The global Concealed Weapon Detection Systems market is projected to grow significantly, from USD 873.2 million in 2025 to USD 3,120.3 million by 2035 an it is reflecting a strong CAGR of 12.6%.
Factors such as the increasing deployment of advanced security solutions in high-risk areas like transportation hubs, stadiums, and commercial spaces to enhance public safety and security are driving the growth of the Concealed Weapon Detection Systems market. More organizations are partnering with technology vendors and security partners to improve screening accuracy and efficiency through AI-driven detection solutions.
Markets are spurred by strict security regulations, as seen in North America and Europe. Using AI to enhance security checkpoints at airports by analyzing visual information from a passenger, providing automatic identification for potential threats and increasing the need for automated and AI-powered detection and detection systems, agencies such as the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and airport security authorities enforce strict screening measures.
In this aspect, these rules guarantee adherence to security and safety standards and improve the effectivity of risk detection.
To enable seamless and accurate threat detection for businesses undergoing digital transformation, advanced security technologies are required. The application of non-invasive scanners such as millimeter-wave and Terahertz times improve screening productivity without compromising the operations of high-footfall environments.
With the increasing number of shooting and terrorist threats, there is a growing demand for 24-hour surveillance and real-time weapon detection. Other security providers may combine machine learning and real-time monitoring to improve detection fidelity. These solutions minimize the likelihood of a security breach while impacting the public as little as possible.
North America accounts for the largest market share owing to regulatory pressure, high investments, and concentrate full range of leading solution providers. In response to escalating threats, countries such as India and Australia are seeing a burgeoning trend of concealed weapon detection systems as they enhance national security frameworks and invest in the technologies that safeguard public safety.
| Company | Smiths Detection Group Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Contract/Development Details | Awarded a contract by a major international airport to install advanced concealed weapon detection systems, enhancing passenger safety and security screening efficiency. |
| Date | May 2024 |
| Contract Value (USD Million) | Approximately USD 15 |
| Renewal Period | 7 years |
| Company | Rapiscan Systems |
|---|---|
| Contract/Development Details | Partnered with a metropolitan transit authority to implement concealed weapon detection solutions across multiple subway stations, aiming to improve public safety measures. |
| Date | September 2024 |
| Contract Value (USD Million) | Approximately USD 20 |
| Renewal Period | 5 years |
Rising security threats drive demand for advanced weapon detection solutions
With the rising incidences of mass shootings, terrorist attacks, and threats to public safety, the need for improved concealed weapon detection systems is propelling market growth. Thermal imaging cameras and smart security scanning systems are being insisted on installation by the governments as also private organizations, in airports, stadiums, transport centers, and educational establishments.
In the wake of global concern over terrorist attacks, there has been a push to identify threats in real-time, which has seen the implementation of advanced scanning solutions powered by artificial intelligence to quickly identify hidden handguns, knives and explosive materials without introducing significant delays to the public areas in which they are deployed.
In 2024 alone, the USA Department of Homeland Security (DHS) allocated USD 1.8 billion to strengthen security infrastructure across airports, transit stations, and federal buildings. This includes investment in AI-enabled body scanners and cutting-edge metal detectors to deter weapons from entering secure areas. Likewise, the European Commission has pledged USD 1.2 billion towards the development of smart security systems for border management and public transport areas with the intention of decreasing weapon incidents by 30% by 2026.
Growing investments in smart surveillance and public safety infrastructure
With the goal of enhancing public safety measures, governments and organizations within the private sector are investing millions in smart surveillance technologies. As AI-driven security systems, real-time monitoring, and collaborative threat detection become the norm, the penetration of automated concealed weapon detection solutions will also be on the rise.
Cities, airports and public institutions are also upgrading their security infrastructure - smart sensors, biometric verification and predictive analytics - to identify threats before they happen.
This year, UK Home Office announced an investment of £500 million to modernise public surveillance systems across our major urban centres, including artificial intelligence powered hidden weapon detection cameras. It's hoped that this mission will strengthen law enforcement's capabilities, empowering security agencies to counter dangers in a matter of seconds, instead of minutes.
In addition, the Indian Home Ministry has cleared a security modernization plan worth USD 2,400 Million for the deployment of terahertz-based body scanners and state-of-the-art metal detectors at railway stations and metro networks, to prevent increasing security incidents.
Expansion of mobile detection units for flexible security screening at events and public spaces
Mobile Concealed weapon detection units have expanded in response to the ever-increasing demand for flexible on-the-go security screening. The security systems have AI capabilities and are portable, enabling law enforcement and event planners to swiftly set up weapons detection systems at concerts, sports events, political events, and other public venues that are high-risk.
"Mobile detection units are capable of real-time scanning while allowing a low-impact security footprint that is unobtrusive, compared to a stationary device security checkpoint," said Case.
In 2023, New York Police Department (NYPD) deployed 50 mobile concealed weapon detection units to city subway systems, tourist attractions, and public events, seeking a 25% reduction in gun-related incidents. Likewise, to enhance public safety, the Australian government recently announced that it would spend USD 120 million to establish mobile security units at sporting venues and festivals, utilizing AI-integrated thermal imaging scanners to conduct rapid weapons detecting.
Privacy concerns and legal challenges over AI-powered surveillance limit widespread use
Implementing AI surveillance on conceal weapon detection systems and public spaces, corporate doors, and transportation hubs opens up serious privacy issues. These systems typically employ advanced imaging technologies, facial recognition, and real-time data processing - methods that tend to require capturing and analyzing individuals’ biometric information.
Large amounts of actual data have been being collected: individuals being afraid of mass surveillance and possible misuse of personal information (e.g. Cyber Security terms). Furthermore, the opacity surrounding decisions made by AI systems has bred doubts about whether they violate individual privacy.
Adverse AI-powered concealed weapon detection systems legal challenges faced by companies operating their services in multiple jurisdictions due to the different regulations governing each region. Countries like the European Union with strong privacy laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) have stringent requirements for the processing and storing of biometric data.
Long-term consequences of AI surveillance in the public sector often clash with legal designs based on data minimization, consent and privacy. This has left organizations employing such systems prone to facing legal action, fines, and regulatory compliance if they do not adhere to legacy privacy laws.
| Market Shift | 2020 to 2024 |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Governments mandated stricter security screening in public spaces. |
| AI & Machine Learning Integration | AI-assisted scanning improved detection accuracy. |
| Non-Invasive Screening | Increased adoption of touchless security screening methods. |
| Surveillance & Smart Analytics | Integration with video analytics improved threat assessment. |
| Market Growth Drivers | Rising security concerns in public infrastructure and events. |
| Market Shift | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | AI-driven compliance ensures automated and adaptive threat detection in real time. |
| AI & Machine Learning Integration | Quantum-enhanced scanning technology enables real-time detection of concealed threats. |
| Non-Invasive Screening | AI-powered remote security scanning eliminates the need for physical checkpoints. |
| Surveillance & Smart Analytics | AI-driven behavioral analysis predicts potential threats before escalation. |
| Market Growth Drivers | AI-powered, autonomous security screening redefines threat detection capabilities. |
The section highlights the CAGRs of countries experiencing growth in the Concealed Weapon Detection Systems market, along with the latest advancements contributing to overall market development. Based on current estimates China, India and USA are expected to see steady growth during the forecast period.
| Countries | CAGR from 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| India | 15.6% |
| China | 14.2% |
| Germany | 9.3% |
| Japan | 12.1% |
| United States | 11.0% |
As China has greatly strengthened its focus on public security, such as concealed weapons issues of major cities, public transportation centers and public places, the demand for advanced concealed weapon detection systems is soaring. As it seeks to facilitate mass surveillance and prevent the proliferation of illicit weapons, the Chinese government has covered the tools of AI security technology into its national system.
Smart surveillance systems with real-time threat detection to scan high-risk sites including railway stations, airports, and stadiums. The country’s expanding network of high-speed rails and rapid urbanization have also helped fuel the deployment of non-intrusive screening technologies to enable pass-through checks at increasingly busy, state-run terminals.
In 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Public Security announced the new nationwide security upgrade and the need for concealed weapons and the detection of artificial intelligence at major transportation hubs. To achieve this, more than 500 railway stations and 200 airports began deploying millimeter-wave and terahertz scanners to streamline screening.
Mobile concealed weapon detection units are surging in India in high-density public events, including religious congregations, political rallies and festivals. Growing rates of large-scale public events in the country, along with rising security threats, have expedited the adoption of portable and AI-driven scanning equipment.
These systems also have more flexibility, being able to detect threats faster without disrupting large crowds. As India’s metro rail and airport infrastructure continues to grow, there is an increased emphasis on integrating mobile scanning solutions at transit hubs to ensure security without sacrificing operational efficiency.
In 2023, the Home Minister released a budget of USD 150 million to run mobile concealed weapons detection unit centres at major public events around the country. Part of this program was the deployment of 200 mobile scanners in Kumbh Mela, cricket matches, political rallies, and log-walks, where the number of the crowd has exceeded 1 million.
Contactless security screening technologies have gained traction in the USA, most prevalently in airports, train stations and large entertainment venues. Facing an increasing demand to optimize passenger flow without compromising high-security standards, the deployment of touchless screening solutions has become an ongoing focus.
Now, with the installation of advanced millimeter-wave and terahertz scanners, passengers can walk through checkpoints without removing personal items, which significantly increases the integrity of security processes at airports while also contributing to the speed and convenience that every traveler expects. This is a non-contact way of enhancing security whenever it is afresh as it reduces physical touch minimizes hampering time while also serving better to provide public safety.
Since 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun a USD 500 million modernization initiative to roll out contactless concealed weapon detection systems across 200 of the nation’s airports. The initiative placed a focus on deploying AI-powered full-body scanners, cutting passenger screening times in half at major airports such as JFK, LAX and O’Hare.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. By Product, the X-ray Body Scanners segment is estimated to grow quickly from the period 2025 to 2035. Additionally, by Type, Stationary Concealed Weapon Detection Systems segment hold dominant share in 2025.
| Product | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| X-ray Body Scanners | 13.7% |
The Growth Drivers of X-ray Body Scanners Market: Increasing implementation of X-ray body scanners on accounts of their high threat detection accuracy, noninvasive screening procedure, and capability to detect hidden threats will push the adoption of X-ray body scanners. These scanners are commonly used in places such as airports, correctional institutions, and border security checkpoints and provide enhanced security screening while allowing passengers to continue quickly.
X-ray body scanners can spot non-metal weapons, explosives, and contraband, unlike traditional metal detectors, and they're a must-have in counterterrorism and law enforcement. Due to rising global security threats, government agencies are focusing on national security by investing in advanced screening technologies.
TSA deployed new-generation X-ray body scanners at 150 USA airports in 2023, investing USD 250 million in the project that helped reduce manual pat-downs by 60%, improving the security clearance efficiency by 40%. In the same light, the European Commission proposed amended regulations requiring all international airports to implement X-ray scanners by 2025 in order to meet new security standards.
| Type | Value Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Stationary Concealed Weapon Detection Systems | 56.2% |
The market is primarily valued for stationary concealed weapon detection systems which are widely being deployed at high-security places including airports, government premises, correctional facilities, and public transit stations. These systems provide continuous automatic screening integrated with AI-powered threat detection software, which has proven to be the most accurate and least interventionist approach.
Stationary units also allow for much higher throughput compared to mobile scanners and are more suited to environments with a high volume of foot traffic. As governments increasingly favor long-term security investments, the growing deployment of smart city security infrastructure is also driving demand for fixed screening solutions.
In 2023 alone, the USA Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has spent USD 400 million upgrading fixed concealed weapon detection systems in 250 federal buildings and major transit hubs, increasing the ability to detect threats by 50%. United Kingdom’s Home Office Issued Public Safety Program with AI-powered stationary scanners stationed throughout 100+ train stations, reducing the time of screening by 30% with increased accuracy.
Increasing security concerns at airports, public places, government buildings, and other critical infrastructures, have propelled the concealed weapon detection systems market. Innovation is being driven by advances in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), millimeter-wave technology, and automated threat detection. Leading companies are adopting high-speed screening, lower false alarm rates, and a larger integrated security ecosystem to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
Market Share Analysis by Company
| Company Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Smiths Detection | 22-27% |
| Rapiscan Systems (OSI Systems) | 15-20% |
| Leidos Security Detection & Automation | 12-18% |
| Nuctech Company Limited | 8-12% |
| CEIA SpA | 6-10% |
| Other Companies (combined) | 25-35% |
| Company Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Smiths Detection | Develops high-performance X-ray and millimeter-wave body scanners for aviation, transportation, and military applications. Focuses on AI-driven automated threat detection. |
| Rapiscan Systems (OSI Systems) | Specializes in checkpoint and baggage screening solutions with real-time threat recognition. Enhances security with deep learning algorithms. |
| Leidos Security Detection & Automation | Provides AI-enhanced security solutions for transportation, military, and public venues. Invests in automation for faster screening with minimal disruption. |
| Nuctech Company Limited | Offers X-ray and passive terahertz scanning technology for border security, customs, and critical infrastructure protection. Focuses on global expansion. |
| CEIA SpA | Designs advanced electromagnetic and millimeter-wave security screening systems, known for high sensitivity and low false alarm rates. |
Strategic Outlook
Smiths Detection (22-27%)
Smiths Detection is a market leader in the field of high-performance security screening solutions. Using advanced, AI-driven technology, the company commits more accurately to body scanners and threat detection without compromising passenger throughput. Its ongoing investment in millimeter-wave imaging and real-time data processing bolsters its leadership position in aviation and government security.
Rapiscan Systems (OSI Systems) (15-20%)
Rapiscan Systems also specializes in checkpoint, cargo and baggage screening solutions. Their AI-driven security detection technologies are being scaled to increase the speed of screening and the accuracy of detections. Its investment in deep learning and threat detection automation helps in meeting global security standards while improving effectiveness in busy areas.
Leidos Security Detection & Automation (12-18%)
Leidos is a big player in the security automation space, with an emphasis on AI-powered security screening systems in transportation hubs, defense, and event security. The company’s focus on integrating cloud-based threat intelligence with existing physical security infrastructure is a key differentiator. Leidos broads their partership relations with international defense agencies.
Nuctech Company Limited (8-12%)
The company relies on passive terahertz technology, X-ray scanners and trace detection methods and is one of the leaders in non-intrusive inspections systems through its defense arm - Nuctech. Its global expansion strategy provides border security, customs enforcement, and infrastructure protection. With its affordable automated scanning solution, the company is a rising competitor.
CEIA SpA (6-10%)
CEIA SpA is a leader in electromagnetic and millimeter-wave security screening technologies. CEIA's detection systems are also known for their high precision and low false alarm rates, and they have been widely adopted in airports, stadiums, and high-security government facilities. The continued investment in faster and more efficient scanning technologies.
Other Key Players (25-35% Combined)
Companies like Evolv Technology, Thruvision Group Plc, Rohde & Schwarz, Astrophysics Inc. and VOTI Detection Inc. specialize in AI-powered screening, thermal imaging, and real-time security analytics. The smaller companies add diversity to the market, as they build niche applications in the sectors of retail security, event screening, and customs enforcement. Continued market growth is driven by their innovations in touchless screening and high-speed threat detection.
In terms of Product, the segment is segregated into Millimeter Wave Body Scanners, X-ray Body Scanners, Terahertz Body Scanners and Metal Detectors.
In terms of Type, the segment is segregated into Mobile Concealed Weapon Detection Systems and Stationary Concealed Weapon Detection Systems.
In terms of Application, it is distributed into Transportation Infrastructure, Correctional Facilities, Stadium and Sports Arenas, Military and Defense, Theme Parks/Amusement Parks, Academic Institutions, Corporate Campuses and Others.
A regional analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Europe.
The Global Concealed Weapon Detection Systems industry is projected to witness CAGR of 12.6% between 2025 and 2035.
The Global Concealed Weapon Detection Systems industry stood at USD 873.2 million in 2025.
The Global Concealed Weapon Detection Systems industry is anticipated to reach USD 3,120.3 million by 2035 end.
South Asia & Pacific is set to record the highest CAGR of 13.9% in the assessment period.
The key players operating in the Global Concealed Weapon Detection Systems Industry Smiths Detection, Rapiscan Systems (OSI Systems), Leidos Security Detection & Automation, Nuctech Company Limited, CEIA SpA, Evolv Technology, Thruvision Group Plc, Rohde & Schwarz, Astrophysics Inc., VOTI Detection Inc.
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