Explosive detectors play a crucial role in ensuring national security, public safety, and counterterrorism efforts across the globe. These systems detect and identify explosive materials in airports, border crossings, public venues, and military settings, preventing attacks and safeguarding millions of lives. With rising security concerns and technological advancements, explosive detection is undergoing rapid innovation, adoption, and expansion worldwide.
According to Straits Research, the global explosive detector size was valued at USD 7.58 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 15.53 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period (2023-2031).
According to Straits Research, the global explosive detector size was valued at USD 7.58 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 15.53 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period (2023-2031).
Recent Updates and Technological Innovations
2025 sees explosive detector technologies advancing through integration of AI, enhanced sensors, automation, and multi-modal detection methods, improving speed, accuracy, and operational flexibility:- Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) remains the most widely used trace explosive detection technology especially in airports, enabling rapid and highly sensitive detection of explosive residues. Recent IMS models offer minimized false alarms with AI-driven analytics.
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is increasingly combined with handheld devices to enhance field detection precision, used by bomb squads and counterterrorism units.
- Non-Intrusive Bulk Detection: X-ray-based explosive detection systems have improved with image resolution and algorithmic threat recognition, allowing safe screening for large cargo and vehicles without manual inspection.
- Biosensors and Optical Sensors: Innovations in biosensors detecting explosive vapor signatures and advanced optical techniques help in standoff detection, providing early warning from a distance.
- Integration of Artificial Intelligence: AI and machine learning algorithms analyze sensor data for faster threat recognition, pattern detection, and reduction of false positives, optimizing security workflows.
- Robotics and Automation: Drones and robots equipped with explosive detectors assist in remote inspection and clearance of suspicious areas, enhancing operator safety.
- Networked Systems and Data Analytics: Real-time data sharing platforms connect multiple detection units for coordinated response and improved threat intelligence.
Key Players and Country-Wise Developments
The explosive detection segment is dominated by both established security technology firms and innovative startups, across various regions:- North America (USA): The U.S. houses leading players such as American Science & Engineering (AS&E), Analogic Corporation, FLIR Systems, and L3Harris Technologies, investing heavily in R&D and government contracts. The TSA and DHS actively deploy updated explosive detectors at airports and ports using AI-enhanced systems.
- Europe: Thales Group (France) and Smiths Detection (UK) lead with advanced sensor technologies, focusing on airport security and critical infrastructure protection. Germany and the Netherlands have strengthened regulatory frameworks enabling the adoption of newer detection systems.
- Asia-Pacific: China is scaling up deployment of explosive detection in large ports and high-traffic transit hubs, with companies like Nuctech (a subsidiary of China National Nuclear Corporation) advancing bulk screening technology. Japan and South Korea invest in AI-powered handheld detectors for law enforcement.
- Middle East: Countries including UAE and Saudi Arabia are rapidly modernizing their security infrastructure, collaborating with Western and Asian tech players to implement integrated explosive detection systems at border crossings and major events.
- Israel: Known for defense tech innovation, Israeli companies like RICOR Systems offer compact, high-sensitivity trace detectors widely used in military and counterterrorism forces globally.
Growth Drivers and Industry Trends
- Heightened Security Concerns: Global geopolitical instability, rise in terrorism threats, and increased security regulations are driving demand for advanced explosive detection solutions.
- Technological Convergence: Combining multiple detection techniques—trace, bulk, vapor—into integrated systems enhances reliability and throughput in security checkpoints.
- AI and Big Data: Leveraging AI helps optimize detection algorithms, lowers false alarms, and accelerates processing times, critical for high-traffic environments such as international airports.
- Non-Intrusive and Contactless Inspection: Growing focus on minimizing disruptions leads to adoption of standoff sensors, advanced X-ray imaging, and remote inspection using drones and robotic platforms.
- Regulatory and Funding Support: Government initiatives worldwide boost investments in upgrading infrastructure with latest-generation explosive detectors and enforcing stringent passenger and cargo screening policies.
- Port and Cargo Security Expansion: Mandatory 100% screening regulations in major trading hubs create strong demand for high-throughput, conveyor-integrated explosive detection lanes.
Recent News and Industry Movements
- In 2025, Analogic Corporation launched a next-gen trace explosive detector featuring AI-enabled analytics, reducing false alarms by 20% and increasing detection speed.
- FLIR Systems introduced upgraded handheld thermal and optical sensors combined with explosive detection modules for military and law enforcement use.
- American Science & Engineering expanded its airport scanning systems incorporating 3D imaging and automated threat recognition to streamline passenger processing.
- Europe’s Smiths Detection deployed advanced high-throughput explosive detection lanes in several major airports, integrating real-time data sharing to improve security coordination.
- China’s Nuctech inaugurated new high-capacity cargo inspection units at Shanghai ports, supporting increasing import-export volumes with advanced X-ray and trace detection sensors.
- Israeli defense startup RICOR Systems introduced miniaturized portable explosive vapor sensors for rapid on-site identification, gaining contracts in multiple countries.
- Governments worldwide are increasingly funding AI-driven explosive detection research, focusing on reducing inspection times without sacrificing safety.