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

Saudi Arabia CBRN Defence Industry Outlook

Saudi Arabia CBRN defence market is transitioning from reactive acquisition to a long-term, strategic growth trajectory. According to DataCube Research, the market value stood at approximately US$ XX.2 million in 2023 and is projected to exceed US$ XX.8 million by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2025 to 2033. This uptrend is driven by regional threat dynamics, modernization goals, and the growing demand for multi-domain defence systems that can respond to unconventional warfare.

The Middle East has been exposed to rising asymmetric threats, including chemical weapons use in neighbouring conflict zones, pushing Saudi Arabia to prioritize CBRN threat mitigation strategies. The Ministry of Defence, in alignment with national security objectives, continues to boost investment in CBRN surveillance, detection, and decontamination systems. This market evolution reflects a broader shift in defence policy—where counter-CBRN capability is no longer optional, but critical to homeland resilience and strategic deterrence.

Vision 2030, Innovation & Threat Dynamics: Key Growth Drivers and Regulatory Impetus

At the core of Saudi Arabia CBRN defence market growth lies the interplay between national security imperatives and Vision 2030’s defence localization objectives. The 2023 launch of multiple R&D initiatives by Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and technological advancements by the Prince Sultan Advanced Technology Research Institute (PSATRI) underscore this drive. These efforts aim to localize production of CBRN protective equipment, early-warning systems, and decontamination platforms. 

Further highlighting this trend, the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) have reportedly initiated procurement plans to upgrade their CBRN defence capabilities with new protective equipment and mobile response systems, demonstrating a clear operational demand for next-generation solutions. The integration of AI-driven sensors, robotic decontamination systems, and modular CBRN shelters is aligning with evolving threat scenarios. Backed by streamlined regulatory frameworks and increased R&D funding, Saudi Arabia is strengthening its position in the Middle East and Africa CBRN defence market.

Economic Stability & Investment Flows: Fuelling CBRN Defence Expansion

The economic foundation of Saudi Arabia CBRN market is anchored in robust defence spending and long-term strategic investment. The 2024 defence budget allocated over US$ 75 billion—with a growing share earmarked for homeland security and CBRN system acquisition. This fiscal robustness is made possible through stable oil revenues and Vision 2030’s diversification strategy, which channels petrodollar surplus into strategic industries including defence. Foreign direct investment (FDI) and international collaboration are playing a critical role.

Companies from Europe, South Korea, and the U.S. are entering joint ventures with Saudi firms to co-develop CBRN detection and decontamination technologies. Notably, Proytecsa Security, a Spanish defence and security company, is contributing to Saudi Arabia’s CBRN preparedness through advanced mobile robotic systems and remote-controlled detection technologies [source]. These developments reflect growing investor confidence in the Kingdom’s defence innovation ecosystem.

Widening Scope of Adoption: End-User Trends Across Sectors

Saudi Arabia’s CBRN defence ecosystem is witnessing a broader range of end-user segments. While the Saudi Armed Forces remain the leading consumers, new adoption is emerging in civil and industrial sectors. The General Directorate of Civil Defence has expanded investments in CBRN detection units for urban disaster response, pilgrimage security, and critical event management. Industrial adoption is also accelerating, especially in the oil & gas and petrochemical sectors, where CBRN readiness is vital for safeguarding high-value assets. With the development of smart cities like NEOM, there is a rising demand for CBRN integration into smart infrastructure, further widening market opportunities. These adoption patterns underline a fundamental shift—from traditional military-exclusive systems to multi-sectoral CBRN applications across Saudi society.

Strategic Alignment and Brand Momentum: Key Players and Market Developments

Saudi Arabia is rapidly developing domestic CBRN defence capabilities through institutional consolidation and strategic partnerships. SAMI, the national defence conglomerate, is expanding its scope by integrating CBRN modules within its advanced combat vehicle and surveillance product lines. The 2024 agreement between SAMI and a European defence OEM to manufacture portable decontamination systems marks a turning point for localized production. Similarly, PSATRI is pushing boundaries in biosensor development and autonomous hazard response systems, backed by Ministry of Defence funding and academic collaborations.

Local firm Wahaj, specializing in precision engineering, has also entered the CBRN supply chain, contributing to component manufacturing for protective suits and filtration units. On the international front, collaborations are growing deeper. In 2023, a trilateral research program involving Saudi, French, and South Korean institutes began co-developing next-gen CBRN analytics platforms using AI. These strategic developments are reshaping the CBRN defence market from one dependent on foreign procurement to one based on indigenous R&D and manufacturing strength.

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]

Saudi Arabia CBRN Defence Market Scope