Armoured

Armoured is the British English spelling of the adjective meaning protected by armor. It can describe people, objects, or systems designed to resist damage from weapons or other hazards. The American spelling is armored.

In military usage, armoured typically refers to equipment and formations protected by armor. Armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) include tanks, armoured personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. Personal protective equipment such as body armour and helmets provides mobile protection for soldiers. Armor materials can range from traditional steel to modern composites, ceramics, and fabric-enhanced materials; some systems add reactive armor or active protection to counter shaped charges or missiles.

Historically, armor has appeared in many forms, from ancient cuirasses and chain mail to heavy plate armour in medieval Europe. The development of gunpowder weapons gradually decreased the effectiveness of traditional plate armour, while increasing the emphasis on armored platforms for mobility and firepower. In the 20th century, armoured warfare became central to mechanized combat, with tanks and other AFVs playing decisive roles in conflicts from World War I onward.

Spelling and terminology: armoured is the standard British spelling; armored is standard in American usage. In broader contexts, "armour" can also refer to protective coverings for structures or equipment, and "armor" may refer to the defense against theft or cyber threats in metaphorical uses.

See also: armor/armour plate, body armour, armored vehicle, armoured warfare.