Security Screening Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast Segmented By Detection Technology (X-ray, CT-based, Neutron Sensing and Detection), By End User (Airports, Ports and Borders, Defense, Critical Infrastructure, Commercial and Law Enforcement), By Application (Mail and Parcel, Baggage Scanning, Cargo and Vehicle Inspection), Region, By Competition Forecast, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 9.45 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	7.71%
Fastest Growing Segment	X-ray
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 14.76 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Security Screening Market will grow from USD 9.45 Billion in 2025 to USD 14.76 Billion by 2031 at a 7.71% CAGR. The Global Security Screening Market comprises advanced inspection systems and technologies designed to detect illicit items, such as weapons, explosives, and contraband, across transit hubs, border crossings, and critical infrastructure. The primary drivers propelling this market include the escalating necessity for rigorous counter-terrorism measures, stringent government safety regulations, and the substantial resurgence in international travel and trade which demands efficient processing throughput. Illustrating this robust recovery in mobility, according to the International Air Transport Association, in 2024, total full-year global passenger traffic rose by 10.4% compared to the previous year.

However, a significant challenge that may impede widespread market expansion is the high capital and operational expenditure required for procuring and maintaining these complex detection systems. These financial obligations place a substantial burden on smaller regional airports and transport authorities in developing nations, often delaying the necessary upgrades to modern screening infrastructure and potentially limiting the adoption of next-generation security capabilities.

Key Market Drivers

The rapid expansion of aviation and transportation infrastructure creates a critical demand for scalable security solutions to manage increasing passenger volumes. As airports and transit authorities expand terminal capacities, they are heavily investing in modernizing security checkpoints to prevent bottlenecks and ensure seamless flow. This infrastructure growth compels facility operators to integrate automated screening lanes and integrated management platforms that can sustain high throughput without compromising safety standards. This investment trend is clearly reflected in recent industry expenditure patterns. According to SITA, February 2025, in the '2024 Air Transport IT Insights' report, global airport IT spending was estimated to reach nearly $9 billion in 2024, demonstrating a prioritized shift towards digitalizing operations and fortifying security infrastructure.

Concurrently, technological advancements in AI-based threat detection are transforming the capabilities of inspection hardware. The transition from conventional X-ray systems to Computed Tomography (CT) scanners equipped with artificial intelligence algorithms allows for precise, 3D volumetric analysis of baggage, significantly reducing false alarm rates and the need for manual inspections. These developments are essential for identifying complex threats that traditional systems might miss. For instance, according to Smiths Detection, May 2025, in the 'Smiths Detection Awarded Contract to Provide Checkpoint Screening Technology for Dubai International Airport' press release, the company secured an agreement to deploy its AI-powered HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model-S systems across all terminals at Dubai International Airport to enhance threat identification. The urgency for such advanced detection capabilities is underscored by the persistent volume of prohibited items; according to the Transportation Security Administration, in 2025, officers intercepted 6,678 firearms at airport security checkpoints across the United States during the previous year.

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Key Market Challenges

The high capital and operational expenditure required for procuring and maintaining detection systems serves as a substantial restraint on the Global Security Screening Market. Modern screening technologies, including computed tomography baggage scanners and automated screening lanes, demand significant upfront financial outlays that extend beyond the initial hardware purchase to include facility retrofitting, systems integration, and specialized staff training. For many transport authorities and regional airports, these costs create a prohibitive barrier to entry, forcing them to prolong the use of legacy equipment rather than upgrading to newer, more efficient standards. This hesitation to invest directly reduces the procurement volume for manufacturers and slows the deployment of advanced security layers globally.

Furthermore, the financial strain on aviation infrastructure operators limits their liquidity for discretionary technology upgrades. The necessity to balance operational budgets with regulatory compliance often results in the deferment of security modernization projects. Highlighting this immense financial pressure, according to Airports Council International (ACI) World, in 2025, the global airport sector faces a requirement of approximately US$2.4 trillion in total capital investment by 2040 to adequately address long-term capacity and infrastructure needs. This colossal funding requirement compels many operators to allocate resources strictly to essential structural maintenance, thereby diverting funds away from the acquisition of new security screening apparatus and hampering overall market growth.

Key Market Trends

The implementation of touchless and seamless biometric authentication systems is revolutionizing passenger processing by replacing physical documentation with single-token digital identities. This trend prioritizes the creation of a contactless journey where facial recognition and fingerprint scanning verify traveler identity at checkpoints, significantly mitigating congestion and hygiene concerns. The adoption of these identity management solutions is accelerating rapidly as travelers increasingly value speed and convenience over traditional manual checks. Demonstrating this shift in passenger behavior, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), November 2025, in the '2025 Global Passenger Survey', 50% of travelers reported having utilized biometric identification during their journey, a substantial increase from the previous year, with satisfaction levels among users reaching 85%.

Concurrently, there is a marked proliferation of advanced screening solutions in mass transit and public venues, driven by the need to secure soft targets without disrupting daily operations. Unlike the aviation sector's stop-and-search model, these environments require high-throughput, free-flow detection technologies that can screen large crowds for weapons in real-time. This expansion is evident in the education and events sectors, where AI-driven sensors are being deployed to automatically differentiate between personal items and threats. Highlighting the scale of this deployment in the education sector, according to Forbes, December 2025, in the 'AI Bathroom Monitors? Welcome To America's New Surveillance High Schools' article, Evolv Technology’s AI-based screening systems now screen over 850,000 school visitors every day across the United States, underscoring the growing reliance on automated threat detection outside of traditional airport environments.

Segmental Insights

The X-ray segment is positioned as the fastest-growing category within the Global Security Screening Market, driven by the widespread transition from conventional 2D scanning to Computed Tomography (CT) technology. This rapid expansion is propelled by stringent safety mandates from regulatory authorities, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the European Commission, which now require advanced 3D imaging standards for carry-on baggage. These upgrades are essential for detecting complex threats like liquid explosives while improving checkpoint efficiency. Consequently, the global initiative to modernize airport infrastructure with compliant X-ray systems is generating substantial market demand.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a leading position in the global security screening market due to stringent government regulations and heightened safety concerns regarding critical infrastructure. The Transportation Security Administration mandates rigorous standards for passenger and cargo inspection, compelling airports and border authorities to adopt compliant screening technologies. This strict regulatory framework ensures consistent demand for security systems across the United States and Canada. Additionally, substantial government funding toward counter-terrorism measures and border protection further solidifies the region as the primary market for security screening solutions.

Recent Developments

• In February 2025, Leidos entered into a strategic partnership with the software company SeeTrue to enhance security screening capabilities at airports and customs checkpoints. This collaboration focused on integrating SeeTrue’s specialized artificial intelligence algorithms into Leidos’ ClearScan computed tomography (CT) scanners to improve the automatic detection of prohibited items such as narcotics and currency. The initiative utilized an open architecture approach to accelerate the deployment of threat detection software, aiming to optimize operational efficiency and passenger processing. By combining hardware with specific AI software, the companies sought to address evolving security threats across global aviation and critical infrastructure sectors.
• In November 2024, the operator of Frankfurt Airport, Fraport AG, awarded a contract to Rohde & Schwarz for the installation of 100 new security scanners across its terminals. The agreement involved the deployment of the R&S QPS201 model, which utilizes millimeter-wave technology and artificial intelligence to detect concealed threats while maintaining high passenger throughput. These scanners were selected to modernize the airport’s security checkpoints over a three-year period. The technology allows for a more efficient screening process by identifying prohibited items without requiring passengers to remove outer layers of clothing, thereby enhancing both security standards and the traveler experience at the aviation hub.
• In September 2024, OSI Systems, through its security division, secured a contract valued at approximately $26 million from an international customer to support border operations. The agreement entailed providing comprehensive maintenance services and operator training for an existing fleet of Rapiscan cargo and vehicle inspection systems utilized at various port and border crossings. This contract highlighted the continued demand for the company’s non-intrusive inspection technologies in securing global supply chains and infrastructure. The commitment ensured the sustained operational readiness of the customer's screening equipment, reflecting the company's focus on delivering long-term support and service solutions to government agencies worldwide.
• In April 2024, Smiths Detection launched the SDX 10060 XDi, a scanner incorporating X-ray Diffraction (XRD) technology designed to improve material discrimination in security screening. This system was engineered to identify substances based on their molecular structure, enabling the precise detection of specific threats such as homemade explosives and narcotics, even those with densities similar to non-threat items. The scanner was developed for high-volume environments, including airport baggage handling and parcel processing facilities. By automating the resolution of alarms and reducing the need for manual inspections, the technology aimed to increase operational efficiency and detection accuracy for security operators globally.

Key Market Players

• Smiths Group plc
• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
• Rapiscan Systems Inc.
• Leidos Holdings, Inc.
• Garrett Electronics, Inc.
• Nuctech Company Limited
• OSI Systems, Inc.
• Autoclear, LLC
• CEIA S.p.A.
• Analogic Corporation

By Detection Technology	By End User	By Application	By Region
X-ray CT-based Neutron Sensing and Detection	Airports Ports and Borders Defense Critical Infrastructure Commercial and Law Enforcement	Mail and Parcel Baggage Scanning Cargo and Vehicle Inspection	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Security Screening Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Security Screening Market, By Detection Technology:

• X-ray
• CT-based
• Neutron Sensing and Detection

• Security Screening Market, By End User:

• Airports
• Ports and Borders
• Defense
• Critical Infrastructure
• Commercial and Law Enforcement

• Security Screening Market, By Application:

• Mail and Parcel
• Baggage Scanning
• Cargo and Vehicle Inspection

• Security Screening Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE