Smiths Detection - Experts & Thought Leaders

Smiths Detection announces its acquisition of New Jersey-based Med Graphix Inc. (“MGI”), enhancing the company’s sustainable service offering by extending the lifecycle of critical components through repair, refurbishment, and reuse.  MGI has been a long-standing service partner and third-party depot supplier for Smiths Detection. This deal marks a significant milestone in a partnership that has spanned more than two decades.  Integration planning Their technical expertise and extensive experience have played a vital role in service delivery MGI has been a trusted supplier of component-level repair, refurbishment, harvesting, and decommissioning services for Smiths Detection equipment. Their technical expertise and extensive experience have played a vital role in service delivery, inventory optimisation, and cost reduction for several key Smiths Detection customers. Integration planning began in March 2025 and will continue through the end of the year to ensure a seamless transition for both customers and employees.  Effective 1 August 2025, MGI will be a fully integrated part of the Smiths Detection family. Global service infrastructure Jerome de Chassey, President of Smiths Detection, said: “This acquisition reinforces our commitment to service excellence and operational resilience. Bringing MGI in-house allows us to leverage their expertise, while strengthening our global service infrastructure. It’s a natural evolution of our long-standing partnership.” With this strategic investment, Smiths Detection further enhances its ability to deliver critical services and support to make the world a safer place.

New research suggests that the global security screening market is anticipated to grow from USD 9.92 billion in 2025 to USD 13.80 billion in 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8%. Report authors, Marketsandmarkets, say that the accelerated expansion in this sector is primarily fuelled by an increase in global security threats, a surge in terrorism-related risks, and a growing need for enhanced public safety measures at key infrastructure points such as transportation hubs, government facilities, and commercial establishments. Advancements in imaging AI enables automated threat recognition and real-time decisions, enhancing operational efficiency The findings also show that advancements in imaging, AI-based threat detection, and biometrics are streamlining security screening, making it faster, more accurate, and less intrusive. AI enables automated threat recognition and real-time decisions, enhancing operational efficiency.  Demand is rising due to regulatory mandates, growing air travel, and cross-border trade. Security screening is also expanding into critical infrastructure, schools, and entertainment venues, becoming essential for proactive risk mitigation and compliance with global standards. X-ray screening technology holds a significant share X-ray screening technology is likely to hold a significant share of the security screening market during the forecast period, as this technology is the most important means of detecting concealed threats, such as explosives, weapons, and prohibited items. It is extensively used in airports, government offices, shops, and other secure locations. X-ray screening systems can be integrated with advanced technologies, such as dual-energy X-ray and computed tomography, to improve threat detection accuracy and efficiency. Growing global security concerns, the expansion of transportation hubs, and stricter regulations are driving widespread adoption. Dynamic security needs of various industries Innovations such as AI-powered imaging and automated threat detection improve performance Innovations such as AI-powered imaging and automated threat detection improve performance by reducing false alarms. Although high costs and privacy concerns remain challenges, X-ray screening systems are recognised for their reliability and versatility, maintaining a pioneering position in the market. Ongoing advancements in non-intrusive screening continue to support their evolution, meeting the dynamic security needs of various industries with robust and adaptable solutions. Upgrading technology for baggage & cargo screening systems The baggage & cargo screening segment is anticipated to hold a significant share of the security screening market throughout the forecast period because of the increasing requirement for robust security at airports, seaports, border crossing points, and logistics centres. With the growth in international air travel and cross-border trade, preserving the safety and integrity of goods and passenger belongings transported has become a key concern. This has led to greater demand for advanced screening equipment, including X-ray screening, computed tomography (CT), and explosive trace detection (ETD) systems, which can identify hidden threats. Automation and AI-based analytics The growth of e-commerce and express delivery services drives the demand for efficient cargo screening Greater utilisation of automation and AI-based analytics in screening optimises threat detection efficiency with high throughput and operational performance. In addition, regulatory mandates by international aviation and customs organisations are compelling operators to upgrade legacy systems to meet evolving safety needs. Additionally, the growth of e-commerce and express delivery services drives the demand for efficient cargo screening, making this segment a global security screening market pioneer. Transport is a fast-growing vertical Due to several critical factors, the transportation segment consistently stands out as the fastest-growing vertical in the security screening market. Primarily, the ever-increasing global passenger and cargo volumes across all modes of transport—air, rail, road, and sea—necessitate a constant upgrade and expansion of security infrastructure. Airports, in particular, face immense pressure to process millions of travellers and tons of cargo daily, driving demand for high-throughput, efficient, and accurate screening solutions. Secondly, the persistent and evolving threat landscape from terrorism, illicit trafficking, and organised crime remains a primary driver. Vulnerability of transportation networks High-profile incidents globally underscore the vulnerability of transportation networks High-profile incidents globally underscore the vulnerability of transportation networks and compel governments and private operators to invest in advanced security technologies continuously. This includes a heightened focus on detecting explosives, weapons, and contraband, pioneering to adopting sophisticated X-ray scanners, trace detectors, and advanced metal detection systems. Significant growth in North America North America will experience a significant growth in the security screening market during the forecast period, driven by increasing investments in advanced security infrastructure across public and private organisations. Homeland security initiatives throughout the region, particularly at airports, border checkpoints, and critical infrastructure locations, fuel demand for advanced screening technologies such as X-ray machines, biometric scanners, and AI-powered threat detection systems. Availability of large security technology Technological advancements and innovations by major market players in North America In addition, stringent regulatory environments and government initiatives to strengthen security processes also fuel market growth. Increasing passenger traffic, cargo shipments, and increasing terror and smuggling activities also sustain the application of advanced screening machines. Moreover, technological advancements and innovations by major market players in North America are accelerating the region's market presence. The availability of large security technology vendors and service providers also facilitates the rapid deployment and integration of new solutions, ensuring constant market growth during the forecast period. Key players Some of the major companies operating in the security screening market and named in the research are businesses such as, Smiths Detection Group Ltd., OSI Systems, Inc., Leidos, Thales, and NEC Corporation.

Smiths Detection, a pioneer in threat detection and screening technologies, has been awarded a contract by Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) to deliver state-of-the-art checkpoint screening solutions across all terminals at Dubai International Airport (DXB). This initiative marks a significant step in advancing security operations and enhancing the passenger experience at one of the world’s busiest airports. HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model-S “As part of this contract, Smiths Detection will provide its latest, most advanced technologies for checkpoint screening, including the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model-S, an industry-pioneering computed tomography (CT) screening system," said Smiths Detection President Jerome de Chassey. "We are proud to be awarded this contract, and the deployment of this cutting-edge technology will significantly enhance both the security and efficiency of passenger screening processes.” Adopting innovative technologies DAEP continues to lead the way in adopting innovative technologies that improve operational efficiency The new systems, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities, offer superior image resolution, automatic detection, and quicker, more accurate threat identification. These innovations will contribute to a seamless travel experience while ensuring the highest standards of safety for all passengers. DAEP continues to lead the way in adopting innovative technologies that improve operational efficiency and security. Advanced screening solutions The introduction of advanced screening solutions aligns with its ongoing commitment to providing a secure, seamless, and world-class airport experience. Smiths Detection’s innovative approach to airport security is backed by decades of expertise in delivering solutions that meet the dynamic needs of the aviation industry. Their cutting-edge technology will continue to shape the future of air travel, ensuring safe and secure skies for millions of passengers worldwide.

Technology is expanding passenger screening functions and other capabilities at airport security checkpoints. For example, Smiths Detection is exploring the concept of a security checkpoint that integrates biometric identity management with screening solutions, says Richard Thompson, Global Market Director Aviation, Smiths Detection. Biometrics is the “unique identifier’” for passengers, and through integration of biometrics directly into the checkpoint, passengers can be matched with their luggage trays to enable real-time risk-based screening (RBS). The system is now able to trigger differentiated workflows for each passenger and their bags. Risk-based screening Risk-based screening optimises security operator resources through enhanced screening of passengers who represent a higher risk, while passengers deemed to be low risk enjoy a more seamless journey.Passengers deemed to be low risk enjoy a more seamless journey Easily integrated with existing infrastructure, biometric checkpoints deliver operational efficiencies and a competitive advantage to airports through accelerating the screening process, thus enabling a more seamless free flow of passengers. Passenger and tray identification Through passenger and tray identification, new data insights can also be gathered to inform decision-making. Advanced data analysis based on flights, airlines or destinations could be utilised by airlines and security authorities. For example, airlines could monitor passenger flow through security for specific flights or track the number of trays per flight to predict overhead compartment capacity. Checkpoint data could also be combined with hold luggage screening results or shared with transit and arrival airports to better inform security assessments. Advanced data analysis based on flights, airlines or destinations could be utilised by airlines and security authorities Advanced screening of carry-on baggage Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX offers advanced screening of carry-on baggage using Computed Tomography (CT), an advanced X-ray technology originally intended for medical applications, which allows for detailed, layered 3D images to be rotated and dissected. Electronic devices and liquids do not need to be removed from baggageThis enables detailed detection, meaning electronic devices and liquids do not need to be removed from baggage, thus expediting screening and further improving the passenger journey. Smith Detection’s iLane.evo is an automatic tray return system. By delivering a steady flow of trays, it plays a critical role in streamlining the screening process and delivering increased throughput; optimised operational costs; and an improved passenger experience. AI for object recognition In other trends, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in aviation security is on the rise due to the exponential growth in computing power. It has the potential to significantly boost the performance of screening equipment – allowing for the deployment of new object recognition functions at the checkpoint, which could pave the way for a more automated, alarm-resolution-only passenger screening.  Smiths Detection has developed a family of smart algorithms, called iCMORE, which use machine learning to reliably detect prohibited or dangerous goods in baggage, including weapons, to reduce the burden on image analysts and improve screening outcomes.