Global CBRN Defense Industry

The Global CBRN Defense Industry is being shaped by a handful of influential players that are setting the benchmark for innovation, strategic readiness, and rapid response capability. As the demand for advanced CBRN solutions accelerates due to rising geopolitical conflicts, terrorist threats, and industrial hazards, the industry’s top companies are leading the charge through technological advancement, international collaborations, and robust government contracts.

The CBRN Defense Market is estimated at USD 16.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 21.4 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.8 % from 2023 to 2028. Governments, armed forces, and first responders employ defense measures to counter Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), and high yield explosives threats. At the forefront is Rheinmetall Defence (Germany), a key player with a strong foothold in military-grade CBRN protective systems, including detection units and decontamination solutions. Rheinmetall is known for its modular and mobile CBRN reconnaissance platforms, which are widely used by European defense forces and NATO allies.

Thales Group (France) plays a critical role in providing integrated command-and-control systems, early warning sensors, and high-performance protective gear. Thales leverages its deep expertise in defense electronics and cyber-physical systems to offer end-to-end CBRN protection, especially in the context of civil-military interoperability and homeland security.

Teledyne FLIR LLC (U.S.), formerly FLIR Systems, is a leader in advanced detection and imaging technology. The company’s CBRN portfolio includes handheld and vehicle-mounted chemical and radiological sensors, thermal imaging devices, and autonomous robotics for contaminated zone reconnaissance. Teledyne FLIR’s strength lies in its rugged, field-deployable solutions designed for real-time situational awareness.

Bruker Corporation (U.S.) specializes in high-precision detection systems and bioanalytical tools that are critical for rapid identification of chemical and biological agents. Their instruments are widely adopted by both military and civilian agencies for portable lab operations and forensic-level threat analysis.

Smiths Group PLC (UK), through its division Smiths Detection, delivers a comprehensive suite of CBRN detection and monitoring systems used in airport security, customs enforcement, and military operations. Their systems are renowned for scalability and AI-enhanced threat identification, especially in high-throughput environments.

Other notable players include Avon Protection (UK)—a major provider of military-grade respiratory protection like gas masks and SCBA units—and MSA Safety (U.S.), which focuses on personal protective equipment and detection systems tailored for emergency responders and hazardous work environments.

These companies are driving the market forward by investing heavily in R&D, product innovation, and strategic acquisitions. Their collaborations with defense ministries, public safety departments, and research labs have accelerated the deployment of smart, interoperable, and AI-integrated CBRN solutions worldwide.

As the global threat landscape continues to evolve, these industry leaders are not only defining the technological roadmap of the CBRN defense sector but also shaping global policies and preparedness standards. Their contributions are vital to ensuring that military and civil protection agencies are equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to current and emerging CBRN threats.