Agent Module Rapid-deployment chemical agent kit for a single grenadier in crowd control scenarios. Includes 40mm projectiles, pyrotechnic grenades, aerosol OC, and triple phaser grenades integrated into hard cases with visual guides; priced at $6,838.26.
- Crowd Control Less Lethal Munitions Module Less-lethal munitions kit for a single grenadier in riot control scenarios. Includes 40mm sponge impact munitions, sting-balls, multi-3 rubber, and frangible impact rounds with visual-guide case; priced at $4,327.84.
- L3Harris AN/PVS-31A BNVD Night Vision Kit Binocular night vision device kit distributed through AARDVARK's L3Harris partnership for law enforcement and military night operations. Featured as a flagship category product in the L3Harris night vision portfolio AARDVARK distributes.
- Level 3++ Stand Alone Hard Armor Rifle Plates Ceramic/polyethylene composite rifle plates rated for 7.62x51mm NATO Ball, 7.62x39mm PS Ball, 5.56x45mm M193, and 5.56x45mm M855 threats. Available in SAPI sizes and 10x12 inch, with weights from 3.40 lbs (SAPI Small) to 5.30 lbs (SAPI X-Large).
- Level IV Stand Alone Hard Armor Rifle Plates Ceramic composite rifle plates rated for 7.62x63mm 166gr AP M2 AP (30-06). 10x12 inch size, 7.50 lbs, 0.91-inch thickness, multi-curve design with 1000-Denier Cordura nylon covering.
Quantifiable outcome
- KBT delivers up to 850 ft/lb of force through hardened steel ram for door breaching
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Aardvark
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Aardvark technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Aardvark partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- L3HarriscoreAARDVARK Tactical expanded night vision capabilities through a new distribution agreement with L3Harris. The partnership provides access to L3Harris night vision products including AN/PVS-31A BNVD systems, GPNVG systems, and aiming lasers for distribution to law enforcement and military customers.
- Dark SystemscoreAARDVARK Tactical and Dark Systems strengthened their strategic alliance to advance tactical K9 protection in the U.S. market. The partnership focuses on combined solutions for K9 operators in high-threat environments.
- Combined Systems, Inc.coreNew partnership for the sale and distribution of Combined Tactical Systems Less-Lethal Products and accessories. AARDVARK serves as a distributor for CTS aerosol projectors, projectiles, grenades, and related products.
- Kinetic Breaching TechnologiescoreAARDVARK Tactical serves as exclusive distributor for the Kinetic Breaching Tool (KBT), a revolutionary mechanical breaching tool. KBT is currently in use by hundreds of units worldwide providing breaching solutions that minimize risk and maximize mission stability.
- INVISIOcoreDistribution partner for INVISIO tactical in-ear headsets including the X7, the most advanced tactical in-ear headset delivering crystal-clear communication and hearing protection with Voice Pick-Up Sensor technology.
- MADcoreDistribution partner for MAD acoustic hailing products including the 2B-LW Acoustic Hailing Speaker and M1-SWAT acoustic hailer. Products feature Clear Voice technology and Mass-Fone capability.
- PROJECT7 ArmorflagshipAARDVARK's owned brand for armor platforms, hard armor, K9 protection, packs, and pouches. Products include P7K9 K9 vest, UPR plate rack, B1X battle belt, and modular loadout systems. Made in America with 5-year warranty.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Aardvark competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Propper International: Propper manufactures and distributes military and tactical apparel, uniforms, and gear to U.S. military and law enforcement, comparable to AARDVARK's distribution-plus-owned-brand model.
- Safariland: Safariland is a major manufacturer and distributor of tactical equipment, holsters, body armor, and less-lethal products for law enforcement and military, directly overlapping AARDVARK's product breadth and customer base.
- 5.11 Tactical: 5.11 Tactical is a leading tactical apparel, footwear, and gear brand serving law enforcement, military, and tactical operators with overlapping customer base and product categories to AARDVARK.
- Galvion: Galvion designs and manufactures tactical head protection, soldier power systems, and integrated soldier systems for military and law enforcement, sharing AARDVARK's mission-specific operator protection focus.
- Blue Force Gear: Blue Force Gear designs and manufactures tactical gear, load-bearing equipment, and accessories for military and law enforcement operators, directly overlapping with AARDVARK's PROJECT7 loadout and armor systems.
- Point Blank Enterprises: Point Blank is one of the largest U.S. body armor manufacturers serving federal, state, and local law enforcement and military, directly comparable to AARDVARK's PROJECT7 Armor line in both product and customer.
Emerging players
- Velocity Systems: Velocity Systems manufactures tactical body armor, plate carriers, and load-bearing equipment for law enforcement and military, an emerging player comparable in size and product focus to AARDVARK.
Broad incumbents
- Revision Military: Revision Military is an established protective solutions provider for military and law enforcement, offering eyewear, head protection, and power management as part of a broader portfolio overlapping with AARDVARK's tactical equipment range.
- Avon Protection: Avon Protection is a larger, publicly listed protective equipment company offering respirators, body armor, and integrated head protection systems for military, law enforcement, and first responders, providing overlapping capabilities at greater scale.
Others
- Mystery Ranch: Mystery Ranch designs tactical and military packs and load carriage systems, adjacent to AARDVARK's loadout equipment category and serving the same operator customer base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Aardvark social profiles
Digital presenceAardvark financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Aardvark leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Aardvark funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Aardvark M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Aardvark
What does Aardvark do?
AARDVARK designs, manufactures, and distributes purpose-built tactical operator protection equipment — including proprietary armor platforms (PROJECT7 Armor), patented mechanical breaching tools (KBT), less-lethal munitions, tactical communications, night vision devices, and turnkey mission Sets & Kits — exclusively to verified sworn law enforcement and military personnel through agency procurement. The company operates as a hybrid manufacturer-distributor and system integrator, offering custom integrated solutions developed directly to agency specifications.
Is Aardvark a public or private company?
Aardvark is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Aardvark founded?
Aardvark was founded in 1986. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Aardvark based?
Aardvark is headquartered in La Verne, United States, in the North America region.
How does Aardvark make money?
One revenue line is on record: tactical Equipment Sales.
Who are Aardvark's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Propper International, Safariland, 5.11 Tactical, Galvion, Blue Force Gear and Point Blank Enterprises. Velocity Systems is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Revision Military and Avon Protection. Mystery Ranch is listed as an others.
Does Aardvark have an API?
No public API is recorded for Aardvark.
What industry is Aardvark in?
Aardvark's product category is Tactical Defense Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAHAG, Ammunition Manufacturing (Small-, Medium- & Large-Caliber), with a secondary code of CRAAALAC, Public Safety & Law Enforcement Uniforms. Its NAICS code is 332992 and its SIC code is 3480.