Leidos announced that its B220‑HT explosive trace detection (ETD) system has achieved the European Civil Aviation Conference’s G1 Standard certification, the highest level of security compliance for airport passenger checkpoints. The certification, which will become mandatory for all ETD equipment in the EU by late 2026, confirms that the B220‑HT meets stricter detection thresholds for explosives and narcotics, including a 30 % lower false‑positive rate and a 15 % increase in detection sensitivity compared with the previous G0 standard.
The B220‑HT, a desktop platform that uses advanced chemometric analysis to identify trace residues, already powers more than 750 units across European airports. With the G1 certification, Leidos can continue to support its existing customer base without hardware replacement, while positioning itself to win new contracts as airports upgrade to the new standard. The certification also gives Leidos a competitive edge over rivals such as Smiths Detection, whose IONSCAN 600 has recently received G1 approval, by demonstrating a proven track record of compliance and a broader portfolio of software‑driven updates.
Leidos’ senior vice president of Commercial & International, Michael Van Gelder, said the certification “reflects our commitment to delivering detection capabilities that meet the highest global security standards.” He added that the company will roll out the required software updates ahead of the deadline, ensuring uninterrupted service for current customers and preserving recurring support revenue.
The certification is expected to have a measurable impact on Leidos’ aviation security segment. Analysts estimate that the ability to service existing units and capture new G1‑compliant contracts could add up to $200 million in incremental revenue over the next three years, while the cost of the software updates is projected to be less than 5 % of the segment’s operating margin. The move also supports Leidos’ broader strategy of expanding its high‑margin security solutions portfolio, which grew 7 % YoY in Q3 2025.
In the broader market context, the EU’s push for stricter ETD standards is part of a wider effort to modernize airport security infrastructure. Leidos’ early certification positions it to benefit from the anticipated increase in demand for compliant equipment, while also mitigating the risk of losing existing contracts that may face compliance penalties if they fail to upgrade.
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