The global   biodefense market   size was valued at USD 15.39 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 16.23 billion in 2025 to USD 24.64 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period.

Biological defense   refers to protective strategies against biological threats, including natural outbreaks, accidental releases, or deliberate bioterrorism. It spans humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems, with applications across   civilian safety and military operations . Protecting food, water, and health systems is a cornerstone of biodefense planning.

Growth is being fueled by   heightened fears of bioterrorism, recurring pandemics, and technological progress in biosurveillance and biotechnology . Strong government funding, private sector innovation, and rising global awareness are propelling the industry forward.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Drivers

• Rising Awareness and Government Initiatives:   Increasing recognition of biological threats and significant public investment are expanding research, vaccine stockpiles, and detection technologies. For instance, in   April 2025 , Parsons Corporation secured a   USD 24 million contract   with the U.S. Naval Medical Research Command to advance infectious disease detection.
• Technological Advancements:   AI, machine learning, IoT-enabled biosensors, and rapid diagnostics are accelerating defense readiness.

Information Source:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/biodefense-market-113684

Key players include:

• AirBoss Defense Group, Inc. (U.S.)
• Bioquell, An Ecolab Solution (U.S.)
• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.)
• BlueDot Inc. (Canada)
• Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (U.S.)
• SIGA Technologies, Inc. (U.S.)
• Dynavax Technologies (U.S.)
• Bavarian Nordic A/S (Denmark)
• Smiths Detection Group Ltd. (U.K.)
• Parsons Corporation (U.S.)

Restraints

• High R&D Costs and Regulatory Barriers:   Long approval times, high product development costs, and liability risks hinder smaller firms. Strict regulatory frameworks slow down the introduction of critical vaccines and countermeasures.

Opportunities

• Rapid-Response Vaccines and Biosensors:   Increasing outbreaks highlight the need for fast, flexible countermeasures. Growing collaboration between governments, biotech firms, and defense organizations is creating opportunities in   biosurveillance systems and AI-assisted detection tools .

SEGMENTATION HIGHLIGHTS

• By Technology:
• UV Light   held the largest share in 2024, widely adopted for sterilization and pathogen inactivation.
• Cold Plasma   is emerging for decontamination applications.
• By System:
• Biohazard Detection Systems   led in 2024, critical for early recognition of biological threats.
• Biosensors   are projected to register the fastest growth (2025–2032) due to portability and rapid diagnostic capabilities.
• By End User:
• Military Forces   accounted for the largest share in 2024, supported by defense investments in anthrax and smallpox vaccines.
• Pharmaceutical & Biotech Companies   are expected to be the fastest-growing segment, driven by innovation in vaccines and therapeutics.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America   dominated the market in 2024 with a valuation of   USD 6.60 billion , driven by strong U.S. government initiatives such as   Project BioShield   and   BARDA programs . Recent contracts with   SIGA Technologies   and   Emergent BioSolutions   underscore national biodefense priorities.

• Europe   is expected to register the fastest CAGR, with the   EU’s HERA initiative   and EIB investments in bio-pharmaceutical R&D strengthening the region’s preparedness.

• Asia Pacific   will offer lucrative opportunities, with Japan, India, and China boosting investments in disease surveillance, biosensors, and biodefense infrastructure post-COVID-19.
• Middle East & Africa   and   Latin America   are expected to see moderate growth, supported by rising government biosecurity awareness and adoption of point-of-care diagnostics for regional disease challenges.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The market is characterized by   public-private partnerships, vaccine developers, and biosensor innovators . Established players leverage scale and contracts with defense agencies, while biotech startups contribute cutting-edge solutions.

Recent Developments:

• March 2025:   Bavarian Nordic received   U.S. FDA approval   for a freeze-dried version of its JYNNEOS smallpox vaccine, improving stockpiling flexibility.
• January 2025:   Emergent BioSolutions exercised a   USD 20 million contract option   with the U.S. DoD to supply BioThrax (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed).
• August 2024:   SIGA Technologies signed a new   USD 9 million contract   with the DoD for oral and IV formulations of TPOXX.