Abstract: As a strategic key material characterized by high strength and low density, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers demonstrate significant application value across multiple sectors. Since achieving large-scale production in China around 2000, domestic UHMWPE fiber annual capacity has rapidly expanded to approximately 80,000 tons, accompanied by continuous breakthroughs in new product development, process optimization, and technological advancement. This paper systematically reviews the innovative R&D progress of UHMWPE fibers in both military and civilian applications. It highlights the innovative achievements of relevant enterprises in technological optimization, product performance enhancement, and production cost reduction, while proposing recommendations for the industry’s development direction during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

Key words: ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers; military applications; civilian applications; innovative R&D