The global handheld counter IED market size was estimated at USD 3.25 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 5.39 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is largely driven by the increasing prevalence of global insurgencies and asymmetric warfare, which have heightened the need for portable threat detection solutions.

The rise in asymmetric conflicts and insurgency-driven violence has notably boosted the demand for handheld counter-IED systems. Non-state groups and terrorist organizations are increasingly using low-cost, improvised explosive devices to target military personnel and civilians alike. These threats are especially common in unstable regions such as the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Africa, where military forces frequently encounter unpredictable and dangerous IED attacks.

In response, governments and military forces are focusing on equipping their personnel with rapid-deployment, portable detection tools. Handheld counter-IED devices enable users to quickly scan suspicious objects, vehicles, and areas in real time, which helps reduce reaction times and enhances safety for troops and civilians operating in high-risk environments.

Key Market Trends & Insights:

• In 2024, North America held a significant portion of the handheld counter-IED market, accounting for 38.1% of the total global market share. Within this region, the United States stood out as the dominant player in the handheld counter-IED industry, maintaining a leading position throughout the year.

• When looking at the market by product type, the portable detectors segment emerged as the largest contributor, capturing 47.6% of the market share in 2024. This highlights the preference and demand for easily transportable devices that can be deployed quickly in various field conditions.

• Regarding detection technologies, the electromagnetic field detection segment led the market by holding the largest share in 2024. This technology is favored for its effectiveness in identifying hidden explosive devices through the detection of disturbances in electromagnetic fields.

• By application, the military sector dominated the handheld counter-IED market in 2024, underscoring the critical role these systems play in defense operations to counteract threats posed by improvised explosive devices on the battlefield.

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Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 3.25 Billion

• 2033 Projected Market Size: USD 5.39 Billion

• CAGR (2025-2033): 6.0%

• North America: Largest market in 2024

• Asia Pacific: Fastest market in 2024

Key Companies & Market Share Insights:

Several key companies are leading the handheld counter-IED market, including Chemring Group PLC, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Smiths Detection, FLIR Systems, and others. To strengthen their competitive position and broaden their market presence, these major players are actively engaging in strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions, and forming partnerships with defense contractors, law enforcement agencies, and research institutions. These collaborations allow companies to advance their technological offerings by integrating features like multi-sensor systems, AI-powered threat analysis, and real-time communication capabilities into their handheld devices.

Chemring Group PLC is a notable participant in the handheld counter-IED market, providing sophisticated explosive detection and electronic countermeasure technologies designed specifically for defense and security purposes. With a strong background in military-grade sensing solutions, Chemring’s handheld devices are engineered to identify a broad spectrum of threats, including buried improvised explosive devices (IEDs), command-wire triggered devices, and pressure plate triggers.

L3Harris Technologies Inc. distinguishes itself in the handheld counter-IED market through its cutting-edge sensor fusion and portable detection technologies. Drawing on its extensive expertise in aerospace, defense, and tactical communications, L3Harris offers compact, high-sensitivity handheld products such as the Fido series, which facilitate quick and precise detection of trace explosives, thereby enhancing operational effectiveness in threat environments.

Key Players

• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

• Chemring Group PLC

• Smiths Detection

• FLIR Systems

• Raytheon Technologies

• Lockheed Martin Corporation

• Northrop Grumman Corporation

• Thales Group

• BAE Systems PLC

• Elbit Systems Ltd

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Conclusion:

The handheld counter-IED market is experiencing strong growth driven by increasing global insurgency and asymmetric warfare. Rising threats from improvised explosive devices used by non-state actors and terrorists are prompting governments and armed forces to prioritize portable, rapid-response detection technologies. Advances in sensor integration, AI, and real-time communication are enhancing the effectiveness of handheld counter-IED systems, supporting improved safety and operational efficiency in volatile regions.