Concealed Weapons Detection (CWD) Market Report 2026

The concealed weapons detection (cwd) market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $2.09 billion in 2025 to $2.3 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing deployment of CWD systems in airports and transportation hubs to address rising security threats, early adoption of millimeter wave and infrared imaging technologies for non-intrusive screening, expansion of security infrastructure in public venues such as stadiums and schools, growing demand for integrated detection consoles to streamline operator workflows, advancements in electromagnetic sensing technologies improving concealed item detection accuracy.

The concealed weapons detection (cwd) market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.3 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising adoption of AI-enabled analytics for automated threat identification and reduced false alarms, expanding installation of cwd systems in commercial buildings and smart-city security networks, increasing demand for portable and rapid-deployment detection solutions for event security, regulatory emphasis on enhanced public safety standards driving investments in advanced screening technologies, continuous innovation in multi-sensor fusion systems for real-time, high-precision concealed weapons detection. Major trends in the forecast period include growing adoption of non-intrusive screening, rising need for rapid, contactless detection solutions, expansion of cwd in schools and hospitals, increased demand for multi-technology scanning portals, growth in portable cwd units for event security.

The increasing incidents of terrorism and violence are expected to drive the growth of the concealed weapons detection (CWD) market. These incidents involve deliberate unlawful aggression or threats aimed at creating fear, causing harm, or achieving political, ideological, or religious goals. Political instability contributes to the rise in terrorism and violence by weakening government control, fostering lawlessness, and enabling extremist groups to recruit, operate, and expand their influence. Concealed weapons detection helps prevent such acts by allowing early identification of hidden weapons in public spaces, improving threat mitigation, response times, and civilian protection. For example, in March 2025, the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), an independent non-profit think tank based in Australia, reported that global terrorism deaths remained steady in 2024, while antisemitic incidents in the United States increased by 200% compared to the previous year. This rise in terrorism and violence is therefore driving demand for concealed weapons detection systems.

Leading companies in the concealed weapons detection market are focusing on innovations such as advanced weapons detection systems to enhance public safety, improve threat identification accuracy, and streamline security screening processes. A weapons detection system is an integrated security technology designed to detect and alert authorities to the presence of concealed or visible weapons, such as firearms or knives, using methods like X-ray scanning, metal detection, millimeter-wave imaging, or AI-powered threat recognition. For example, in December 2024, Athena Security, a US-based security company, launched a workforce multiplier that integrates AI-powered X-ray scanning technology with concealed weapons detection. This system allows a single operator to efficiently manage both platforms, swiftly and accurately identifying guns and knives inside bags. The AI X-ray scanner automatically detects potential threats, significantly reducing false alarms and minimizing human error. Alerts from both the weapons detection system and the AI X-ray scanner are consolidated and displayed on the operator’s tablet, providing a comprehensive view of potential threats.

In August 2023, SoundThinking Inc., a US-based security company, acquired SafePointe LLC for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enables SoundThinking to expand its public safety technology portfolio by integrating SafePointe’s intelligent concealed weapons detection systems. The integration aims to provide more secure, low-profile, and frictionless screening in busy environments such as schools, hospitals, and public venues to proactively address rising threats and improve situational awareness. SafePointe LLC is a US-based company specializing in artificial intelligence-based concealed weapons detection systems designed for high-throughput facilities.

Major companies operating in the concealed weapons detection (cwd) market are Leidos Inc., Guangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd., Motorola Solutions Inc., Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG, QinetiQ Group plc, Smiths Detection Inc., Nuctech Company Limited, Astrophysics Inc., CEIA USA Ltd., Kromek Group plc, Autoclear LLC, Thruvision Group plc, IPVideo Corporation, Athena Security Solutions Private Limited, CEIA S.p.A., Patriot One Technologies Inc., The Tutelare Corporation, TeraSense Group Inc., Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd., Garrett Metal Detectors Inc.

North America was the largest region in the concealed weapons detection (CWD) market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the concealed weapons detection (cwd) market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs on imaging sensors, electronic components, semiconductors, and communication modules have increased production and integration costs for concealed weapons detection systems, particularly for millimeter-wave, infrared, and multi-technology portals. Import-dependent regions face extended lead times and price escalations, especially in transportation and public infrastructure deployments. At the same time, tariffs have motivated domestic manufacturing expansion, localized supplier partnerships, and innovation in cost-efficient detection technologies.

The concealed weapons detection (CWD) systems market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides concealed weapons detection (CWD) systems market statistics, including the concealed weapons detection (CWD) systems industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the concealed weapons detection (CWD) systems market share, detailed concealed weapons detection (CWD) systems market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the concealed weapons detection (CWD) systems industry. This concealed weapons detection (CWD) systems market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

Concealed Weapons Detection (CWD) involves the use of sensors, imaging technologies, or analytical techniques to non-invasively identify hidden firearms, knives, explosives, or other hazardous items. Its purpose is to enhance security and prevent threats in public areas such as airports, schools, stadiums, and transit hubs.

The primary types of concealed weapons detection (CWD) systems include hand-held and walk-through models. Hand-held devices are portable tools designed for rapid scanning and identification of concealed weapons during security checks. These systems can be deployed as fixed installations, portable units, or mobile platforms, often integrated into existing security setups. Technologies employed include metal detectors, X-ray imaging, microwave and terahertz scanning, and video analytics. They find application in transportation centers, government and public buildings, hotels, event venues, corporate offices, and more, serving end users such as government agencies, law enforcement, transportation authorities, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and private security companies.

The countries covered in the concealed weapons detection (cwd) market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The concealed weapons detection (CWD) market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as system installation and integration, real-time threat alert and notification services, routine maintenance and system upgrades, and training and operational support for security staff. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The concealed weapons detection (CWD) market also includes sales of millimeter wave scanners, infrared thermal cameras, electromagnetic field sensors, and touchscreen control panels and operator consoles. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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