U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Government Website

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Safely connect using HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  1. Home
  2. About DHS
  3. Site Links
  4. Keywords
  5. Explosive

Explosive

Last Updated: October 6, 2022 | Press Releases

Feature Article: The Next Generation of Explosives Trace Detection is Here

S&T is working on cutting-edge technology solutions to enhance transportation security and passenger experience.

Last Updated: July 25, 2022 | Site Page

The Bomb Squad Is Not an Afterthought

Technologically Speaking host Dee Saini is joined by Byung Hee Kim who shares how her time in the military prepared her for her current role as S&T’s Response and Defeat Operations Support (REDOPS) program manager.

Last Updated: June 21, 2022 | Press Releases

Feature Article: 3D X-Ray Makes it Easier to Detect Hidden Explosive Weapons

S&T is developing, implementing, and ensuring the effectiveness of cutting-edge screening equipment and protocols that help protect the public and keep security lines moving.

Last Updated: November 10, 2021 | Press Releases

News Release: S&T Awards funds to Detect Vehicle-Borne Explosives

Block MEMS, LLC, to develop technology that can detect Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices before they enter stadiums, parking structures, and other soft targets.

Last Updated: September 14, 2021 | Press Releases

News Release: DHS Awards to Small Business for Enhanced Detection of Explosives and Illicit Drugs

Targeted surface interrogation technology quickly detects trace residues of explosives and illicit drugs on carry-on baggage, laptops and other items.

Last Updated: August 16, 2021 | Publication

Explosives Threat Detection Fact Sheet

After the destruction of Pan American World Airways Flight 103 in 1988, the government established the Commercial Aircraft Vulnerability and Mitigation (CAVM) program to address terrorist-based internal aircraft explosive threats. In 2006, the program transferred to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), with program execution supported by subject matter experts from S&T’s Transportation Security Laboratory.

Last Updated: July 29, 2021 | Site Page

Counter Terrorist

S&T advances research and development technologies, methods, and procedures to counter terrorist attacks.

Last Updated: November 19, 2020 | Publication

ST-DHS SBIR Success Story Explosives Detection Technology

This success story highlights the DHS SBIR company Polestar Technologies, Inc., of Needham Heights, Massachusetts, which developed a portable system for stand-off detection of concealed explosives to detect and identify different types of explosives.

Last Updated: October 20, 2020 | Press Releases

Feature Article: Power Hawk - The “Jaws of Life” for Bomb Squads

DHS S&T developed Power Hawk tool to remotely disable pipe bombs, while preserving forensic evidence.

Last Updated: August 25, 2020 | Press Releases

Feature Article: S&T Transitions ETD Technology to DARPA

DHS S&T transitioned technology to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) that is representative of S&T’s deep body of work in cataloging, detecting and thwarting explosive threats.