Handheld Counter IED Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Portable Detectors, Handheld Scanners), By Detection Technology (Electromagnetic Field Detection), By Application, By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2033

Handheld Counter IED Market Summary

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. Rising global insurgency and asymmetric warfare are fueling demand for portable threat detection tools.

The increasing frequency of asymmetric warfare and insurgency-related conflicts is significantly driving the demand for handheld Counter-IED (C-IED) systems. Non-state actors and terrorist organizations are increasingly relying on low-cost, improvised explosive devices to target both military and civilian populations. These threats are particularly prevalent in volatile regions such as the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Africa, where large-scale military operations often face unpredictable IED attacks.

As a result, governments and armed forces are prioritizing the deployment of rapid-response, portable detection technologies. Handheld C-IEDs allow personnel to scan suspicious packages, vehicles, and terrain in real time, significantly reducing response time and increasing field safety.

Global defense modernization programs are a major catalyst for the handheld C-IED market, particularly as militaries shift towards lightweight, networked, and soldier-friendly equipment. Modern warfare increasingly requires rapid, decentralized responses and real-time situational awareness, pushing defense departments to equip field units with handheld systems capable of detecting IEDs across various environmental conditions.

These systems are often integrated into future soldier programs, where handheld C-IEDs are part of broader tactical equipment kits. Countries such as the U.S., UK, India, and Israel are actively investing in man-portable detection tools as part of national defense upgrades. Furthermore, increased collaboration between defense research organizations and private defense contractors has led to the development of more compact, rugged, and efficient devices.

The handheld C-IED market is undergoing a transformation driven by continuous technological innovation in detection and sensor systems. New-generation devices now integrate multiple sensor types, such as electromagnetic field detection, infrared, acoustic, and chemical sensors, into single, lightweight units. These multi-modal systems are capable of detecting a wider range of threats, including hidden or low-metal content explosives, which were previously hard to identify using traditional systems.

Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) enables real-time data processing and adaptive threat recognition, drastically improving detection speed and accuracy. This also reduces the number of false positives, which is critical in high-pressure scenarios. Additionally, wireless connectivity and GPS integration allow for remote data sharing and command coordination, enhancing operational effectiveness.

The global push for enhanced border security and protection of critical infrastructure is another significant driver for handheld C-IED demand. Countries facing increasing risks of cross-border smuggling, terrorism, and sabotage are adopting portable threat detection systems to secure checkpoints, customs zones, airports, and rail networks.

Handheld C-IEDs offer on-the-spot scanning capability for law enforcement officers and customs agents, especially in mobile units or hard-to-reach locations where large vehicle-mounted systems are not feasible. They are also being deployed at major public events, religious gatherings, and political rallies to prevent mass-casualty attacks. In addition, key infrastructure such as power plants, oil refineries, and data centers is increasingly considered a potential soft target, prompting security agencies to integrate C-IED devices into routine inspection and surveillance operations.

The use of handheld C-IED devices is expanding beyond traditional military and government applications into civilian and humanitarian operations, particularly in post-conflict regions. International organizations, NGOs, and humanitarian demining agencies are increasingly deploying these systems to detect unexploded ordnance (UXO) and landmines in former conflict zones. Countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Eastern Europe remain heavily contaminated with IEDs and mines, posing long-term risks to civilians, farmers, and development workers. Handheld devices are cost-effective and easier to transport, making them ideal for low-resource settings and remote operations. In humanitarian contexts, these systems are also used to facilitate the safe rebuilding of infrastructure, roads, and homes.

Global Handheld Counter IED Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global handheld counter IED market report based on product type, detection technology, application, end use, and region.

Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

• Portable Detectors
• Handheld Scanners
• Smartphone Based Detectors

Detection Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

• Electromagnetic Field Detection
• Infrared Detection
• Acoustic Detection
• Chemical Detection

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

• Military
• Homeland Security
• Law Enforcement
• Civilian

End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

• Government Agencies
• Defense Contractors
• Non-Governmental Organizations

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

• North America
• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• Germany
• UK
• France
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
• South Africa

Please note The report will be delivered in 4-8 business days upon order notification. Show more