Exciting and promising new technologies are being created to detect and monitor chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) threats. In the modern day, CBRNE risks are ever-increasing, and mitigating these risks is essential to the survival of humanity. Threats are being deployed with greater complexity, demanding a comprehensive, multi-layered response from government bodies and institutions.
Time and money are being funneled into timely and accurate systems for the detection of CBRNE. The market for the monitoring of these hazards is set to reach heights of $25.4 billion by 2027, and R&D efforts are expanding yearly. With growth projected at 5.9% CAGR, BCC Research will be examining the various end uses for the surveillance and monitoring of CBRNE hazards.
Defending the military from CBRNE threats
The military requires thorough and continuous defense against CBRNE threats. From walk-through metal detectors to portable scanners for cargo and vehicles, the military requires wide-ranging, fully integrated security solutions.
Potentially lethal chemical and biological warfare agents pose the biggest threat. The use of chemicals as a weapon of war has increased dramatically, and to counter this threat, advanced integrated sensing technologies have been developed. The advancement of such technology allows these defense technologies to be packaged as small, highly sensitive personal protection devices. It’s paramount that such equipment is incredibly easy to use with minimal incidence of false detection. In life-and-death situations, accuracy and ease of access are features as important as the device’s capacity to detect threats.
The strength, versatility, and effectiveness of the military’s defense is of the utmost importance. For example: metal detectors must be fully weatherproof, multi-zone, and walk-through. They must perform in harsh climates and remote locations, from tundra to tropics to scorching deserts. Detectors must be highly sensitive to explosives, narcotics, ceramic weapons, knives, and firearms.
It goes without saying that having effective CBRNE equipment is vital to the military’s defense strategy. It’s this demand that is driving the military segment of the global CBRNE equipment market to reach $12.3 billion by 2027, with expansion at a CAGR of 5.3%.
The protection of critical infrastructure
Nations are built upon efficient, reliable and leading-edge public infrastructure. Historic buildings, sports stadiums, post offices, water supply systems, and embassy buildings are vital to the daily lives of everyday citizens. Such institutions play a key role in:
- Keeping the economy operating
- Aiding the flow of goods
- Providing consistent access to energy and clean water
- Safeguarding food supplies and public health services
- Ensuring the reliability of communications and data services
Given the importance of such infrastructure, providing adequate protection is a key element of homeland security. Be it gas detectors, screening checkpoints, CCTV, or X-rays – such equipment helps ensure the smooth running of society.
Security for airplane and rail passengers
Protecting airports and flight passengers from acts of terror presents unique security challenges. Decent detection can act as a deterrent and eliminate threats in and around airports, as well as onboard aircraft. Principal technologies like trace detection and X-ray screening – plus new advancements in millimeter waves and nanosensors – have resulted in systems that can detect high-risk items inside baggage or on passengers themselves.
It's important for security systems within airports to accommodate the dual needs of security and economic efficiency. Every security concern must be adequately addressed and dealt with through leading image quality, low false-alarm rates, and excellent dependability. Not only must the systems identify concealed threats and contraband items such as explosives, narcotics, ceramic weapons, knives and firearms, but they must also provide speedy processing while protecting passenger privacy.
Rail industries also face significant challenges in providing secure public transport. The systems are open, meaning security is less vigilant than in airplanes. There is no access control or seat assignment, making it difficult to monitor and prevent threats. CCTV cameras and random passenger checks using handheld equipment are key strategies used to ensure the safety of rail and subway passengers.
A global calamity occurs rarely but has far-reaching and catastrophic consequences. The Covid-19 pandemic, occurring 100 years after the outbreak of Spanish Influenza, claimed the lives of almost 50 million people globally and represented the most recent global disaster.
Over the course of the pandemic, people all over the world experienced a range of disruptions similar to those of a biological disaster. From the personal tragedies and fatalities to the halting of global production and consumption, the consequences were severe.
It became clear that no amount of planning can fully avert the crises caused by a biological disaster. Given the widespread damage caused, biological disasters should receive the most urgent attention. But the impossibility of predicting the occurrence of pandemics and other biological threats makes such risks tricky to mitigate.
Surveillance and Monitoring of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Hazards
BCC Research’s recent report evaluates the technologies and developments in the market. The past few years have witnessed enormous advances, with equipment moving steadily towards a “one size fits all” approach. Our research offers unrivaled analysis of the vital industry and provides a specialist insight into the performance of the market in the coming years.
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