Cbrne Defense Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The CBRNe Defense Market Report is Segmented by Purpose (Detection, Protection, Decontamination, and Simulation and Training), End-User (Military, and Civil and Law Enforcement), Platform (Portable and Wearable Systems, Vehicle-Mounted, and More), Type (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and More), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

CBRNe Defense Market Size and Share

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Compare market size and growth of CBRNe Defense Market with other markets in Aerospace & Defense Industry

CBRNe Defense Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The CBRNe defense market size is estimated at USD 18.70 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 24.93 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 5.92% during the forecast period. Spending growth is tied to defense modernization, favoring chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNe) capabilities over conventional tools. Nations are shifting resources toward AI-enabled autonomous detection networks that reduce risk to personnel and keep situational awareness high in contested zones. Budget re-allocations are evident in the US Chemical and Biological Defense Program’s USD 1,656.70 million FY-2025 outlay and Europe’s EUR 800 billion (USD 938.36 billion) ReArm Europe fund, which allocates meaningful shares to next-generation CBRNe programs. Demand is further shaped by threats from non-state actors that exploit commercial drones and 3D printing, prompting militaries and civil agencies to purchase portable sensors, UAV-borne payloads, and mixed-reality training kits. Although North America retains leadership, Asia-Pacific shows rising procurement as regional tensions keep defense budgets upward.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By purpose, protection systems led with 35.78% of CBRNe defense market share in 2024; simulation and training systems are forecasted to rise at a 7.67% CAGR to 2030.
  • By end-user, the military segment held 70.01% of the CBRNe defense market size in 2024, while civil and law-enforcement applications are advancing at a 7.54% CAGR through 2030.
  • By platform, portable and wearable systems accounted for a 31.89% share of the CBRNe defense market in 2024, yet drone and UAV-based solutions are projected to grow at an 8.10% CAGR between 2025 and 2030.
  • By type, chemical detection dominated the CBRNe defense market with a 26.22% share in 2024; biological detection is expanding at an 8.25% CAGR through 2030.
  • By geography, North America commanded 33.47% of the CBRNe defense market size in 2024, whereas Asia-Pacific exhibits the fastest CAGR at 7.86% to 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Purpose: Protection Systems Drive Current Demand

Protection systems commanded 35.78% of the CBRNe defense market share in 2024, confirming the enduring importance of individual and collective protection across all services. They range from next-generation respirators to over-pressurized shelters that shield personnel from aerosolized agents. Demand is supported by NATO standards that prescribe minimum personal protective equipment inventories for forward-deployed units. Detection systems trail closely, serving as the trigger for activating protective measures once a threat cloud is sensed. Decontamination assets complete the triad by restoring platforms to service and preventing mission attrition.

Simulation and training solutions represent the fastest-growing slice at a 7.67% CAGR to 2030. Defense organizations deploy mixed-reality suites to replicate complex release scenarios without hazardous agents, reducing live-agent range usage and cutting per-trainee costs. ForgeFX’s HoloLens-based program is emblematic of immersive tools that foster skills retention while shortening course timelines.[3]“ForgeFX Mixed-Reality CBRN Trainer,” ForgeFX Simulations, forgefx.com As digital twins mirror actual detection gear, commanders can rehearse wide-area response plans and refine tactics in secure virtual sandboxes. This learning curve efficiency amplifies adoption across military and civil jurisdictions, cementing a robust outlook for this subsegment.

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By End-User: Military Dominance with Civil Expansion

The military end-user segment accounted for 70.01% of the CBRNe defense market size in 2024, reflecting the armed forces’ mandate to fight through contamination and preserve combat power. Large budgets allow investment in ruggedized sensor arrays, hardened command-and-control nodes, and extensive protective suit inventories. Platform roadmaps emphasize drone-based reconnaissance and AI-enabled threat analytics that integrate with broader battlefield networks.

Civil and law-enforcement agencies are growing at a 7.54% CAGR, spurred by homeland security directives designating first responders as primary stakeholders in domestic incidents. Initiatives like India’s “Year of CBRN Preparedness” program funnel funds into municipal hazmat teams, boosting procurement of handheld detectors and mobile decontamination units. The convergence of military-grade technology with civil budgets promotes common standards, improving interoperability when joint task forces deploy during large-scale emergencies.

By Platform: Portable Systems Lead, Drones Surge

Portable and wearable devices maintained a 31.89% market share in 2024, illustrating the premium on mobility and rapid situational awareness. Lightweight chemical detectors clipped to web gear and smart respirators that monitor filter degradation exemplify the trend. Vehicle-mounted rigs extend range and throughput for unit-level monitoring, while fixed installations secure critical bases, ports, and government facilities.

Drone and UAV platforms record the sharpest ascent at 8.10% CAGR. The CBRNe defense market finds UAVs indispensable for sampling air columns above suspected release points without risking ground crews. Draper’s remote sensing swarm contract and the T4i DOVER drone chemistry sampler prove that lightweight payloads can deliver full-spectrum analytics in flight. Advances in low-SWaP sensors simplify integration, anchoring drones as a staple line item in future budgets.

CBRNe Defense Market: Market Share by Platform
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Type: Chemical Detection Dominates, Biological Accelerates

Chemical detection held 26.22% of the CBRNe defense market share 2024, relying on mature colorimetric, ion-mobility, and Fourier-transform infrared methods that rapidly spot known warfare agents. Radiological and nuclear sensors occupy the next tier, supporting interdiction of illicit materials and safeguarding strategic assets. Explosive detection, often derived from counter-terrorism technology, rounds out the category with continued relevance for border and checkpoint security.

Biological detection rises at 8.25% CAGR on the back of microfluidic biochips, which shortens identification cycles to minutes. Recent academic demonstrations show bead-based immunoassays detecting sub-picogram toxin levels in under 10 minutes. CRISPR-Cas12a sensors add sequence-specific fidelity that lowers false positives, while AI engines mine large pathogen libraries to flag unknown organisms. These capabilities reassure planners that emerging threats can be recognized even when adversaries design novel synthetic agents.

Geography Analysis

North America led the CBRNe defense market with 33.47% share in 2024, anchored by the United States’ deep industrial base and stable funding lines that cover detection, protection, and training. Significant R&D centers—spanning Edgewood, Aberdeen Proving Ground, and multiple national labs—accelerate technology maturation and transition to field units. Canada complements US spending with its Joint CBRN Defense Program, which fields interoperable systems for NATO operations.

Europe ranks second, bolstered by the ReArm Europe initiative that injects fresh capital into collective defense. Standardization agreements smooth cross-border equipment compatibility, while EU civil-protection funding invites suppliers to tailor dual-use products. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany allocate notable portions of recapped budgets toward upgrading legacy reconnaissance vehicle fleets, with the UK’s Fox fleet overhaul illustrating demand for sensor and comms retrofits.

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region at 7.86% CAGR. Heightened tensions in East Asia pushed combined military outlays to USD 411 billion in 2023 and fueled the appetite for CBRNe deterrence tools. South Korea fielded enhanced K216 NBC Recon Vehicles capable of chemical detection at 5-km standoff, and Australia continues to test immersive training kits for explosive hazard response. India’s National Disaster Response Force presses with nationwide CBRN drills that create pull-through demand for detectors and decon gear. Regional industrial partnerships, including technology transfers from Japan and the United States, speed deployment while building indigenous support ecosystems.

CBRNe Defense Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region
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Competitive Landscape

The CBRNe defense market shows moderate concentration, with a handful of diversified defense contractors leveraging legacy relationships, export-control expertise, and wide portfolios. Teledyne’s USD 8 billion takeover of FLIR Systems in 2021 and its USD 710 million Excelitas acquisition in 2025 expand vertical integration from thermal imaging to optics and small-form sensors.[4]“Teledyne to Acquire FLIR,” Teledyne Technologies, teledyne.comRheinmetall’s 73% jump in Q1 2025 defense sales and EUR 63 billion (USD 73.90 billion) backlog illustrate how conflict-driven demand can rapidly amplify scale advantages.

Technology is the main differentiator. Leaders pour capital into AI algorithms, autonomous swarms, and advanced composite materials to hold ground against niche entrants. Joint ventures—such as Rheinmetall’s partnership with Leonardo—share risk and unlock domestic procurement channels, while prime contractors license disruptive bio-digital platforms to stay ahead. Regulatory complexity remains a natural moat: established firms manage ITAR and EAR paperwork efficiently, whereas start-ups face steep compliance costs that slow market entry.

White-space opportunities lie in rapid pathogen analytics, automated decontamination robotics, and civilian-military integrated command software. Big contractors respond by setting up venture arms that invest in promising specialist firms, ensuring pipeline access to breakthrough technology. Yet, sustained consolidation during 2025–2030 could lift barriers for new innovators, potentially reducing price competition in high-end segments.

CBRNe Defense Industry Leaders

  1. Smiths Detection (Smiths Group PLC)

  2. Teledyne FLIR LLC (Teledyne Technologies Incorporated)

  3. Bruker Corporation

  4. Thales Group

  5. Rheinmetall AG

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
CBRNe Defense Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • June 2025: The United States Army's Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) selected Safeware, Inc. as an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract awardee.
  • June 2025: NOBLE received a USD 500 million US Army JPEO CBRND Commercial Solutions IDIQ contract. The IDIQ contract supplies Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) items, equipment, ancillary training, and services for the JPEO CBRND.
  • January 2024: Draper received a USD 26 million Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement from the US Department of Defense (DoD) to enhance its unmanned autonomous systems (UAS) software capabilities. The software improvements will enable UAS to conduct chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance missions in collaborative teams and challenging environments.

Table of Contents for CBRNe Defense Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Defense budget modernization and strategic reprioritization
    • 4.2.2 Rising threat of asymmetric warfare and non-state actor capabilities
    • 4.2.3 Broader civil defense and homeland security integration
    • 4.2.4 Emergence of AI-driven autonomous detection networks
    • 4.2.5 Development of bio-digital pathogen analyzer chips
    • 4.2.6 Mandates for dual-use decontamination infrastructure
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 High procurement and total lifecycle costs
    • 4.3.2 Stringent export regulations and technology transfer restrictions
    • 4.3.3 Supply chain vulnerability in rare-earth and exotic sensor materials
    • 4.3.4 Operator cognitive burden due to complex system interfaces
  • 4.4 Value Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Technological Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.7.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.3 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.7.5 Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE)

  • 5.1 By Purpose
    • 5.1.1 Detection
    • 5.1.2 Protection
    • 5.1.3 Decontamination
    • 5.1.4 Simulation and Training
  • 5.2 By End-User
    • 5.2.1 Military
    • 5.2.2 Civil and Law-Enforcement
  • 5.3 By Platform
    • 5.3.1 Portable and Wearable Systems
    • 5.3.2 Vehicle-mounted
    • 5.3.3 Fixed and Facility-Based Installations
    • 5.3.4 Drone-/UAV-based
  • 5.4 By Type
    • 5.4.1 Chemical
    • 5.4.2 Biological
    • 5.4.3 Radiological
    • 5.4.4 Nuclear
    • 5.4.5 Explosive
  • 5.5 By Geography
    • 5.5.1 North America
    • 5.5.1.1 United States
    • 5.5.1.2 Canada
    • 5.5.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.5.2 Europe
    • 5.5.2.1 United Kingdom
    • 5.5.2.2 France
    • 5.5.2.3 Germany
    • 5.5.2.4 Russia
    • 5.5.2.5 Rest of Europe
    • 5.5.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.3.1 China
    • 5.5.3.2 India
    • 5.5.3.3 Japan
    • 5.5.3.4 South Korea
    • 5.5.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.4 South America
    • 5.5.4.1 Brazil
    • 5.5.4.2 Rest of South America
    • 5.5.5 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.5.5.1 Middle East
    • 5.5.5.1.1 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.5.5.1.2 United Arab Emirates
    • 5.5.5.1.3 Rest of Middle East
    • 5.5.5.2 Africa
    • 5.5.5.2.1 South Africa
    • 5.5.5.2.2 Rest of Africa

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Teledyne FLIR LLC (Teledyne Technologies Incorporated)
    • 6.4.2 Smiths Detection (Smiths Group PLC)
    • 6.4.3 Bruker Corporation
    • 6.4.4 Rheinmetall AG
    • 6.4.5 Saab AB
    • 6.4.6 Leidos, Inc.
    • 6.4.7 Thales Group
    • 6.4.8 Kärcher Futuretech GmbH
    • 6.4.9 Battelle
    • 6.4.10 QinetiQ Group
    • 6.4.11 Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA
    • 6.4.12 Argon Electronics (UK) Ltd.
    • 6.4.13 KNDS
    • 6.4.14 Avon Protection (Avon Technologies plc)
    • 6.4.15 Bertin Environics
    • 6.4.16 OSI Systems Inc.

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

  • 7.1 White-space and Unmet-need Assessment
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Global CBRNe Defense Market Report Scope

Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats have collectively come to be known as CBRNe threats, and the actualization of the threats as CBRNe incidents. These include attacks using NBC weapons, otherwise called weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives defense includes protective measures taken in situations where hazards such as chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear warfare (including terrorism) may be present. CBRNe defense consists of CBRNe passive protection, contamination avoidance, and CBRNe mitigation.

The market is segmented by purpose, application, and geography. By purpose, the market is segmented into detection, protection, decontamination, and simulation and training. By application, the market is segmented into military and civil and law enforcement. The report also covers the sizes and forecasts for the CBRNe market in major countries across different regions. For each segment, the market size is provided in terms of value (USD).

By Purpose Detection
Protection
Decontamination
Simulation and Training
By End-User Military
Civil and Law-Enforcement
By Platform Portable and Wearable Systems
Vehicle-mounted
Fixed and Facility-Based Installations
Drone-/UAV-based
By Type Chemical
Biological
Radiological
Nuclear
Explosive
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe United Kingdom
France
Germany
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa Middle East Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Rest of Middle East
Africa South Africa
Rest of Africa
By Purpose
Detection
Protection
Decontamination
Simulation and Training
By End-User
Military
Civil and Law-Enforcement
By Platform
Portable and Wearable Systems
Vehicle-mounted
Fixed and Facility-Based Installations
Drone-/UAV-based
By Type
Chemical
Biological
Radiological
Nuclear
Explosive
By Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Europe United Kingdom
France
Germany
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa Middle East Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Rest of Middle East
Africa South Africa
Rest of Africa
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current size of the CBRNe defense market?

The CBRNe defense market reached USD 18.70 billion in 2025 and is forecasted at USD 24.93 billion by 2030,reflecting a 5.92% CAGR.

Which region is growing fastest in CBRNe procurement?

Asia-Pacific is expanding the quickest, with a 7.86% CAGR through 2030 as defense budgets climb amid regional tensions.

Which segment shows the highest growth rate?

Simulation and training systems lead with a 7.67% CAGR, driven by virtual- and augmented-reality adoption for safer, lower-cost exercises.

Why are drones becoming important in CBRNe defense?

Unmanned aerial platforms collect samples and perform reconnaissance without exposing personnel, a capability now advancing at an 8.10% CAGR within the broader market.

How significant is military demand compared with civil applications?

Military buyers accounted for 70.01% of the market in 2024, yet civil and law-enforcement agencies are catching up, posting a 7.54% CAGR through 2030.

What are the main obstacles to wider technology adoption?

High lifecycle costs and strict export-control rules slow procurements, especially for smaller countries and emerging suppliers.

Page last updated on: July 1, 2025

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