MEA CBRN Defence Market Size and Forecast by Threat Type, Equipment, End User, Platform, and Country: Statistics | 2019-2033

MEA CBRN Defence Industry Outlook

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) CBRN defence market is undergoing a transformative expansion, shaped by a confluence of geopolitical, technological, and regulatory dynamics. Valued at approximately US$ XX.7 million in 2024, the market is projected to exceed US$ XX.4 million by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period, according to estimates by DataCube Research. This growth trajectory reflects a sustained focus on homeland security, military modernization, and infrastructure protection amidst rising asymmetric threats.

The regional demand for advanced CBRN detection systems is notably influenced by regional CBRN preparedness programs and national strategic frameworks. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel are setting the pace through multi-billion-dollar defense budgets and rapid acquisition programs. Meanwhile, in sub-Saharan Africa, government-led initiatives—often in collaboration with multilateral organizations like the African Union and the UN—are gradually institutionalizing foundational CBRN response capabilities.

While the region continues to rely on imports for core technologies, there is growing momentum around local production, training, and dual-use technology deployment. The rising incidence of industrial accidents, coupled with nuclear material trafficking concerns, has further accelerated investments in smart surveillance and portable decontamination tools across both civil and military sectors.

Propelling Forces: Innovations and Drivers Behind MEA CBRN Surge

The MEA CBRN defence market is gaining rapid traction due to the region's unique blend of threats and opportunities. Chief among the catalysts is geopolitical instability—particularly in Yemen, Syria, Libya, and parts of the Sahel—fuelling cross-border CBRN preparedness efforts. These developments have driven countries to reorient procurement strategies toward mobile CBRN units, real-time detection systems, and rapid-deployment protective gear suited for varied terrains, including deserts and urban environments. Another key accelerator is the risk of terrorism and chemical warfare, especially in conflict-prone states and border regions. National governments, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), are responding by incorporating AI and IoT-enabled CBRN detection into urban surveillance grids. The UAE, for instance, has deployed AI-linked sensors across critical infrastructure, while Israel’s defence sector is piloting neural network-based CBRN identification tools.

The increasing frequency of mega-events, such as World Expos and major sports tournaments, has spurred emergency preparedness mandates in cities like Doha and Riyadh, further boosting demand for modular decontamination and screening technologies. From a regulatory perspective, compliance with international frameworks such as those set by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is shaping modernization agendas. The African Union, through its Peace and Security Department, is rolling out region-wide training and logistics support, particularly in East and Central Africa.

Market Geography: Country-Level Dynamics Reshaping the Landscape

Saudi Arabia: Strategic Spending, CBRN Capabilities, and Industrial Localization

Saudi Arabia remains a cornerstone of the MEA CBRN defence market, contributing significantly to regional growth through Vision 2030-driven modernization and localization strategies. The Kingdom’s defence budget surpassed US$ 75 million in 2024, with increasing allocations towards asymmetric threat mitigation and homeland security. Saudi authorities are rapidly expanding their CBRN infrastructure by integrating detection systems into military command networks and establishing domestic production lines for protective suits, mobile decontamination systems, and real-time surveillance equipment.

In a notable development, Saudi Arabia signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at fostering domestic production of unmanned aircraft systems and technologies to counter CBRN threats. These initiatives align with the country’s broader ambition to reduce reliance on foreign defence imports while strengthening its rapid response capabilities to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear hazards. As part of its national resilience architecture, Saudi Arabia is also focusing on dual-use technologies, enabling both civil and military stakeholders to share resources and intelligence in response to emergencies.

Israel: CBRN-Tech Convergence and U.S.-Backed Medical Countermeasures

Israel stands at the forefront of advanced CBRN integration, leveraging its R&D superiority and combat-tested technologies to maintain regional leadership. Its high defense R&D-to-GDP ratio enables rapid development of autonomous detection drones, neural-network-powered biosurveillance, and hybrid protective systems embedded into frontline infantry units. At the 20th Shoresh Meeting, Israel and the United States reinforced their longstanding CBRN collaboration by advancing joint development of medical countermeasures against chemical and biological warfare agents. This includes next-generation antidotes, rapid diagnostics, and deployable treatment kits aimed at safeguarding both civilian populations and deployed forces.

In addition, Israel is accelerating digital transformation in the CBRN battlespace, with a focus on integrating AI and cloud-connected detection platforms into battlefield management systems. These developments ensure real-time threat recognition, situational awareness, and automated response coordination across land and air command networks. Israel’s defence exporters continue to supply African and GCC countries with modular CBRN kits and mobile lab systems, further expanding its regional footprint.

UAE: Smart Cities and Civil Defence Synergy

The UAE is pioneering AI-embedded civil defence frameworks. Through the EDGE Group and partnerships with Western defence giants, the country is deploying mobile decontamination units, wearable sensors, and remote detection towers in urban and port areas. The UAE Industrial Strategy 2031 includes a dedicated track for domestic CBRN manufacturing, aiming to reduce import dependency by 40% over the next decade. Recent collaboration with OPCW-trained experts highlights the country’s commitment to international best practices.

South Africa: Civil-Military Convergence in Crisis Response

South Africa, while relatively modest in defense spending, is leveraging public health and industrial safety frameworks to build multi-agency CBRN capabilities. Its Defence Industrial Policy promotes CBRN solutions tailored for mining, logistics, and biosecurity risks. The country has also expanded its national emergency response framework to include a CBRN-specific command node under its Disaster Risk Management Act.

Kenya: CBRN Capacity Building through Strategic Partnerships

Kenya is emerging as a key East African player in CBRN defence through capacity-building partnerships and multilateral cooperation. The country’s adoption of CBRN protocols has been aided by EU funding, UN peacekeeping engagements, and cross-border training programs. In a recent milestone, Kenya hosted the CBRN National Team Meeting in Nairobi, where senior officials and international stakeholders discussed strategic approaches to mitigating CBRN threats in the Horn of Africa. The discussions emphasized the integration of national preparedness frameworks with regional security mechanisms to enhance interoperability and threat response.

Further boosting its operational readiness, the Kenya Defence Forces' Disaster Response Battalion received state-of-the-art CBRN equipment from the United States, including mobile decontamination kits, detection devices, and protective gear. This aid package is part of a broader U.S. strategy to build CBRN resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on frontline defense units and border control operations.

Grouped Insights: Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Kuwait

In Qatar and Bahrain, urban growth, energy infrastructure expansion, and ongoing regional rivalries are driving substantial investments in rapid-deployment CBRN units and real-time environmental monitoring systems, particularly within the energy, aviation, and logistics sectors. Qatar has taken a prominent step forward by deepening its defence innovation capabilities. In a recent development, Italy’s Fincantieri signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Qatar’s Barzan Holdings to co-develop the Omega360 radar program, which will underpin the country’s national anti-drone system. This system is designed to enhance early warning capabilities, protect critical infrastructure—including LNG terminals—and act as a technological backbone for future CBRN detection and neutralization strategies. Such advancements reinforce Qatar’s positioning as a regional hub for civil-military innovation in countering airborne CBRN threats and safeguarding mega-event venues.

In Oman and Kuwait, national security strategies are increasingly cantered around port safety and oil terminal resilience, prompting the integration of mobile CBRN detection laboratories into their emergency response frameworks. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe and Nigeria are progressing at a slower but steady pace. While both nations contend with budgetary constraints and limited technical expertise, they are building capabilities through strategic partnerships with European and Chinese technology suppliers, focusing on cost-effective procurement and training-based collaborations to enhance baseline CBRN preparedness.

Sectoral View: End-User Trends in Military and Civil Defence

The military segment dominates the MEA CBRN defence market, accounting for over 65% of the total spending in 2024. Armed forces across Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are adopting full-spectrum CBRN capabilities, including automated sampling tools, tactical respirators, and battlefield-integrated detection platforms. These systems are increasingly designed for interoperability with drone surveillance and combat data management tools, especially in joint-force operations. On the civil side, homeland security and emergency response agencies are seeing increased funding and operational autonomy. Urban centers like Dubai, Cairo, and Riyadh are implementing command centers equipped with CBRN analytics dashboards and mobile decontamination shelters. This segment is further supported by growing awareness of chemical spill incidents and pandemic preparedness.

Public-private collaboration is gaining traction, particularly in cities hosting mega-events or managing large industrial zones. Local governments are signing service contracts with defence technology firms for training, simulation-based drills, and equipment lifecycle management—moving the market beyond simple procurement toward a service-oriented model.

Industry Pulse: Competitive Landscape and Strategic Shifts

The competitive landscape of the MEA CBRN defence market is characterized by a blend of international incumbents and emerging regional players. Leading global companies such as Honeywell, MSA Safety, Chemring Group, and Smiths Detection continue to dominate in terms of product depth and global logistics. These vendors are increasingly localizing their offerings through licensing, technology transfer, and co-manufacturing initiatives.

• One notable trend is the Training-as-a-Service (TaaS) model. Companies are bundling simulation platforms, hands-on workshops, and after-sales service into integrated offerings. This is especially effective in African nations and Gulf countries with nascent CBRN frameworks and skill gaps.

• Product development is also evolving toward customization. Vendors are engineering gear suited for high-heat desert conditions, as well as multi-scenario platforms that combine detection, communication, and protective layers into compact systems. For example, dual-use innovations—usable by both military and civilian emergency responders—are receiving heightened attention from governments aiming for cost efficiency.

• CBRN training centers are being established across GCC states, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE. These serve as nodes for joint-force training and regional cooperation, also facilitating intelligence-sharing networks for cross-border CBRN threats.

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]

MEA CBRN Defence Market Scope

MEA CBRN Defence Market: Regional Coverage