As ballistic threats evolve, so must the standards that define protection. For today’s defenders—those who step into danger to protect others—gear must be more than compliant. It must be fearless. That’s why RTS Tactical is raising the bar with ballistic shields engineered to align with ASTM E3347/E3347M-25, the most advanced standard in the industry.
What Is ASTM International?
ASTM International, formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials, is a globally recognized organization responsible for developing and publishing voluntary consensus standards. Their work spans a wide range of industries—from aerospace to pharmaceuticals—and now plays a vital role in tactical defense.
What Is ASTM E3347/E3347M-25?
The ASTM E3347/E3347M-25 standard is the most up-to-date benchmark for ballistic shields used by law enforcement, tactical teams, and first responders. Developed to replace outdated testing methods, this new standard reflects real-world combat and crisis conditions—not lab hypotheticals.
What sets it apart?
- Multi-hit testing across the entire shield including the center panel, edges, seams, viewports, and handles
- Environmental conditioning to simulate heat, cold, water submersion, and other field stresses
- Defined protection levels against high-velocity, armor-piercing, and rifle-grade ammunition
This rigorous testing protocol ensures every component of the shield—not just the central panel—is engineered to perform under pressure.
Why Legacy Testing No Longer Cuts It
For years, law enforcement equipment was tested using NIJ Standard 0108.01, a method created in the 1980s. While it offered a starting point, it only evaluated flat armor plates—not assembled shield systems.
This means that critical elements such as handle mounts, edge trims, viewport seals, and peripheral fasteners were never tested under ballistic conditions—leaving potential points of failure unexamined.
In a modern threat environment, those components are just as likely to be targeted or struck. ASTM International standards solve this problem by holding the entire shield to the same level of scrutiny as the armor itself. It’s a more holistic approach—one that protects both the mission and the operator.
NIJ 0101.07 RF1 and Modern Rifle Threats
RTS Tactical shields are built using armor rated to NIJ 0101.07 RF1, the modern gold standard for rifle protection. This rating includes protection against:
- 7.62x51mm M80 Ball
- 7.62x39mm MSC
- 5.56x45mm M193
Compared to older NIJ levels, RF1 introduces a more demanding test protocol that reflects the threats officers face today—from active shooter incidents to tactical standoffs. When combined with full-shield testing to ASTM E3347, the result is elite protection for modern heroes on the front lines.
Building for the Realities of the Modern Mission
At RTS Tactical, we don’t wait for standards to catch up—we build for the realities on the ground. Our ballistic shields are already designed to meet the demanding performance outlined in ASTM E3347/E3347M-25, even as the verification process is still in early adoption.
We’re actively pursuing official certification under this new standard because our commitment is clear—every inch of your shield should perform when it matters most.
This mindset drives our product development process. Before a shield reaches our customers, it undergoes rigorous in-house evaluation:
- Drop testing
- Ballistic testing of seams and handles
- Exposure to thermal and moisture cycling
- Field trials with law enforcement and tactical units
Each shield isn’t just designed—we battle-test it.
Why ASTM E3347 Matters for Law Enforcement Procurement
When equipping your force, the standard used in testing is just as important as the material itself. Departments making decisions based solely on NIJ compliance may be leaving critical failure points untested.
By adopting shields built to ASTM E3347 protocols:
- Departments gain confidence in true whole-shield integrity
- Procurement teams future-proof purchases to align with emerging state and federal requirements
- Officers are better protected with gear built for high-threat environments and evolving attack patterns
For law enforcement leaders, it’s a shift in mindset: Don’t just buy a shield—invest in full-system protection.
The RTS Tactical Shield Lineup
Every RTS Tactical shield is engineered with mission-first performance in mind. Our lineup includes:
- Special Threats Mini Shield: Compact, lightweight, and designed for mobile teams
- LEGION Shield: Full-coverage protection with integrated viewports and strike handles
- Lead Entry Shield: Maximum defense for door breachers, tactical entries, and barricade confrontations
All RTS Tactical ballistic shields are proudly American-made, developed with integrity, and supported by an unwavering commitment to defender readiness.
From Standard to Statement: What This Means for You
Our pursuit of ASTM E3347 certification isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about redefining what ballistic protection should be. We don’t build to meet minimums. We build to meet mission realities. Because in today’s world, every inch of gear must be tested, trusted, and unyielding.
Law enforcement agencies need more than a product. They need a partner in protection—one committed to evolving threats, modern standards, and the sacred duty of defense. That’s why RTS Tactical doesn’t just make shields—we make a promise:
To deliver gear that empowers those who stand between danger and the innocent.
Whether you're equipping a tactical entry team or replacing legacy shields across your department, now is the time to demand more. Don’t settle for outdated protocols or incomplete protection.
Explore the full RTS Tactical ballistic shield lineup and see how we’re setting a new benchmark in law enforcement equipment, ballistic testing, and ASTM International standards.
Gear up. Stand strong. Be fearless.
References:
ASTM International. ASTM E3347/E3347M-25: Standard Specification for Ballistic-Resistant Shields Used by Law Enforcement Officers.
National Institute of Justice. Ballistic Resistant Protective Materials - NIJ Standard 0108.01.
National Institute of Justice. Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor, NIJ Standard 0101.07.