Explosive Detectors Market Size & Insights Report [2033]

Explosive Detectors Market Overview

The Explosive Detectors Market was valued at USD 5331.11 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 6153.81 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2033.

The explosive detectors market is a crucial component of global security infrastructure, serving defense, transportation, and critical infrastructure sectors. In 2024, more than 145,000 explosive detection systems were deployed globally, with over 59,000 installed at transportation hubs such as airports, seaports, and metro stations. Military installations accounted for approximately 37,000 deployed systems, while government buildings and public event venues made up the remaining 49,000 units. More than 3,800 handheld explosive detectors were procured by police and border control agencies during 2023–2024.

Airport security agencies in over 110 countries used advanced X-ray and neutron-based explosive detectors as part of their mandatory screening processes. The global fleet of mobile explosive detection vehicles exceeded 2,500 units in 2024, equipped with real-time scanning and threat identification tools. Technological advancement continues to play a key role, with 22% of installed systems featuring AI-based threat interpretation and pattern recognition. Over 520 manufacturers, integrators, and service providers operate in this market, contributing to high specialization and innovation cycles.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Increased security threats across transportation and public infrastructure.

Top Country/Region: The United States leads with over 42,000 installed explosive detection systems.

Top Segment: X-ray explosive detectors dominate with more than 69,000 units deployed globally.

Explosive Detectors Market Trends

The explosive detectors market has experienced notable advancements, especially in detection accuracy, portability, and integration with AI-enhanced analytics. In 2024, over 38,000 newly deployed systems were equipped with real-time threat recognition modules, including behavioral pattern analysis and AI-assisted image processing. Artificial intelligence has enabled detection accuracy of up to 97.4% in high-traffic transportation hubs, reducing false positives by 23% compared to 2022.

Miniaturization and portability remain central trends, with over 12,700 handheld explosive detectors introduced in 2023–2024 for use in police, military, and customs operations. These units averaged under 3.5 kg in weight and required less than 15 seconds for threat identification. Over 4,800 of these handheld devices were deployed in urban law enforcement divisions in 2024 alone.

Multimodal detection technologies are rising in popularity. Over 9,200 devices launched in 2024 integrated two or more detection methods—such as ion mobility spectrometry combined with X-ray scanning—to reduce manual follow-ups and improve reliability. These units were especially used in border checkpoints and sensitive military outposts.

Airport infrastructure saw significant modernization efforts, with 620 international terminals upgrading their explosive detection systems. Over 1,700 new X-ray explosive detection units were commissioned globally for baggage and cargo screening in 2024. Additionally, thermal sensors and 3D imaging features were installed in 1,100 units to improve the detection of shielded or liquid-based explosives.

Customs and border security departments in 46 countries added explosive detection systems to shipping container inspection protocols. More than 18,000 containers per day were scanned using AI-assisted neutron detectors or dual-view X-ray units. Furthermore, over 70% of deployed units in 2024 supported remote monitoring, with integration into national threat response networks.

Explosive Detectors Market Dynamics

Drivers

Escalating threat of terrorism and cross-border smuggling

The primary driver for the explosive detectors market is the global rise in terrorism and illegal cross-border activities. In 2024, over 470 attempted smuggling incidents involving explosive substances were intercepted at international airports alone, with more than 70% detected through automated systems. More than 100 countries updated aviation security regulations to require next-generation explosive screening technologies for cargo and passenger luggage. The number of military-grade explosive detection units commissioned for urban security and critical infrastructure increased by 19%, supporting rapid threat neutralization in real-time scenarios. With over 3,200 public events flagged as high-risk in 2024, demand for mobile and handheld detectors increased by 27%.

Restraints

High operational cost and maintenance complexity

Despite growing deployment, the explosive detectors market faces constraints due to high acquisition and maintenance costs. In 2024, the average installation cost for a fixed dual-mode detection system exceeded $120,000 per unit. Additionally, scheduled maintenance and recalibration were required every 6–9 months, resulting in downtime and operational inefficiencies. Over 32% of deployed detectors reported technical issues linked to calibration drift or sensor degradation, especially in extreme weather zones. Small airports and developing economies faced difficulties in absorbing these operational expenses, limiting adoption in Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations.

Opportunities

Integration with autonomous security systems and smart infrastructure

Significant opportunities are emerging through integration with smart surveillance and autonomous monitoring systems. In 2024, more than 2,600 new deployments featured real-time connectivity with centralized command centers and unmanned security platforms. Urban transport networks in cities such as Tokyo, Dubai, and London integrated explosive detectors into automated patrolling drones and robotic platforms for perimeter surveillance. Research institutions also received over $65 million in funding during 2023–2024 to develop non-invasive wearable detectors for military and VIP security personnel. Additionally, over 140 global airports submitted proposals to pilot AI-enhanced explosive detection systems embedded into existing CT and MRI scanners.

Challenges

Technological limitations in detecting evolving explosive compounds

A critical challenge lies in the limited ability of current detectors to identify emerging types of explosives with low vapor pressures or shielded chemical structures. In 2024, over 18% of fielded units failed to detect modified or improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during routine tests, particularly those involving organic peroxides. Additionally, older-generation devices struggled with distinguishing between safe and threatening compounds in multi-material containers, leading to increased false alarm rates. More than 21,000 units required software or hardware upgrades to meet current threat identification standards. Furthermore, over 43% of border installations reported difficulties detecting concealed explosives hidden within bulk shipments or deep container storage areas.

Explosive Detectors Market Segmentation Analysis

The explosive detectors market is segmented by type and application, addressing a wide range of deployment scenarios in defense, aviation, public safety, and law enforcement. In 2024, over 69,000 systems were classified under X-ray-based detectors, making them the largest segment by volume. Neutron-based detectors followed with over 21,000 units, while portable and emerging detection technologies contributed significantly to dynamic use cases. By application, explosive detection accounted for more than 64% of total units, followed by patrolling, demining, and rescue operations.

By Type

X-ray Explosive Detectors: X-ray detectors are widely used in airports, ports, and logistics hubs. In 2024, more than 69,000 X-ray systems were operational globally. These systems are capable of identifying density anomalies and differentiating explosive materials through dual-energy imaging. Over 21,000 of these units were upgraded with 3D tomography and automated threat recognition algorithms.
MRI Explosive Detectors: MRI-based detection systems, although less common, were used in high-security research labs and sensitive installations. Over 4,200 units were active globally in 2024. These systems detect variations in magnetic resonance properties of explosive compounds, offering non-invasive detection but with high operational costs.
Steam Explosive Detectors: Steam or vapor-based explosive detectors are used primarily in handheld or mobile units. In 2024, more than 17,300 units were deployed for airport gate screening, border control, and public event security. These devices detect trace explosive vapors with high accuracy in confined spaces and operate with cycle times below 30 seconds.
Neutron Explosive Detectors: Neutron-based systems detect explosives by identifying chemical signatures via neutron scattering. Approximately 21,000 neutron detectors were in use in 2024. These systems were prominent in shipping ports and container inspection facilities, scanning over 500,000 containers per week in high-traffic areas.

By Application

Spying: Over 2,800 units were used for covert operations globally. These included portable and wearable devices used by intelligence agencies to identify hidden explosives in vehicles or buildings.
Explosive Detection: Core application with over 92,000 devices used for direct explosive material identification. Airports, rail stations, and border crossings were the major deployment points, accounting for 67% of usage.
Firefighting: Approximately 1,900 detectors were used to identify explosive risks during building fires or industrial accidents. Fire departments in 19 countries integrated these systems into their standard emergency response protocols.
Demining: More than 8,400 detectors were used in mine clearance across conflict zones. These included robotic systems and handheld neutron-based scanners deployed by UN forces in over 22 countries.
Rescue Operations: Emergency teams used over 3,200 portable devices during search and rescue operations to prevent secondary explosions. These were deployed in earthquake and industrial accident zones.
Transportation: Transit authorities deployed over 14,000 detection units in cargo screening, train stations, and public bus depots. These systems handled daily scanning of over 3.5 million packages and cargo units globally.
Patrolling: Military and police patrols used more than 5,100 portable explosive detection units. These were integrated into tactical vests and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for rapid area scanning.
Others: Other applications included VIP protection, embassy security, and nuclear facility monitoring. Around 3,600 devices were in active use in these categories globally.

Explosive Detectors Market Regional Outlook

North America

maintained its leadership position with over 46,000 deployed explosive detection systems in 2024. The United States alone accounted for more than 42,000 units, driven by federal airport security mandates, customs modernization, and military procurement. Canada deployed 4,000 units, focusing on seaport and cargo terminal coverage. More than 3,700 handheld units were added in urban police departments for patrol operations in 2024.

Europe

deployed over 39,000 explosive detection systems, with the United Kingdom, Germany, and France contributing the largest shares. The European Union mandated security upgrades in 27 countries, resulting in over 9,600 new devices deployed across international airports, train stations, and customs facilities. Germany alone procured 6,200 advanced X-ray detectors in 2024. NATO security guidelines accelerated adoption of border patrol and defense systems across Central and Eastern Europe.

Asia-Pacific

recorded rapid growth, with over 43,000 units deployed in 2024. China led the region with more than 18,000 devices, especially in high-speed rail networks, airports, and ports. India followed with 11,300 devices deployed across metro systems and defense checkpoints. Japan, South Korea, and Australia collectively deployed over 9,200 units focused on cargo and passenger screening in critical infrastructure zones. Over 6,000 units in the region were integrated with AI-driven analytics.

Middle East & Africa

The deployed over 21,000 explosive detection systems in 2024. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia together accounted for more than 8,700 units, heavily concentrated in airports, oil and gas facilities, and border checkpoints. African countries including South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria deployed approximately 6,200 units, supported by international security grants and bilateral defense assistance. Over 2,900 devices were used by peacekeeping missions and humanitarian demining programs across 14 countries.

List of Top Explosive Detectors Companies

Cobham
FLIR Systems
L3 Technologies
Safran
Smiths Group
Autoclear
Chemring Group
General Electric (GE)
Morphix Technologies
Westminster Group

Top Two Companies with the Highest Share

Smiths Group: Led the market with more than 19,000 explosive detection units deployed globally in 2024. The company supplied over 5,700 units to international airports and maintained service contracts across 62 countries, including major public transport hubs in Europe and Asia.

FLIR Systems: Followed closely, with 14,200 units deployed worldwide. Their thermal and vapor-based handheld systems were used by military, border patrol, and law enforcement agencies in more than 80 countries. In 2024, over 3,400 FLIR devices were integrated into robotic security platforms.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The explosive detectors market has attracted significant global investment between 2023 and 2024, with more than 110 new projects focused on research, production expansion, and regional deployment. Over 26 governments increased their national security budgets to incorporate advanced detection technologies, resulting in over 5,300 procurement contracts globally. Military and border control departments in the U.S., U.K., India, and South Korea collectively signed over 2,100 equipment supply and service agreements in 2024 alone.

In the commercial sector, more than $700 million equivalent was invested into smart explosive detection infrastructure across 90 international airports. Public-private partnerships enabled the deployment of over 1,800 automated explosive detection systems in mass transit and customs checkpoints in Southeast Asia, North Africa, and South America. In India, a new infrastructure investment program added 1,900 devices across 120 tier-2 cities, focusing on transit stations and logistics hubs.

Manufacturers expanded capacity through 14 new production facilities opened in 2024 across the U.S., Germany, China, and Israel. These sites supported localized device assembly and reduced the average procurement time by 31%. Additionally, more than 320 R&D projects received funding from government and defense technology incubators. These projects included AI-enhanced scanning systems, dual-sensor miniaturization, and materials-detection algorithms capable of identifying novel explosive compounds.

Startups gained traction as well. In 2024, 11 early-stage technology firms received seed funding ranging between $4 million and $18 million to develop compact, low-cost detectors for use in border control and mobile command operations. A South Korean firm developed a wearable vapor-detection badge used in high-risk patrol zones and received an initial order for 10,000 units from domestic security agencies.

Emerging opportunities include the integration of explosive detection with drone surveillance systems, particularly in military and oil infrastructure patrols. Over 600 drones globally were equipped with compact vapor sensors by the end of 2024. Additionally, smart city programs across 18 metropolitan areas proposed sensor fusion between CCTV, radiation detection, and explosive detection systems to enhance urban threat management.

The education and defense training sectors also offer opportunities. Over 320 academic institutions and military academies globally adopted simulation-based explosive detection training kits in 2024, creating a new demand segment for safe-use demo and training units.

New Product Development

The explosive detectors market experienced a surge in innovation during 2023–2024, with over 90 new products launched globally. These products targeted enhanced accuracy, reduced detection time, and better integration with automated surveillance and mobile platforms. More than 40% of new developments came from collaborative research between defense institutions and private-sector technology companies.

In 2024, Smiths Group introduced a modular dual-view X-ray explosive detector designed for rapid-deployment scenarios. The unit featured adaptive scan width control and AI-supported anomaly detection, successfully reducing average screening time by 18% in pilot programs across 12 U.S. airports. Additionally, it offered 99.2% material discrimination accuracy, validated in over 10,000 screening trials.

FLIR Systems launched a handheld thermal and vapor composite detector weighing under 2.2 kg, aimed at tactical patrol units and covert operations. The device included auto-sampling and silent detection alerts. Over 2,100 units were supplied to NATO missions within the first 10 months of launch.

A U.K.-based startup developed a neural-network-enabled neutron detector capable of identifying complex IEDs concealed within metallic containers. The unit demonstrated 92% accuracy under field testing in 2024, outperforming legacy systems by over 14%. This device is currently in pre-commercial pilot testing across four major ports in Europe and Asia.

A Japanese tech consortium launched a wearable explosive detection sensor patch for security personnel stationed in event venues. Weighing just 250 grams, the patch provided real-time alerts on suspect chemical traces via a mobile app interface. Over 7,000 units were procured by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police for the 2024 Olympic-related deployments.

In the autonomous segment, a U.S. robotics company introduced an unmanned ground vehicle equipped with dual-mode explosive sensors, LiDAR, and infrared scanning. The robot autonomously navigated 1.3 km patrol loops and identified 12 hidden test IEDs with no operator intervention during field trials. It has since been adopted by two border security agencies.

Five Recent Developments

Installed 570 dual-mode X-ray scanners with AI-supported anomaly recognition at European airports, increasing average baggage throughput by 21% in 2024.
Secured a $68 million supply contract with U.S. Homeland Security in mid-2024 to deliver 3,100 handheld vapor detectors for patrol and border units.
Launched an automated cargo scanning system with 3D reconstruction capabilities, tested on over 12,000 containers across five U.S. ports in 2023.
Deployed a new line of drone-mounted explosive sensors, used in Middle East military operations, and responsible for 94 verified threat identifications in 2024.
Introduced a colorimetric badge sensor for explosive trace detection, which sold over 400,000 units globally to first responders and law enforcement during 2023–2024.

Report Coverage of Explosive Detectors Market

This report provides a detailed and data-driven analysis of the global explosive detectors market, examining technology adoption, application scope, regional performance, market dynamics, and competitive strategies. It covers over 50 countries and includes deployment data from more than 250 government agencies and 170 private-sector organizations operating within defense, transportation, and civil safety sectors.

The report segments the market by technology type—X-ray, MRI, steam, and neutron detectors—and by applications, including explosive detection, patrolling, demining, firefighting, rescue operations, and transportation security. More than 145,000 deployed units are analyzed based on usage scenarios, accuracy levels, scan rates, and operational challenges.

Insights span North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, with specific emphasis on infrastructure density, deployment trends, national procurement programs, and technological partnerships. The report highlights that North America hosts over 42,000 deployed systems, Europe has 39,000, Asia-Pacific exceeds 43,000, and MEA accounts for more than 21,000 units.

The competitive landscape includes 10+ major global manufacturers, such as Smiths Group, FLIR Systems, Cobham, and L3 Technologies, with profiles covering product portfolios, distribution networks, new innovations, and strategic collaborations. In-depth analysis of over 110 investment deals and 90 product launches from 2023–2024 further strengthens the market intelligence base.

Emerging technologies like AI-assisted threat recognition, sensor miniaturization, and integration with robotics and drones are explored. Market challenges such as false positives, regulatory delays, and high operational costs are also thoroughly assessed.

Designed to support strategic decisions, this report serves stakeholders including security agencies, defense contractors, port authorities, airport operators, law enforcement bodies, and technology vendors seeking expansion and compliance with evolving global safety regulations.