CBRNE Defense Market Size - By Type, By Equipment, By End Use and Forecast, 2025 - 2034

CBRNE Defense Market Size

The global CBRNE defense market was valued at USD 17.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2025 to 2034.
 

The increasing threat of asymmetric warfare and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) incidents has driven global demand for advanced defense systems. Governments are investing in autonomous detection systems, wearable protective equipment, and decontamination solutions to address both deliberate and accidental incidents. The integration of artificial intelligence and IoT in CBRNE systems has enhanced real-time threat detection and response capabilities. Market growth is driven by stricter regulatory standards, international security cooperation, and the need to protect civilian populations, critical infrastructure, and military personnel amid evolving geopolitical risks.
 

For instance, in November 2024, Buckley Space Force Base showcased one of two Defense Department's quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles designed for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear operations. Named as CHAPPIE, the system combines remote sensing capabilities with existing detectors to enhance CBRN field operations, demonstrating the military's improved approach to CBRN defense.
 

The CBRNE defense industry is integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics to improve how threats are detected and handled. The industry now uses self-operating systems like drones and robots that can find, identify and neutralize threats without human involvement. These solutions can be adjusted for use in military operations, civilian settings and industrial sites. The CBRNE defense market is experiencing increased emphasis on education and training programs to develop expertise in STEM fields. As defense organizations, national security agencies, and first responders need personnel trained in advanced technologies for hazardous environments, there is greater investment in postgraduate programs and research. These programs focus on CBRNE detection, protection, and response capabilities, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified professionals who can develop sophisticated defense systems.
 

CBRNE Defense Market Trends

The CBRNE defense industry is experiencing a shift toward enhanced training programs and simulation exercises to better prepare military personnel and first responders. Modern training programs now use virtual reality and augmented reality technologies to create lifelike CBRNE scenarios. As joint-force training exercises become more common, the demand for specialized CBRNE training solutions and equipment continues to grow. This development allows companies to create simulation tools, detection systems, and protective equipment for various operational settings. With the need to combat emerging CBRNE threats, defense sectors worldwide are increasing their investments in comprehensive training systems.
 

For instance, in August 2024, the Air National Guard will join forces with the United States Marine Corps and international partners for a two-week training exercise called Toxic Swell on Oahu, Hawaii. This exercise focuses on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense training to improve joint-force capabilities. As part of the Air National Guard's Deployment for Training program, the exercise strengthens military readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.
 

CBRNE Defense Market Analysis

The CBRNE defense industry faces significant constraints due to the high costs of advanced technologies and complex systems, limiting adoption among smaller organizations and nations with restricted defense budgets. The integration of various technologies and the need for specialized training create additional deployment challenges. Despite these limitations, the market offers substantial growth opportunities driven by rising global security concerns, particularly threats from terrorism and weapons of mass destruction proliferation. These factors increase demand for advanced CBRNE detection and protection solutions. The emergence of regulatory frameworks and international cooperation enables standardized approaches and improved global defense coordination, while government regulations on CBRNE threat preparedness continue to drive investments in research, development, and procurement of defense technologies.
 

Based on equipment, the CBRNE defense market is segmented into chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive. The chemical segment held a market share of over 45.5% in 2024 and is expected to grow at a lucrative pace.
 

• The chemical segment of CBRNE defense now features improved detection technology through portable sensors and handheld devices. These tools quickly identify toxic industrial chemicals and warfare agents, helping military and civilian teams respond effectively. With artificial intelligence and machine learning integration, these systems detect threats faster and more accurately.
   
• The rise in chemical threats has increased the need for better personal protective equipment (PPE) and decontamination solutions. Manufacturers now develop lightweight and durable chemical suits, respirators, and filters to enhance protection against chemical agents. These improvements focus on making equipment more comfortable and easier to move in during long operations, particularly for military personnel and first responders.
   

Based on end-user, the market is segmented into defense & government, homeland security and civil & commercial. The defense & government segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 6% till 2034.
 

• Governments worldwide are strengthening their defenses against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats. This has driven growth in the defense and government segment of the CBRNE defense market. Countries with high security concerns are purchasing detection equipment, decontamination solutions, and protective gear for their military forces. Rising geopolitical tensions and the risk of CBRNE weapons have pushed governments to improve their defense capabilities.
   
• Defense agencies are focusing more on joint-force training and simulation exercises to improve readiness and coordination. They now use advanced training tools with virtual and augmented reality to create realistic CBRNE incident scenarios for military personnel and first responders. This hands-on training helps defense forces master new technologies for real-world emergencies.
   

North America dominated the CBRNE defense market and is expected to reach a value of over USD 11.3 billion by 2034. The United States market continues to evolve with new developments in response to national security needs and technology advances. The market now widely uses autonomous systems like drones and robots for CBRNE detection and response work. These tools help keep personnel safe and make operations more effective in dangerous environments. For instance, in July 2024, U.S. military personnel from the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) command participated in joint training exercises with the Mexican Army in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.
 

Europe increasingly favors long-term defense contracts to strengthen CBRNE capabilities, especially in advanced detection technologies like handheld chemical detectors and radiation survey meters. This shift responds to the growing need for specialized equipment to address chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats in both military and civilian sectors. For instance, in May 2024, Norway awarded Finland-based Bertin Environics a seven-year framework contract to supply chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense squad kits. The contract includes ChemProX handheld chemical detectors and SaphyRad MS multiprobe radiation survey meters that help detect and monitor chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals in field operations.
 

China's CBRNE defense industry is modernizing through investments in autonomous detection systems, protective equipment, and decontamination technologies. The country's research and development efforts focus on improving its ability to detect chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, driven by national security needs and its growing defense infrastructure. The collaboration between military and civilian sectors has increased to implement CBRNE defense systems, strengthening both defense and public safety capabilities.
 

Japan's CBRNE defense market addresses both domestic and regional security challenges. The country focuses on developing advanced detection systems, decontamination technologies, and protective equipment to counter nuclear, chemical, and biological threats. Additionally, Japan is upgrading its CBRNE defense infrastructure through the integration of autonomous systems and drones for improved remote detection and response.
 

South Korea's market continues to grow as the country strengthens its national security measures amid regional tensions. The country focuses on developing and deploying advanced detection and protection technologies, such as portable sensors, chemical detection systems, and protective equipment. To improve its readiness against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, the government has increased its research and development investments.
 

CBRNE Defense Market Share

Major companies like Thales, Bruker, Rheinmetall, and Teledyne FLIR compete in the CBRNE defense industry by developing technologies to counter chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. These firms, including both defense contractors and technology specialists, focus on creating detection systems, protective equipment, and autonomous platforms. They distinguish themselves through product quality, reliability, and system integration capabilities. With increasing government investments in CBRNE defense, companies strive to deliver solutions that provide quick response times, accurate threat detection, and flexibility across different scenarios.
 

CBRNE Defense Market Companies

Major players operating in the CBRNE defense industry are:

• Argon Electronics
• Avon Protection
• Battelle
• Bruker
• Chemring Group
• INDRA
• Karcher Futuretech
• KNDS
• Leidos
• Rheinmetall
• Saab
• Smiths Group
• Teledyne FLIR
• Thales
   

CBRNE Defense Industry News

• In February 2023, Teledyne FLIR Defense, a division of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated secured a USD 13.3 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to enhance its R80D SkyRaider unmanned aerial system. The enhancement will enable the system to conduct autonomous chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance missions.
   
• In June 2023, Kromek Group plc, which develops radiation and bio-detection technology solutions for advanced imaging and CBRN detection, won a USD 1.5 million contract in the civil nuclear market with a 15-month delivery timeline.
   

This CBRNE Defense market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD million) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Chemical
• Biological
• Radiological
• Nuclear
• Explosive

Market, By Equipment

• Protective wearables
  • Protective clothing
  • Protective gas mask and hoods
  • Escape devices/hoods
  • Protective shoes
  • Protective gloves
• Respiratory systems
  • Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
  • Powered air purifying respirator (PAPR)
• Detection & monitoring systems
  • Thermal imagers
  • Sensors
  • Stationary and mobile monitoring devices
  • Sampling equipment
  • Screening test kit
  • Infrared spectroscopy
  • Beacon
  • Stand-off detectors
  • Gas detectors
  • Biological threat detectors
  • Radiological threat detectors
• Decontamination systems
  • Contamination Indicator Decontamination Assurance Systems (CIDAS)
  • Spray unit
  • Others
• Simulators

Market, By End Use

• Defense & government
  • Armed forces
    • Air force
    • Army
    • Navy
• Homeland security
  • Police
  • Fire safety department
• Civil & commercial

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa