In the past, says the research group, few terrorists had the motivation and technical ability to carry out large-scale chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) attacks. However, according to the threat assessment released by US intelligence agencies in February 2010, if Al-Qaeda can develop CBRN capabilities it is believed that it intends to use them to attack Western targets.

Visiongain anticipates continuing demand for equipment used by CBRN first responders, both in the military domain and the civilian domain such as emergency services. Extensive training programmes are also being delivered to prepare personnel to respond effectively. CBRN detection, protection and decontamination systems are expected to be adopted more widely around the world, particularly in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific market.

The global terrorist threat is expected to remain at an elevated level for many years to come, meaning that government spending on protecting citizens from terrorism is set to continue. Incidents such as the sarin attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995 and the anthrax campaign in the US in 2001 show that CBRN terrorism poses a real danger.

If a major economic power in Asia, Europe or North America were to suffer a CBRN attack, sales in the global CBRN defence market would increase dramatically.

Market example
Around January 2008 the UK Ministry of Defence placed a £6.6m order for 44,000 chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) suits. The suits guard against biological or chemical attacks, and provide some degree of protection from nuclear fallout. They are worn with rubber over-boots and gloves, and are designed to seal around the CBRN service respirator and fit over combat clothing. Woodland and desert camouflage patterns are available.

The suits were manufactured by Remploy, formed more than 60 years ago to provide work for people injured at home and abroad during the World War 2. The company has supplied specialist protection suits for several years from its workshops around Scotland and the United Kingdom.