Visiongain has published a new report entitled Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear (CBRN) Defence Market Report 2025-2035 (Including Impact of U.S. Trade Tariffs): Forecasts by Technology (Standalone Systems, Integrated Systems), by Deployment Mode (Fixed Installation, Mobile Units, Portable Devices), by Type (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear), by End-user (Defence & Military Forces, Homeland Security, Intelligence Agencies, Disaster Management Authorities, Police & Emergency Services), by Equipment (Detection & Monitoring Systems, Protective Wearables, Decontamination Systems, Simulation & Training Systems, Respiratory Protection, Other) AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies.

The global chemical, biological, radiological & nuclear (CBRN) defence market is estimated at US$20,283.3 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period 2025-2035.

Impact of US Trade Tariffs on the Global Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear (CBRN) Defence Market   

U.S. tariffs have significantly impacted the global Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defence market, introducing complexities that affect production costs, supply chains, and international collaborations. The imposition of tariffs on imports from key allies, including a 20% levy on European Union goods and 10% on imports from the UK and Australia, has disrupted the supply chains critical to American defence manufacturing. These measures have increased costs and delayed weapon production, potentially undermining international security partnerships and joint defence ventures like the F-35 fighter jet and the AUKUS submarine alliance. 

Major U.S. defence contractors, such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, have maintained their financial forecasts despite the uncertainty surrounding these tariffs. However, companies like RTX Corp (formerly Raytheon Technologies) have expressed concerns over potential profit losses due to tariffs on metals and trade tensions with China. The aerospace and defence industry faces increased costs, with companies warning of higher expenses resulting from the ongoing trade war. In summary, U.S. tariffs have introduced a mix of challenges and opportunities within the global CBRN defence market, affecting cost structures, supply chain dynamics, and international defence collaborations.

Driver

Technological Advancements in Detection and Decontamination Systems

The CBRN defence sector is undergoing rapid technological innovation, particularly in detection, identification, and neutralisation systems. Modern CBRN sensors are becoming more compact, faster, and network-integrated, enabling real-time threat response with minimal human intervention. Examples include the development of drone-based CBRN detection systems, AI-powered threat assessment platforms, and wearable sensors that can detect low-level chemical or biological agents on the battlefield or in civilian areas.

Noteworthy innovations:

• Smiths Detection launched its BioFlash® Biological Identifier, which is capable of near real-time identification of airborne biothreats.
• Battelle developed the REBS (Rapid Evaporative Ionisation Mass Spectrometry) technology to detect chemical agents with high specificity.
• Argon Electronics has developed advanced training simulators replicating real-life CBRN threats without using hazardous materials.

How will this Report Benefit you?

We believe strong opportunities exist in this fast-growing chemical, biological, radiological & nuclear (CBRN) defence market. This 428-page report provides 122 tables and 218 charts/graphs. Our new study is suitable for anyone requiring commercial, in-depth analyses for the chemical, biological, radiological & nuclear (CBRN) defence market, along with detailed segment analysis in the market. This will help you evaluate the overall global and regional market for chemical, biological, radiological & nuclear (CBRN) defence. Get financial analysis of the overall market and different segments, including technology, deployment mode, type, end-user and equipment, and capture a higher market share.

What are the Current Market Drivers?

Evolving Global Regulatory and Compliance Frameworks

Regulatory requirements have become more stringent across defence and homeland security domains, particularly after incidents such as the 2001 anthrax attacks in the U.S. and the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Governments now require standardised CBRN readiness, especially in NATO, the EU, and APAC countries.

The OPCW (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) and IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) also play pivotal roles in shaping the regulatory landscape, which compels defence contractors and suppliers to align with internationally accepted safety, testing, and operational standards.

• MSA Safety aligns its product development to meet OSHA and NFPA standards, gaining favour with civil defence and emergency response agencies.
• AirBoss Defence Group designs personal protective equipment that complies with global military and civil defence standards, enhancing market access.

Increased Civilian and Homeland Security Applications

CBRN defence is no longer confined only to military use. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the catastrophic potential of biological threats, prompting governments to integrate CBRN readiness into civilian infrastructure, particularly healthcare, transport, emergency services, and critical infrastructure protection.

Airport security, chemical plants, and large-scale events (e.g., Olympics, G7 Summits) now demand integrated CBRN monitoring systems. Additionally, emergency response units procure protective suits, portable detectors, and mobile decontamination units to manage incidents swiftly.

Leading players in this space:

• Drägerwerk AG provides protective equipment used by both military and civilian first responders.
• Honeywell International offers threat detection systems used in airports and border control.
• Bruker Corporation has expanded its civil-market solutions, including biological threat detection platforms used in hospitals and laboratories..

Where are the Market Opportunities?

Strategic Collaborations and Public-Private Partnerships

Governments increasingly recognise the need for public-private partnerships (PPPs) to build resilient CBRN ecosystems. By collaborating with private firms, research institutions, and international organisations, countries can accelerate innovation, pool resources, and ensure efficient procurement and deployment of CBRN solutions.

These partnerships are also essential for funding R&D, standardising response protocols, and developing interoperable technologies.

Examples of partnership-driven initiatives:

• The U.S. Department of Defence’s JPEO-CBRND routinely collaborates with companies like Leidos, Battelle, and General Dynamics on CBRN R&D.
• The European Defence Fund (EDF) provides financial support for multinational CBRN research projects.
• Saab AB has participated in NATO-sponsored joint development programs to harmonise detection capabilities across allied forces.

Emerging Markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa

Many countries in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and parts of Africa actively invest in national security modernisation, including CBRN capabilities. Rising regional tensions, increasing foreign investments in critical infrastructure, and growing awareness of unconventional threats are prompting governments to initiate new procurement and training programs.

These emerging markets represent significant growth opportunities for companies that can provide cost-effective, scalable, and localised solutions.

High-potential countries include:

• India, where the DRDO is expanding indigenous CBRN R&D and procurement.
• UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing in CBRN defence as part of broader homeland security and Vision 2030 initiatives.
• Nigeria and South Africa are improving CBRN response capacities in line with global health security agendas.

Competitive Landscape

The major players operating in the chemical, biological, radiological & nuclear (CBRN) defence market are Argon Electronics (UK) Ltd., Avon Protection, Battelle, Bruker Corporation, Chemring Group, Leidos Holdings Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Saab AB, Smiths Group plc, Teledyne FLIR LLC, Textron Inc., Thales Group, These major players operating in this market have adopted various strategies comprising M&A, collaborations, investment in R&D, regional business expansion, partnerships, and new product launch.

Recent Developments

• 05-May-25, Battelle announced the official launch of the Manufacturing Pathways Pilot program to develop and expand innovative manufacturing career pathways in public schools across Ohio. With support from the Walton Family Foundation, 10 grants totalling $1.76 million were awarded to support industry-aligned educational programs that will prepare students in 21 Ohio districts for in-demand careers in Ohio’s growing manufacturing sector.
• 30-Apr-25, Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall signed an extended MoU to establish a European centre of excellence for missile and rocket manufacturing. Based in Germany, the initiative aims to boost European defence capabilities and NATO readiness.
• 29-Apr-25, Textron Systems’ XM204 top-attack terrain shaping munition has successfully completed First Article Testing at Yuma Proving Ground. This milestone clears the system for production and delivery to support U.S. Army and allied counter-mobility operations.

Notes for Editors

If you would like a more detailed overview of this report, please email contactus@visiongain.com or call +44 207 336 6100.

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