X-ray Security Screening Market (2026 - 2033)

X-ray Security Screening Market Summary

The global X-ray security screening market was valued at USD 4.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 4.5 billion in 2026 to USD 8.2 billion in 2033, at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2026 to 2033. North America dominated the market, accounting for a revenue share of 33.0% in 2025. The market growth can be attributed to the rising security concerns, including criminal activities and potential threats, along with the increasing deployment of X-ray screening systems to detect weapons, contraband, and other prohibited items in people, baggage, cargo, and parcels.

Source: Grand View Research, IR Documents, Primary Interviews, Paid Databases

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The X-ray security screening industry has evolved rapidly, with the integration of advanced technologies making screening systems more efficient, accurate, and user-friendly. These developments have expanded the application base of X-ray security screening systems beyond traditional industrial settings. Advancements in hardware components, including detectors, X-ray sources, and imaging systems, along with continuous software enhancements, have significantly improved threat detection capabilities and operational efficiency. The ongoing modernization and replacement of legacy screening infrastructure continue to create growth opportunities for industry participants. For instance, in January 2026, London Heathrow Airport completed the deployment of Smiths Detection's HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX 3D X-ray scanners across all passenger terminals as part of its airport modernization program, enabling passengers to keep liquids and electronic devices in their carry-on baggage while enhancing screening efficiency and threat detection capabilities.

To strengthen security against terrorism, smuggling, and other criminal activities, advanced X-ray security screening technologies have been increasingly deployed alongside conventional security measures such as manual inspections and metal detectors. However, concerns about radiation exposure, stringent regulatory requirements, and the high costs of advanced screening systems may restrain market growth. In addition, the installation and maintenance costs of sophisticated screening equipment can create challenges for end users with limited budgets. Such factors could hinder the growth of the X-ray security screening industry during the forecast period.

The expansion of airports and other commercial infrastructure, combined with increasing security threats, remains a key driver of growth in the X-ray security screening industry. Inadequate security measures across transportation hubs and public facilities continue to increase the risk of illegal and terrorist activities, driving demand for advanced screening technologies. Body scanners, baggage scanners, and cargo inspection systems play a critical role in detecting weapons, explosives, contraband, and other prohibited items. Furthermore, governments and airport authorities continue to invest heavily in modern screening infrastructure. For instance, in June 2025, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) deployed CT X-ray technology at Halifax Stanfield International Airport as part of its nationwide screening modernization program. Similarly, in December 2025, CATSA expanded CT X-ray deployment at Edmonton International Airport, underscoring the growing global demand for advanced X-ray security screening technologies.

Analyst Perspective

The global X-ray security screening market is transitioning from conventional checkpoint security systems to intelligent, technology-driven screening ecosystems that enhance threat detection, operational efficiency, and passenger experience. Market growth is being driven by growing concerns about terrorism, trafficking, smuggling, and other criminal activities, as well as rising investments in airport modernization and the protection of critical infrastructure worldwide. The adoption of advanced technologies such as computed tomography (CT), artificial intelligence (AI), biometrics, and automated image analysis is significantly improving screening accuracy, throughput, and decision-making capabilities. In addition, the expansion of airports, seaports, railway stations, and large-scale commercial infrastructure projects, particularly across emerging economies, is creating substantial growth opportunities for industry participants. Although high deployment costs, system integration complexities, and regulatory requirements may pose challenges, continuous technological innovation and sustained government investments in security infrastructure are expected to support strong market growth over the coming years.

End-use Insights

The government segment accounted for over 45.0% of the market in 2025. The widespread use of security screenings by governments and law enforcement agencies to enhance security drives growth in the X-ray screening security industry. Governments and private organizations are aggressively investing in security solutions owing to rising incidences of terrorist activities. Security checks and surveillance are major concerns in government buildings, such as courthouses, parliament houses, and public banks. Furthermore, government agencies continue to install several security devices, such as X-ray security scanners, handheld detectors, metal detectors, and biometrics systems. These factors have created robust demand for X-ray screening security systems in securing public infrastructure during the forecast period.

The transit segment is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of approximately 9.0% during the forecast period. Segment growth can be attributed to an increase in the number of passengers worldwide and ongoing efforts to adopt security measures to ensure the safety of citizens and global travelers. This is expected to drive the demand for X-ray security screening in the transit sector over the next few years. Technological advancements and the availability of diverse solutions have driven the growth of airport-related security solutions over the past few years. The ability of these systems to integrate with multiple platforms has broadened the industry's scope. Furthermore, real-time data intelligence and reduced screening time have greatly popularized the use of automated screening equipment. Many large-capacity airports have adopted this trend. For instance, the self-service check-in machines installed at London Heathrow Airport not only improve passenger experience but also expedite the screening process.

Application Insights

The product screening segment accounted for approximately 71.0% of the overall market revenue in 2025. The easy availability of integrated screening systems, enabled by technological advancements, has enabled vendors to integrate traditional screening and emerging scanning end-uses, thereby driving segment growth. Furthermore, the risk of criminal activities such as drug trafficking at airports continues to be the key driver for the growth of the segment. Training and maintenance promises could serve as critical selling points for future growth. Manufacturers are focused on developing intelligent, integrated solutions that meet the requirements for efficiency and speed. Moreover, with the proliferation of smartphones and the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions are expected to create a demand for security screening solutions during the forecast period.

The people screening segment is expected to experience steady growth from 2026 to 2033. Citizens and corporations are facing continuous threats of cyber-attacks, natural and man-made disasters, and dangers such as terrorism. Governments in several regions are emphasizing advanced solutions to strengthen existing information technology infrastructure and security systems. Governments are aggressively focused on improving conventional public safety and security solutions by installing advanced biometric systems. These include authentication, Command, Control, Communications, & Computers (C2), also known as the C2 framework, and surveillance systems. Furthermore, real-time data intelligence and reduced time on screening procedures have greatly popularized automated screening equipment. These factors are expected to create robust demand for X-ray security screening systems in the public screening segment during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market, accounting for approximately 33.0% of global revenue in 2025. Significant public investments to strengthen security infrastructure and address threats such as terrorism, smuggling, and illegal immigration are expected to support market growth throughout the forecast period. The region is also experiencing rapid modernization of aviation security through the deployment of advanced computed tomography (CT)-based X-ray screening systems and AI-enabled threat detection technologies. Furthermore, ongoing airport expansion projects and the replacement of aging screening equipment are accelerating the adoption of next-generation X-ray security screening solutions across transportation hubs and critical infrastructure facilities. For instance, in January 2026, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport inaugurated a new TSA security checkpoint equipped with advanced CT scanners that generate 3D images of carry-on baggage, enhancing both passenger throughput and threat detection.

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Asia Pacific X-ray Security Screening Market Trends

Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing regional market during the forecast period. Growth in the region is driven by increasing investments in large-scale commercial developments, airport expansion projects, and broader public infrastructure modernization initiatives. Rising passenger volumes, heightened security concerns, and government efforts to strengthen transportation security are further supporting the adoption of advanced screening technologies. In addition, the growing deployment of full-body screening systems, AI-enabled surveillance solutions, and portable inspection technologies across airports and public facilities is expected to contribute to market expansion. For instance, in November 2025, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) introduced contactless full-body scanners utilizing millimeter-wave technology as part of its security modernization initiative, enhancing passenger screening efficiency and security capabilities.

Key X-ray Security Screening Company Insights

The leading participants in the X-ray security screening market include Thales S.A., Smiths Detection Group Limited, Teledyne FLIR Defense, Inc., Analogic Corporation, and several other established companies. Market participants continue to invest significantly in research and development activities to strengthen their technological capabilities, expand product portfolios, improve operational efficiency, and enhance their competitive positioning in the global market.

Key X-ray Security Screening Companies

The following key companies have been profiled for this study on the X-ray security screening market:

• Thales S.A.

• Smiths Detection Group Limited

• Teledyne FLIR Defense, Inc.

• Analogic Corporation

• OSI Systems, Inc.

• Leidos Holdings, Inc.

• Kromek Group plc

• Astrophysics Inc.

• Nuctech Company Limited

• VOTI Detection Inc.

Recent Developments

• In February 2026, OSI Systems announced that its Security division, Rapiscan Systems, secured an order valued at approximately USD 47 million from an international customer to supply cargo and vehicle inspection systems for critical border security applications. The contract further strengthens the company's position in large-scale X-ray inspection technologies for ports and border crossings

• In September 2025, Smiths Detection Group Limited announced that it had been awarded a contract by Narita International Airport Corporation in Japan to provide additional HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX systems and iLane automated tray return systems. The project supports airport security modernization initiatives and expands the deployment of advanced CT X-ray screening technologies across the region.

• In June 2025, Thales S.A. announced the deployment of its HELIXVIEW advanced CT checkpoint screening technology at multiple international airports. The solution combines artificial intelligence with 3D X-ray imaging capabilities to enhance explosives detection performance while improving operational efficiency and passenger convenience.

Global X-ray Security Screening Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global X-ray security screening market report based on end-use, application, and region

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Transit

  • Commercial

  • Government

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Product Screening

  • People Screening

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa (MEA)

    • UAE

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa