Market Trends of UXO Detection Industry
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.
