Explosive Trace Detection Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product (Handheld, Portable/ Movable, and Fixed Point/ Standalone), By Technology (Colorimetrics, Ion Mobility Spectrometry, Thermo Redox, Chemiluminescence, and Amplifying Fluorescent Polymer), By End Use (Commercial, Defense, Public Safety & Law Enforcement, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global explosive trace detection market size was USD 1.37 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 1.49 billion in 2024 to USD 3.01 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 8.1% over 2024-2032. North America dominated the explosive trace detection market with a market share of 31.39% in 2023.

Explosive trace detection (ETD) system is a system that samples an explosive trace from the surface of an inspected object. It analyzes the trace to check the presence and type of explosive. There are different steps involved in the detection process, such as sample extraction, vaporization, separation, selection, ionization, analysis, etc. Increasing terrorist activities around the world boost market growth. In Feb 2021, Rapiscan Systems achieved TSA air cargo approval for its itemizer 5X trace detector. The introduction of the latest technologies, such as machine learning, big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), based interpretation & smart sensors, will create better opportunities in the upcoming years.

Due to the lockdown in major countries, such as the U.S., China, Germany, France, and India, there was a significant impact on the aviation industry. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, in 2019, there were 4.5 billion passengers. In 2020, the number of passengers decreased to 1.8 billion and the aviation industry faced a financial loss of USD 370 billion. Furthermore, there were numerous disruptions in the supply chain, declining defense budgets, and a slow production rate due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the decreased expenditure in the aviation and defense industry hindered the expansion of the market.

Explosive Trace Detection Market Trends

Development of Advance Explosive Trace Detector (ETD) to Enhance Operational Efficiency By Providing Situational Awareness

Nowadays, key players in the market are focusing on the introduction of advanced technologies for improved accuracy. In April 2024, GreyScan Detection from Australia announced that its ETD-100 Inorganic Explosives Trace Detector (ETD) solution has been accepted by the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Innovation Task Force for demonstration planning. The ETD-100 has been designed to identify explosive compositions containing inorganic materials, complementing traditional explosive trace detectors. It is suitable for both mobile and stationary applications. It increases detection capabilities against homemade explosives, which often use salt-based materials such as nitrates, chlorates, and perchlorates.

Explosive Trace Detection Market Growth Factors

Increasing Government Regulations for Security Screening in Aviation Sector Boosts Market Growth

Increasing security screening rules and regulations from governments drive the growth of the market. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an authorized agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for the security of travelers across the U.S. TSA’s security screening procedures at airports are intended to prevent threats and other prohibited items in the sterile area of the airport. In India, in January 2020, the Mangalore police had found an improvised explosive device (IED) in a bag in the premises of Mangalore International Airport. Thus, the growing demand for ETD devices from defense and commercial applications drives the market's growth.

Growing Terrorism Across the Globe Propels the Explosive Trace Detection Market Growth

Increasing terrorist activities, cross-border conflicts, and others led to improved security concerns across the globe. In India, in May 2024, a total of nine IEDs, along with explosive materials, have been seized and destroyed by the joint team of security forces. Furthermore, on February 14, 2021, Jammu & Kashmir police had recovered a 7 kg improvised explosive device (IED) near the bus stand in Jammu. Due to increasing terrorism, and illegal weapon transfer, there is rising demand for explosive trace detection devices. The rising procurement of ETD systems from law enforcement and homeland security agencies propels the growth of the market during the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Reduced Defense Budget in Countries to Hamper Market Growth

Declining defense expenditure from countries such as Indonesia, India, South Korea, and others hampers the growth of the market. Lower ETD procurement contract and reduced defense budget due to the COVID-19 pandemic affected the market growth. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia has reduced its defense budget by USD 588 million, and Thailand slashed its defense budget by USD 555 million. Thus, decreased demand for explosive trace detection devices from end users due to lower investments from governments can hamper the market's growth during 2024-2032.

Explosive Trace Detection Market Segmentation Analysis

By Product Analysis

Handheld Segment Held Highest Shares in 2023 Due to Rising Demand for Compact Devices

Based on the product, the explosive trace detection market is segmented into handheld, portable/ movable, and fixed-point/ standalone. The handheld ETD segment held the highest shares in 2023. The growth is attributed to the increasing demand for various applications such as force protection, border security, search & rescue, critical infrastructure, and others. The portable/ Movable segment is anticipated to experience the highest growth rate during 2024-2032. The growth is due to the increasing demand for portable ETDs from commercial and defense sectors. In March 2020, Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) unveiled RalDer-X, a new portable explosive detection device. It can detect bulk explosives from a specific range and locate in a hidden place.

By Technology Analysis

Ion Mobility Spectrometry Will Witness Highest Growth Due to Growing Demand for Commercial Applications

Based on the technology, the market is divided into colorimetrics, ion mobility spectrometry, thermo redox, chemiluminescence, and amplifying fluorescent polymers. The ion mobility spectrometry segment is projected to be the largest segment in 2023 and continue its domination during the forecast period. It works by observing and analyzing the mobility of the ions in a uniform electric field. Rising demand for ETDs from the commercial sector boosts segmental growth. The chemiluminescence segment is estimated to show significant growth during 2024-2032. The process involves the emission of light from a chemical reaction, and it has a sensitivity level of nanograms. It is the simplest method amongst all, thus driving the growth of the market.

By End-Use Analysis

Increasing Use of ETD for Defense Applications Boosts the Market Growth

Based on the end use, the market is classified into defense, commercial, public safety & law enforcement, and others. The defense segment held the largest explosive trace detection market share in 2023. Rising defense expenditure, increasing terrorist activities, and cross-border conflicts drive the segmental growth during the forecast period. The commercial segment is projected to show the highest CAGR during 2024-2032. The growth is attributed to the growing demand for applications in the aviation sector, and critical infrastructure.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The global market is segmented based on region into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, The Middle East & Africa, and latin America.

North America dominated the market in 2023. North America market size stood at USD 0.43 billion in 2023. The growth is attributed to the highest defense expenditure and growing procurement of next-generation ETD devices from law enforcement agencies. Key players such as FLIR Systems, Inc., Morphix Technologies, OSI Systems, Inc., Leidos holdings, and others drive the market growth across the region.

In Asia Pacific, the market is expected to witness remarkable growth during 2024-2032. The growth is due to increasing investments for security screening in the aviation sector from countries such as China, India, Japan, Australia, and others. The rising defense budget, growing number of airports, and rising terrorism across Asia Pacific drive the market's growth.

Europe will experience significant growth due to the presence of key players such as Smiths Detection Group Ltd. RS DYNAMICS, Chemring Group PLC, and others boost the development of the market across the region. Rising terrorist attacks and mass shooting incidents lead to growing security concerns, which creates demand for explosive trace detection systems.

The Middle East & Africa is anticipated to show moderate growth due to increasing defense budgets from countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Israel. Rapid expansion in the aviation sector and rising public safety concerns drive the market growth across the Middle & Africa. The market growth in South America is accredited to the increasing demand for explosive trace detection systems from Brazil and Argentina.

List of Key Companies in Explosive Trace Detection Market

OEMs to Focus on Business Expansion Through Mergers & Acquisitions

Key players in the ETD market focus on business expansion through partnerships, contracts, mergers & acquisitions. In June 2017, OSI Systems, Inc. signed an agreement with Smiths Group plc to acquire the global explosive trace detection (ETD) business at a worth of USD 75.5 million. In addition to that, in May 2020, Leidos acquired the security detection and automation business of L3Harris Technologies, Inc. at a worth of USD 1 billion. The development of advanced technological products such as TANKER from IDenta Corporation, and Fido X4 premium handheld ETD from FLIR Systems Inc. propels the market growth.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Analogic Corporation (The U.S.)


• Autoclear, LLC. (The U.S.)


• Bruker (The U.S.)


• DetectaChem (The U.S.)


• FLIR Systems, Inc. (The U.S.)


• Leidos (The U.S.)


• Morphix Technologies (The U.S.)


• NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITED (China)


• OSI Systems, Inc. (The U.S.)


• RS DYNAMICS (Switzerland)


• Smiths Detection Group Ltd. (The U.K)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2024 - 908 Devices Inc., the pioneer of purpose-built handheld and desktop devices for chemical and biochemical analysis, announced the latest international adoption of the MX908 for trace detection and identification of priority drugs and chemical threats. DrugDetect EU and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) entered into new contracts to deploy the MX908, a handheld high-pressure mass spectrometry device. The MX908 would be used in a variety of settings, including military applications and correctional facilities.


• February 2024 - Ambassador Candace Bond of the U.S. officially donated four explosive trace detection machines to the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago on behalf of the U.S. Transportation Safety Administration at Piarco International Airport. Smiths Detection developed an ETD device that would improve security screening for passengers by improving and speeding up the detection of suspected explosives in carry-on baggage. Each device is approximately the size of a standard printer. The embassy states that each is valued at USD 50,000 for a total donation of USD 200,000.


• October 2023 – Vehant Technologies, a Noida-based provider of smart security and surveillance solutions, received orders valued at USD 40 million from Mumbai Airport and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the supply and installation of dual-view scanning machines. As many as 44 machines would be for Mumbai airport and 39 machines for the AAI. These orders would result in the deployment of diverse models of advanced dual-view X-ray baggage and cargo scanners. Furthermore, the company also supplied and installed 20 units of nanosniffer (an explosive trace detector) at six airports in the country under a trial order from AAI.


• September 2023 - Fraport AG announced the procurement decision in favor of Bruker for up to 220 DE-tectorTM flex explosives and narcotics trace detectors to support their airport security measures. The installations have been planned to be completed over a multi-year period from 2023 to 2027 to modernize the screening of passengers at Germany's busiest airport, FRA. The new generation of Bruker DE-tector flex systems is intended to replace the earlier-generation Bruker ETD systems at Frankfurt airport.


• May 2023 - A team of founders from the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) began working to bring a mobile explosives trace detector to market that would detect explosives more reliably and make an important contribution to security in the civil sector.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key aspects such as product type, key players, technology, and end-use in the industry. Moreover, the research report offers insights on explosive trace detection market trends, competitive landscape, market competition, product pricing, market status, and key industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the market report encompasses several direct and indirect factors that have contributed to the global market's sizing in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation