Explosive Detection Technology Market

Explosive Detection Technology Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

The global explosive detection technology market size has been forecast by Fact.MR to expand at a CAGR of 6.5% over the next ten years. As a result, the market is expected to increase from a value of US$ 8.56 billion in 2024 to US$ 16.07 billion by the end of 2034.

Explosive detection technologies involve systems or devices that are specially designed to identify explosive materials and are highly sought after for aviation security, cargo screening, broader counter-terrorism, and national security activities.

Explosives of all types, such as military, conventional, and homemade, are detected with the help of different explosive detection technologies, thereby avoiding catastrophic and damaging events. North America and East Asia are the leading regional market for explosive detection technologies and will continue to remain so over the coming years.

Report Attributes	Details
Explosive Detection Technology Market Size (2023A)	US$ 8.3 Billion
Estimated Market Value (2024E)	US$ 8.56 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 16.07 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.5% CAGR
East Asia Market Share (2024)	31.6%
China Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	6.9% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	Elbit Systems Ltd., Safran SA, Smith’s Group plc, Chemring Group PLC, Kromek Group plc, OSI Systems Inc., Shanghai WeiEn Security Equipment Co., Ltd., Security Electronic Equipment Co., Ltd., Emerson Electric Co. Honeywell International Inc Linde plc Air Liquide Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. Implant Sciences Inc., L-3 Communications Holdings Inc., Other Companies

Revenue Analysis of Explosive Detection Technologies (2019 to 2023) vs. Market Projections (2024 to 2034)

In 2019, the market for explosive detection technologies was valued at US$ 6.32 billion and climbed to US$ 8.3 Billion by 2023.

With the rise of global terrorism and increased use of improvised explosive devices, the need for effective explosive detection technologies is higher than ever before. Explosive detection technologies now come with the benefits of higher sensitivity, faster detection times, and improved ease of use.

• Short Term (2024 to 2027): Governments and security agencies are investing substantially to improve security. The market is poised for steady growth in the short term to address the evolving needs of security in various sectors and combat terrorist threats for a safer and more secure environment.
• Medium Term (2027 to 2030): End users such as air transport, critical infrastructure, ports & borders, and military & defense are huge entities, especially across the North American and East Asian regions. Next-generation explosive detection technologies will emerge and be advanced so that screening is done without wasting the time of passengers at checkpoints.
• Long Term (2030 to 2034): Market players will adopt technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality to remain competitive. Technological advancements will allow companies to leverage AI for explosive detection technology enhancement.

According to the study by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, the global explosive detection technology market has been projected to advance at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period (2024–2024).

What are the Factors Increasing Need for Explosive Detection Technologies?

“High Focus on Critical Infrastructure Security and Rising Investments in Public Safety”

Governments and private entities in several countries are investing more in critical infrastructure sectors such as telecommunication, banking, energy, finance, and transportation, which include highways, railways, airports, electronic power networks, and dams. These facilities are highly important for their economic operations and need to be protected at the highest level.

For example, airports are critical for entry and transit. Stringent security regulations include baggage screening, body scanners, and cargo screening. To bolster critical infrastructure security, explosive detection technologies are widely used solutions across the world.

“Constantly Increasing Military and Defense Investments”

Government and security agencies are investing heavily in defense technologies for the safety and security of borders from terrorist attacks and other countries. This includes various advanced technologies, such as bulk detection and trace detection for finding explosives.

• According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), for the eighth consecutive year in 2022, global military spending grew to an all-time high of US$ 2.24 trillion.
• The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) launched a new theme competition to aid explosive and weapons detection. The competition was held on behalf of Innovative Research Calls (IRC) with US$ 3.38 million in funding.

What are the Challenges Explosive Detection Technology Providers Face?

“Selectivity and Sensitivity Problems in Equipment”

Explosive detection technologies are costly as far as capital equipment and maintenance in concerned. Energy consumption and operational-related expenses are also high. Besides, continuously doing real-time monitoring is not an easy task.

Furthermore, these technologies have portability problems as and can be labor-intensive; often, devices need to be carried by security officials, which is an energy- and time-consuming process. Also, it should be noted that, while terrorists can use chemical or biological weapons and these can be detected by modern explosive detection systems, there is no perfect system yet invented that is 100% fool-proof.

Country-wise Insights

What is Explosive Detection Technology a Big Thing in the United States?

“High Spending by Government Agencies on Security”

In the North America explosive detection technology market, the United States will account for a leading 68.6% market share in 2024. The market has been estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% and reach a value of US$ 3.33 billion by 2034.

The U.S. is a global leader in exporting military arms and equipment worldwide. In the United States, explosive detection technologies are huge, driven by technological advancements in the security and military fields.

A key explosive detection technology market trend is substantial investments are happening in the defense sector, including the deployment of advanced detection technologies at military bases and critical assets. Also, the country is encouraging the use of explosive detection technology by releasing reports on the market. These reports help public safety organizations by providing them with useful information for procurement purposes.

Furthermore, the country is encouraging others to increase airport security by adopting explosive detection systems.

• In February 2024, the United States donated US$ 0.2 million to Trinidad and Tobago for airport explosive trace detection. The embassy of the U.S. donated four explosive trace detection (ETD) machines to the airport authority.
• The U.S. Government Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) collaborated to develop new technologies and systems to protect the people and infrastructure of the country.
• The U.S. Mission to the International Civil Aviation Organization (USICAO) is focusing on improving the safety, security, and sustainability of civil aviation.
• According to The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), defense spending by the United States accounted for 39% of military expenditure by all countries in the world in 2022.

Why are Explosive Detection Technology Providers Thriving in China?

“High Military Investments and Export Industry”

China’s market for explosive detection technologies is valued at US$ 1.55 billion in 2024 and has been forecast to expand at a CAGR of 6.9% to top US$ 3 billion by 2034.

China exchanges explosive detector equipment with countries such as India, Peru and the Philippines and exports weapons to over 50 countries. It is the third-largest exporter of trace detectors in the World. The export of explosive detector equipment has a significant impact on the overall GDP of China. China is primarily focusing on technological advancements in the area of military and defense for the security of its borders.

• As per a SIPRI 2022 report, China is the second-largest spender on defense and military products in the world.

Category-wise Insights

Which Technology Will Remain the Most Sought-after in the Market?

“Trace Detection Extensively Used across the World”

Trace detection technology is anticipated to lead explosive detection technology market growth with the segment valued at US$ 4.31 billion in 2024. Revenue from this technology is expected to reach US$ 7.79 billion by 2034, increasing a CAGR of 6.1% through 2034.

Trace detection devices come under various categories, such as optical, non-optical, biosensors, and others, and are widely used for the detection of explosives and in several security applications. Trace detection is not only used to alert people to bombs but also to illegal person entry, dangerous packages, illegal vehicles, and hazardous objects.

Public officials and safety organizations use it to screen vehicles, luggage, packages, and other items for residual explosives left by people who have recently handled explosives. In airports, it is regularly used at checkpoints and departure gates to help enhance security. Industries such as aviation, cargo, defense and industry also rely on trace detection technology for security purposes.

Which Type of Explosive Detection Technology is Widely Deployed?

“Automated Explosive Detection Technology Highly Sought After”

Automated explosive detection holds a leading market share of 70% globally. The segment is estimated at a value of US$ 5.59 billion in 2024 and has been projected to climb to US$ 11.34 billion by the end of 2034.

Several explosives in both small-sized and large-size vehicles can be screened through automated explosive detection systems. Continuous advancements in automation have made these systems easy to use, less expensive to own, and allow them to yield better detection outputs than competing products.

Advancements and technological integration with the equipment have made them suitable for explosive detection on a wider scale. Automated technology has crucial applications in industries such as aviation, public security, and the military.

Competition Landscape

Leading players in the explosive detection technology industry are Elbit Systems Ltd., Safran SA, Smiths Group plc, Implant Sciences Inc., Chemring Group PLC, L-3 Communications Holdings Inc., Kromek Group plc, OSI Systems Inc., Shanghai WeiEn Security Equipment Co., Ltd., Security Electronic Equipment Co., Ltd., Emerson Electric Co., Honeywell International Inc, Linde plc, Air Liquide, and Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.

Manufacturers are mainly involved in product upgrades to meet the varied and rising demands of the market. Investments in research and development and various technologies such as AI, robots, and digital systems are improving the performance and quality of their products, thereby driving demand and higher sales.

• In January 2024, Smiths Detection, a global player in threat detection and screening technology, announced its selection in an EU Horizon programme organized for the development of a maritime customs border control screening system (METEOR) by delivering new vapour screening technology for cross-border containers.
• In December 2023, L-3 Communication completed a project with Harrisburg International Airport. The project was to install in-line explosive detection systems (EDS) at the airport, which became the world's 12th airport to have the eXaminer 3DX 6000 system.

Fact.MR has provided detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers of explosive detection technologies positioned across regions, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion in the recently published report.

Segmentation of Explosive Detection Technologies Market Research

• By Technology :

  • Bulk Detection
    • X-ray
    • Infrared
    • Electromagnetic
    • Others
  • Trace Detection
    • Optical
    • Non-optical
    • Biosensors
    • Others

• By Function :

  • Automated
  • Manual

• By End Use :

  • Air Transport
  • Critical Infrastructure
  • Ports & Borders
  • Military & Defense

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • Middle East & Africa