Market Challenges And Opportunities

Global Explosive Detection Technologies Market- Drivers

Growing Use of Explosive Detection Equipment in Aviation Security

The use of explosive detection equipment in aviation security is witnessing significant growth in the global market for explosive detection technologies. This surge can be attributed to the rising emphasis on enhancing airport security measures to counter evolving threats of terrorism and illicit activities. Governments and aviation authorities across the world are increasingly investing in advanced explosive detection systems to ensure the safety of passengers and cargo. Technological advancements in detection equipment, such as improved accuracy, faster scanning capabilities, and reduced false alarms, are driving the adoption of these systems. The growing demand for efficient and reliable explosive detection solutions is expected to fuel the expansion of the global market in the coming years. For instance, On March 22, 2023, OSI Systems, a firm specializing in security and inspection systems, has been awarded a contract worth US$ 20 million by ANA Aeroportos de Portugal. The agreement entails the provision of multiple units of OSI Systems' RTT 110 (Real Time Tomography) explosive detection system. This cutting-edge checked baggage scanner utilizes advanced computed tomography (CT) technology to enhance threat detection and optimize operational efficiency in airport settings. OSI Systems develops and markets a range of security and inspection solutions, including airport security X-ray machines, metal detectors, medical monitoring systems, anesthesia systems, and optoelectronic devices.

Rising geopolitical unrest is expected to propel the global explosive detection technologies

The explosive detection technologies market is being influenced by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. This conflict has raised security concerns worldwide, resulting in a greater need for advanced explosive detection systems to protect critical infrastructure, public areas, and transportation centres. Governments and security agencies are placing a higher priority on implementing strong security measures to identify and prevent potential terrorist risks. The demand for sophisticated technologies capable of detecting concealed explosives and mitigating potential attacks has increased significantly. Consequently, the explosive detection technologies market is experiencing a surge as stakeholders seek cutting-edge solutions to enhance security measures and address emerging threats associated with the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Global Explosive Detection Technologies Market- Opportunities

Commercialization of low-cost devices

The rise in the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) has resulted in a shift from metal-based explosives to chemical explosives. As a result, detection methods involving dogs, physical techniques like gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry, and electronic detection systems have become more sensitive, selective, and costly. However, the development of portable and miniaturized units is anticipated to reduce equipment costs. This presents a business opportunity for market players to capitalize on by creating affordable devices for chemical explosive detection.

Use of Graphene-Based Spaser

A spaser is a nanoplasmonic component that shares similarities with a laser. It serves as a quantum generator and nano-amplifier, producing a powerful optical field. Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon nano-material derived from graphite, possesses numerous advantageous material properties. It is exceptionally strong, thin, and rigid, making it impermeable, and exhibits excellent thermal and electrical conductivity while being highly energy-efficient. Consequently, a spaser based on graphene has the capability to effectively detect toxic chemicals, explosive materials, and other organic compounds through the unique vibrational transitions of molecules. As a result, the commercialization of graphene is expected to present profitable growth prospects for market participants in the foreseeable future.

Global Explosive Detection Technologies Market- Restraints

Labor intensive process involved in explosive detection

Border security entails conducting various checks on vehicles, luggage, passengers, and containers. Detection methods employed include bulk detection and trace detection technologies. Chemical trace detection relies on the use of ion mobility spectroscopy. Swabbing is performed to detect small traces of explosive residue on hands, laptops, and other items. During this test, a sample is vaporized, and chemical ions are separated to identify any presence of explosives, triggering an alarm if detected. However, this process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, particularly when dealing with large quantities. Moreover, as explosive trace detection is primarily used in high-traffic areas, it needs to be swift to accommodate a large number of screenings within a short period. These factors are expected to impede the market's growth in the foreseeable future.

Growing use IEDs

Terrorists are increasingly using improvised explosive device (IED) that can kill civilians and military personnel and destroy infrastructure. The IEDs can be in different forms and can be delivered to targets in numerous ways, which makes it challenging to trace by explosive detection technologies. This, in turn, is expected to hamper the market growth over the forecast period.