Automatic Liquid Explosives Detector Market Report 2026

The automatic liquid explosives detector market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.18 billion in 2025 to $1.29 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to adoption of automatic liquid explosives detectors in airports and high-security facilities, development of chemical identification units for non-invasive screening, deployment of analyzer and signal processor technologies for rapid detection, integration of threat detection terminals in passenger and baggage screening, implementation of system calibration, maintenance, and operator training programs.

The automatic liquid explosives detector market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.82 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for AI-enhanced and real-time threat monitoring detectors, expansion of integrated software analytics for improved detection accuracy, rising adoption of portable and modular inspection modules, focus on advanced chemical and spectral analysis technologies, increasing procurement for transportation hubs and critical infrastructure security. Major trends in the forecast period include growth in non-invasive explosive screening solutions, increased demand for high-throughput airport liquid screening, shift toward multimodal chemical detection capabilities, rising adoption of compact, field-deployable liquid explosive detectors, expansion of customization services for diverse security environments.

The growing terrorist threats and increasing sophistication of attacks are expected to drive the growth of the automatic liquid explosives detector market. Terrorist threats involve the risk of violent acts intended to create fear for political or ideological purposes, while attack sophistication refers to the rising complexity and planning behind such operations. This trend is fueled by greater access to advanced technologies, enabling extremist groups to execute more complex operations using increasingly effective weapons. Automatic liquid explosives detectors counter these threats by rapidly detecting and preventing liquid-based explosives, thereby enhancing security and mitigating the risk of concealed, high-risk attacks. For example, in February 2024, the Institute for Economics & Peace, an Australia-based think tank, reported in the Global Terrorism Index that terrorism-related deaths outside Afghanistan increased by 4% in 2023 compared to 2022. Consequently, rising terrorist threats and attack sophistication are fueling demand for automatic liquid explosives detectors.

Key companies in the automatic liquid explosives detector market are focusing on innovative solutions, such as advanced X-ray scanners leveraging X-ray Diffraction (XRD) technology, which improve material discrimination, enable faster and more accurate detection of threat liquids, reduce false alarms, and enhance overall airport security efficiency. XRD-based scanners identify substances based on their unique molecular or crystalline structures rather than solely on density or shape. For instance, in April 2024, Smiths Detection, a UK-based provider of threat detection and security screening technologies, launched the SDX 10060 XDi. This advanced X-ray scanner utilizes XRD technology for precise identification of powders, liquids, and solids, including homemade explosives and narcotics. The system automates the resolution of potential explosive alarms, enabling faster, more efficient, and highly secure screening for multi-level baggage and high-volume material handling operations.

In July 2024, Smiths Detection, headquartered in the UK and specializing in threat detection and security screening technology, initiated a partnership with Flughafen Zürich AG (Zurich Airport). This collaboration aims to upgrade the passenger screening process by piloting the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model S scanners - which can detect liquid explosives - alongside the iLane A20 ATRS automatic tray return system at two of the airport’s security lanes. Flughafen Zürich AG, which manages Zurich Airport in Switzerland, integrates these cutting-edge technologies to ensure a safer and smoother experience for travelers.

Major companies operating in the automatic liquid explosives detector market are Agilent Technologies Inc., Novatex Limited, Smiths Detection Group Ltd, NUCTECH Company Limited, Kromek Group Plc, MS Technologies Inc., Labtron Equipment Ltd., Westminster Group Plc, InsTech Netherlands B.V., Smart Wave Detectors, Costruzioni Elettroniche Industriali Automatismi SpA (CEIA S.p.A.), Sectus Technologies, AREL CO & HOLDINGS SAS, Hi-Tech Detection Systems (HTDS) Pvt Ltd., Kapri Corp, Securitaly Srl, Securina Detection System Co. Ltd., Ellen Safety Group, Shenzhen Zoan Gaoke Electronics Co. Ltd., Jotam.

North America was the largest region in the automatic liquid explosives detector market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the automatic liquid explosives detector 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 optical sensors, semiconductors, and detection modules have increased production costs and slowed the deployment of automatic liquid explosives detectors, particularly in regions dependent on imported components. Fixed and automated detection systems face the highest impact, especially in Europe and Asia-Pacific. Nevertheless, tariffs incentivize domestic manufacturing, encourage technological self-reliance, and promote regional innovation in liquid explosive detection technologies.

The automatic liquid explosives detectors market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides automatic liquid explosives detectors market statistics, including the automatic liquid explosives detectors industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the automatic liquid explosives detectors market share, detailed automatic liquid explosives detectors market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the automatic liquid explosives detectors industry. This automatic liquid explosives detectors 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.

An automatic liquid explosives detector is a specialized device used to detect explosive materials in liquid form without the need to open their containers. These devices utilize advanced technologies to rapidly and non-invasively assess the chemical composition of liquids, enhancing security by effectively screening carry-on items and preventing the transport of hazardous substances.

The primary product types of automatic liquid explosives detectors include portable detectors, fixed detectors, handheld detectors, and automated detection systems. Infrared spectroscopy operates by analyzing how substances absorb infrared light, causing molecular vibrations that are unique to each substance. The technologies used include infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and others. These are employed in a variety of settings, such as airport security screening, maritime security, border security, public venue security, and cargo and freight inspection. End-user industries encompass aviation security, military and defense, transportation and logistics, public safety and law enforcement, event management and security, and government agencies.

The countries covered in the automatic liquid explosives detector market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The automatic liquid explosives detector market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as real-time threat monitoring, system calibration and maintenance, integrated software analytics, operator training programs, and equipment customization support. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The automatic liquid explosives detector market includes sales of analyzer's, signal processors, threat detection terminals, chemical identification units, and inspection modules. 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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