The Interceptor Body Armor (IBA) was designed to replace the Personnel Armor System Ground Troops (PASGT) vest and the Interim Small Arms Protective Overvest (ISAPO).

The Deltoid Axillary Protector (DAP) (or Deltoid Axillary Protection System, DAPS) was developed in response to the improvised explosive device (IED) threats that soldiers face in Iraq. Unlike conventional threats, which usually come from the front, back, or above, IEDs throw shrapnel and spall at soldiers from below and from the sides. DAP enables soldiers to cover shoulder and upper arm areas as well as the armpit and underarm. The original Interceptor body armor design is open around the arms to allow air to circulate.

The Army began fielding the Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) in the fourth quarter of 2007. The IOTV is a side-opening vest that provides a greater area of coverage than the Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) and weighs three pounds less.

The Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) provides protection from conventional fragmenting munitions and multiple hits from 9mm handgun rounds.

The Small Arms Protective Inserts (SAPI) upgrade the OTV to provide additional protection from rifle-fired threats.

Purchase description CO/PD 00-02 provides for a multiple threat/Interceptor body armor system (IBA) consisting of a base vest and modular components (OTV) for tailoring protection levels to defeatmultiple ballistic hazards across the battlefield continuum and manage armor weight.

Purchase description FQ/PD 07-05 provides for a multiple threat/Interceptor body armor system (IBA) consisting of a base vest and modular components (IOTV) for tailoring protection levels to defeatmultiple ballistic hazards across the battlefield continuum and manage armor weight.