ARMOR HOLDINGS, INC. NEWS RELEASE
                                         =======================================
                                                           For Immediate Release

Contact:
Jonathan M. Spiller, President & Chief Executive Officer
(904) 261-4035

                         ARMOR HOLDINGS, INC. ANNOUNCES
                    DEFINITIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE
                    DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION OF AMERICA

Fernandina Beach, Florida, August 26, 1996 - Armor Holdings, Inc. (the
"Company") (SYMBOL ABE - American Stock Exchange) announced today the execution
of a definitive purchase agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of
Defense Technology Corporation of America (DTCoA) based in Casper, Wyoming. The
closing is subject to, among other things, the completion of due diligence and
other customary requirements. The closing will occur on, or about, September 30,
1996. The purchase consideration is undisclosed. The acquisition of DTCoA with
sales for fiscal 1995 of approximately $11 million would have approximately
doubled the Company's 1995 sales.

Defense Technology Corporation of America is a leading manufacturer and
distributor of Less-Than-Lethal products including pepper sprays, distraction
devices, flameless expulsion grenades, specialty impact munitions and dry
powdered OC to law enforcement and military agencies in the United States and
abroad. In addition, DTCoA distributes other similar products including gas
masks, riot helmets and gun holsters.

"The acquisition of Defense Technology Corporation of America is a milestone for
Armor Holdings," said Jonathan M. Spiller, President and Chief Executive
Officer. "With dominant market share in each of its major products, DTCoA offers
excellent profit and revenue growth opportunities. The Less-Than-Lethal product
market is dynamic and global. As the armies of today continue their trend of
taking on the role of peacekeeper, the Company believes these products will grow
in importance. In addition, the use of pepper spray and specialty impact
products are gaining greater acceptance with police forces worldwide. We will
continue to seek aggressively additional acquisition opportunities consistent
with our growth strategy."

Armor Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries are engaged in the development,
manufacture and distribution of products and services for the law enforcement,
military and security markets. The Company, doing business as American Body
Armor and Equipment, manufactures and distributes ballistic protection and
security equipment including bullet and projectile resistant garments, bomb
disposal suits and helmets, ballistic helmets, shields and customized armor for
vehicles. NIK Public Safety, Inc. manufactures and distributes Narcotic
Identification Kits, Flex-Cuf(R) Restraints, Specimen Collection Kits and
Tamper-Guard(R) Evidence Tape.