UXO Detection Market

UXO Detection Market Analysis

The UXO Detection Market size is estimated at USD 3.15 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 6.17 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 14.42% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

UXOs pose a severe threat to human lives, environment, and infrastructure, especially in regions that have been affected by past wars and combats. As major countries like the US, China, India, etc., continue to increase their military spending, they are also investing more in the training and development of their troops. However, every year, there are incidents of explosives and ammunition misfiring, which pose a significant threat to the lives of soldiers working in training fields and firing ranges. As a result, there is a growing demand for UXO detection solutions worldwide.

However, the high cost and complexity of UXO detection systems and services are significant barriers to their adoption and deployment. These systems require sophisticated equipment, software, and trained personnel to operate them effectively. The services also involve high risks and liabilities for the providers and clients. Such factors may hamper the growth of the market.

Furthermore, the growth of the UXO detection market worldwide is significantly driven by the increase in military technology development aimed at protecting the lives of troops in active combat zones. Various technologies, such as AI and detection through drones, are being used to enhance detectors' scanning efficiency. Such factors are expected to affect the market offerings of key players.

UXO Detection Market Trends

Hardware Segment To Exhibit The Highest Growth Rate During the Forecast Period

The increasing demand for UXO detection systems in the military sectors is creating a need for more hardware devices and equipment that can effectively detect and identify different types of UXO, such as landmines, bombs, shells, grenades, rockets, etc.

Many developing economies, such as India, China, etc., are investing in the development and acquisition of UXO detection systems owing to the increase in border skirmishes, which often lead to fire exchanges between countries and leave several unexploded ordinances in border residential areas. This significantly increases the demand for magnetic imagery systems, side scans, multi-beam and acoustic scanning systems, 3D scanning systems, etc.

Additionally, the UXO detection market is expected to witness further growth and innovation in the coming years as new technologies and solutions emerge to address the growing demand and challenges of UXO detection. For instance, in February 2023, Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) unveiled its new Improvised Explosive Devises (IED) and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) finding Multi-sensor Detection System (MDS) solution.

Furthermore, military programs, such as the US-backed Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) for European and Eurasian regions, are also significantly driving the technological innovations and system development and procurement for large-scale detection and disposal of unexploded ordinances from wars and conflicts of the past. For instance, in 2022, the US supported conventional weapons destruction activities in more than 65 countries and areas with more than USD 376 million.

North America to Dominate Market Share During the Forecast Period

The US has actively deployed troops in combat-affected regions such as the Middle East and Africa. It provides advanced UXO detection solutions to its allies and their armed forces deployed in Europe and the Asia-Pacific. For instance, in April 2023, the US Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs announced that the US has remained the world’s single most prominent financial supporter of conventional weapons destruction since 1993. It has invested more than USD 4.6 billion for the safe clearance of landmines and explosive weapons of war, as well as the securing and safe disposal of excess small arms and light weapons and munitions in more than 120 countries and areas.

Additionally, to cater to the demand driven by these UXO detection and clearing activities, the US Army is significantly investing in various UXO detection and clearing suites to ensure the safety of its military personnel. For instance, in October 2023, QinetiQ US was awarded a 5-year IDIQ contract to deliver the Next Generation Advanced Bomb Suit (NGABS) for Product Manager Soldier Protective Equipment (PM SPE) to the US Army for USD 84 million. Under this contract, QinetiQ US will deliver over 700 NGABS suits to the US Army, providing enhanced protection to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) for its soldiers in daily operations to identify, render safe, and dispose of improvised explosives.

Furthermore, Canada's Department Of National Defence is also involved in clearing the UXOs spread across the country due to military training activities. For instance, in May 2023, Canada's Department Of National Defence announced that it had resumed its UXO clearance work at the former Tracadie range to ensure it remains safe for recreational activities. To ensure former military sites remain safe for Canadians, DND regularly assesses these areas for UXO. Overall, the developments mentioned above are expected to positively propel the growth of the UXO detection market in the region during the forecast period.

UXO Detection Industry Overview

The UXO detection market is fragmented, with several players, such as Vallon GmbH, FOERSTER Holding GmbH, GEM Systems, Inc., Seequent (Bentley Systems Incorporated), and Dynasafe Demil Systems AB, holding the larger market share.

The UXO detection market is expected to grow in revenue in the coming years. This is largely due to governments' increased spending on defense and security worldwide. As countries continue to invest in their military capabilities, there is a corresponding need for UXO detection technologies to ensure the safety of military personnel and civilians in areas affected by conflict.

UXO Detection Market Leaders

UXO Detection Market News

• April 2023: The US Department of State announced that it is funding the Government of Ukraine to strengthen its demining and explosive ordnance disposal capacity, as the Government of Ukraine claims that nearly 160,000 square kilometers of its land may have been contaminated by Russia’s invasion. Also, from FY 1994 to FY2022, it invested more than USD 158.5 million in conventional weapons destruction in Angola.
• July 2022: General Dynamics European Land Systems awarded Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) a contract as the main supplier for the PIRANHA IV vehicle's military engineering attachments. Under the contract, GCS will provide GDELS-Mowag with all front-mounted attachments for the PIRANHA IV vehicles.