Market Trends of North America Border Systems Industry
Land Platform to Dominate Market Share During the Forecast Period
The land segment holds the largest market share in the North American border security market, primarily due to its critical role in addressing various security challenges related to illegal immigration, smuggling, and other cross-border threats. Land-based border security solutions encompass diverse technologies and infrastructure, including physical barriers, surveillance systems, and advanced sensors.
The vast and varied topography of North America's land borders, shared between the US and Canada and the US-Mexico border, necessitates a comprehensive and adaptable approach to security. Governments in the region have prioritized investments in advanced technologies such as ground-based radar systems, infrared cameras, and integrated command and control centers. The need for real-time monitoring and rapid response capabilities further drives the demand for land-based border security solutions. Enhanced situational awareness and the ability to deploy resources effectively contribute to the prominence of the land segment in the overall market, reflecting a strategic focus on securing terrestrial borders in North America.
In June 2021, the Canada Border Services Agency invited 15 companies to submit proposals as the agency attempts to set up an Office for biometrics and identity management to develop and implement a strategy for biometrics to deal with border issues. In 2021, Canada’s government earmarked USD 542 million in investment in facial recognition and other technologies by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) in its 2021 annual budget. Similarly, in February 2022, the US General Services Administration sanctioned USD 187 million in funding for the design and construction of the ALCAN Border Station. The new station will consolidate primary and secondary inspection areas and shield US Customs and Border Protection personnel from extreme weather.
United States is Anticipated to Dominate the Market During the Forecast Period
The US has the largest defense budget in the world, and a significant portion of that is spent on developing border security solutions. The US has increased its spending on technological research and development. The rapid deployment of advanced systems for coastal patrol and surveillance is significantly driving the growth of the country's market. The US Coast Guard is developing new laser technology and enhancing its existing ones. The Coast Guard - Hailing Acoustic Laser-Light Tactical System (CG-HALLTS) is a tripod-mounted device with very focused acoustic capabilities through which communication can be established between long distances, and it can also act as an eye-safe dazzling laser for suspect boats, ships, and vessels.
The US is currently operating several drone surveillance missions alongside its border with Mexico to curb the illegal entry of immigrants, smugglers, and traffickers. Drones and UAVs are presently being used with sensors and AI to perform operations, such as aerial-based thermal imaging and facial recognition. Opto-electronics and thermal imaging technology are also witnessing developments in areas such as weatherproof operations, and this factor is significantly propelling the growth of the border security systems market in the US.
For instance, in April 2021, Leidos Holdings Inc. was awarded a USD 480 million contract by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to provide multi-energy portal (MEP) systems for nonintrusive inspections of commercial vehicles at land and sea entry ports. The award includes a base period of five years and options of up to 10 years if exercised. The MEP systems will be deployed to existing vehicle inspection sites across the US. Under this contract, Leidos will integrate and deploy its vehicle and cargo inspection system MEP with a low-energy backscatter and high-energy transmission cargo inspection system.
