Israel CBRN Defence Market Size and Forecast by Threat Type, Equipment, End User, and Platform: 2019-2033

Israel CBRN Defence Industry Outlook

The Israel CBRN defence market has emerged as one of the most technologically advanced and strategically crucial segments in the Middle East defence ecosystem. As of 2024, the market is estimated at approximately USD XX.6 million, with projections indicating growth to nearly US$ XX.7 million by 2033, according to adjusted estimates from DataCube Research. This steady expansion reflects Israel's heightened focus on countering chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, particularly amid ongoing regional instability. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period, fuelled by rising defence allocations, proactive innovation, and robust export strategies. Given the volatility in the region, Israel continues to reinforce its national preparedness and resilience against asymmetric threats through rapid adoption of CBRN protection systems, detection sensors, and decontamination solutions.

Defence Readiness Backed by Innovation and National Security Imperatives

Israel CBRN defence investments are shaped by a deep-rooted national security doctrine that prioritizes deterrence and rapid response. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and homeland security agencies are actively integrating next-gen CBRN surveillance and response systems, aligning with recent government calls for enhanced readiness. As highlighted in recent security analyses, Israel’s defence priorities include shielding its civilian population, critical infrastructure, and frontline troops from unconventional attacks. Technological advancements serve as the backbone of this transformation.

Companies like Elbit Systems and Rafael have launched AI-enabled detection and sensor systems that provide real-time threat alerts and operational intelligence. The government's defence regulatory framework supports co-innovation, offering fiscal incentives and fast-track R&D permissions to companies engaged in CBRN-specific projects. These efforts are creating a defence ecosystem that not only strengthens domestic readiness but also positions Israel as an innovation hub for global CBRN defence exports.

Economic Catalysts Driving Market Expansion

The economic undercurrents supporting Israel’s CBRN defence market are both domestic and global. With an annual defence budget that has surpassed US$ 24 billion, the Israeli government has significantly increased CBRN spending, allocating new funds toward protective gear, mobile decontamination units, and smart surveillance platforms. In parallel, Israel’s robust high-tech ecosystem is being increasingly tapped to enhance CBRN capabilities through machine learning, advanced analytics, and materials innovation. The synergy between the high-tech industry and defence sector is allowing for agile, scalable CBRN solutions tailored to evolving threats.

Moreover, defence exports—particularly in the CBRN vertical—have surged, as countries in Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe look to acquire field-proven systems. This rising foreign demand strengthens Israel’s defence manufacturing capabilities and encourages reinvestment in R&D. Export growth is further catalysed by bilateral defence cooperation agreements, which have opened new channels for technology co-development and licensing.

Adoption Across Military, Civil, and Industrial Ecosystems

The end-user landscape of Israel’s CBRN defence market reflects a multidimensional adoption trend. At the forefront, the IDF and homeland security forces continue to deploy advanced CBRN command-and-control platforms, integrating sensor fusion and drone-based reconnaissance. Meanwhile, emergency responders and civil defence agencies are enhancing their operational readiness by procuring portable CBRN kits and protective wearables for chemical spill containment and biological threat mitigation. An equally vital, though often overlooked, segment includes critical industrial sectors such as energy, water, and chemical processing facilities. These industries are now mandated to adopt baseline CBRN preparedness protocols, resulting in increased demand for early detection systems, automated shutdown mechanisms, and contamination control processes.

Key Players and Strategic Advancements in the Israeli Market

Israel’s prominence in the CBRN domain is reinforced by both its innovative defence industry and its robust international collaborations. Leading companies such as Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) are at the forefront of technological breakthroughs. Elbit Systems has recently enhanced its chemical detection suites with AI-driven response logic, while Rafael is recognized for developing compact, field-deployable CBRN shelters and containment systems. IAI has broadened its defense capabilities with unmanned CBRN surveillance drones, designed to perform real-time radiological mapping and data transmission in high-risk environments. 

This innovation-driven ecosystem is supported by strategic partnerships and cooperative programs with global allies. A notable example is the 20th Shoresh Military Medicine Conference, held in September 2022 in Rockville, Maryland. The event, co-hosted by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) and the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), marked a milestone in U.S.-Israeli collaboration on CBRN medical countermeasure (MCM) development. More than 50 organizations, including top scientists, military medical professionals, and acquisition experts, participated in the biennial gathering.

The conference placed a strong emphasis on the joint advancement of CBRN medical countermeasures. Delegates from the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence (JPEO-CBRND) and the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR), alongside IDF officials, explored cooperative programs designed to enhance force protection and readiness. Among the innovations discussed were the Rapid Acquisition and Investigation of Drugs for Repurposing (RAIDR) and Vaccine Acceleration by Modular Progression (VAMP) programs. RAIDR seeks to repurpose existing FDA-approved therapeutics for emergent threats, while VAMP supports the development of multi-platform vaccine technologies and delivery mechanisms tailored for operational conditions.

In tandem, Israeli defence companies are also investing heavily in dual-use technologies, bridging military needs with civilian research to tackle threats such as biological warfare and radiological exposure. For instance, R&D collaborations with institutions like the Technion and Weizmann Institute are focused on pioneering next-gen materials for hazard containment and intelligent biological agent detection. These efforts align with the strategic objective of building scalable, resilient, and rapid-response systems that can be deployed both domestically and in allied operations abroad. Moreover, the chemical defence team from JPM CBRN Medical highlighted progress in nerve agent medical countermeasures, particularly the development of autoinjectors. Discussions at the conference addressed the operational reliability of these devices and their crucial role in non-clinical deployment scenarios. Noteworthy achievements included the FDA approval of the midazolam autoinjector in August 2022, as well as ongoing research into sustained-release formulations for extended protection against nerve agents.

Author: Surender K (Vertical Head – Aerospace & Defence)

*Research Methodology: This report is based on DataCube’s proprietary 3-stage forecasting model, combining primary research, secondary data triangulation, and expert validation. [Learn more]

Israel CBRN Defence Market Segmentation