Leidos explosive trace detection system achieves latest EU security standard

Rhea-AI Summary

Leidos (NYSE: LDOS) announced its B220-HT explosive trace detection (ETD) system has achieved G1 Standard certification ahead of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) mandate.

The ECAC requirement takes effect late 2026 and requires all ETD systems at EU passenger screening checkpoints to meet the stricter G1 detection standard. With more than 750 B220-HT units already deployed at European airports, the certification supports continued compliance and enables Leidos to roll out required software changes for existing customers without disruption.

The B220-HT is a desktop ETD using advanced analysis to detect a broad range of explosives and narcotics from trace samples and is part of Leidos' trace detection family, which includes the TSA-certified QS-B220 used across U.S. airports.

Positive

• G1 Standard certification achieved ahead of ECAC deadline
• Supports compliance for 750+ B220-HT units deployed in Europe
• Enables software rollouts to update existing units before late 2026

Negative

• None.

Insights

Aviation security systems analyst

G1 certification for the B220-HT secures regulatory alignment ahead of an EU mandate due in late 2026.

The certification means Leidos can continue supporting more than 750 B220-HT units already in European airports without hardware replacement, relying instead on software changes to meet the G1 Standard required by ECAC. This preserves the installed base's operational continuity and maintains recurring support and upgrade revenue streams tied to checkpoint deployments.

Key dependencies and risks include successful delivery and customer adoption of the announced software updates and timely integration at airport checkpoints; any deployment delays could disrupt compliance timelines. Watch the rollout progress and confirmations of completed updates ahead of the late 2026 mandate and customer uptake across the installed fleet within 12–18 months.

RESTON, Va., Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Leidos (NYSE: LDOS) B220-HT explosive trace detection (ETD) system has achieved G1 Standard certification ahead of the European Civil Aviation Conference's (ECAC) latest regulatory mandate for all ETD systems deployed across the European Union (EU).

Beginning in late 2026, all ETD systems used at EU airport passenger screening checkpoints must comply with the stricter detection requirements outlined in the G1 Standard. With more than 750 B220-HT units in use at European airports, the certification supports continued compliance and positions Leidos to assist existing customers without disruption.

"This certification reflects our commitment to delivering detection capabilities to our customers that meet the highest global security standards," said Michael Van Gelder, senior vice president and business area leader within Leidos' Commercial & International sector. "We look forward to working with our customers to roll out the required software changes ahead of the deadline."

The B220-HT is a desktop ETD system that uses advanced analysis technology to deliver rapid, simultaneous detection of a broad range of explosives and narcotics, using trace samples collected from objects or skin, making it well-suited for high-throughput airport environments. It is part of Leidos' broader family of trace detection systems, including the TSA-certified QS-B220, which is widely deployed across U.S. airports nationwide.

Leidos capabilities deployed across the global aviation market include security screening, checkpoint deployment, air traffic management, digital modernization and more. To learn more about Leidos' portfolio of aviation solutions, please visit www.leidos.com/aviation.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.leidos.com.

Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the "Risk Factors" set forth in Leidos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made.

Contact:                                                        

Victor Melara
Senior Media Relations Manager
703.431.4612
victor.a.melara@leidos.com 

 

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SOURCE Leidos

FAQ

What did Leidos announce about the B220-HT and EU regulations for LDOS on Dec 2, 2025?

Leidos announced the B220-HT achieved G1 Standard certification ahead of the ECAC mandate requiring G1 compliance by late 2026.

How many B220-HT units in Europe will be affected by the ECAC G1 requirement for LDOS?

More than 750 B220-HT units are in use at European airports and supported for compliance.

Will existing Leidos B220-HT units need hardware replacements to meet the G1 standard for LDOS?

Leidos said it plans to roll out the required software changes to existing units, indicating hardware replacement is not being announced.

When must ETD systems like the B220-HT comply with the new EU/ECAC G1 Standard for LDOS?

Compliance with the stricter G1 Standard is required beginning in late 2026 at EU airport passenger screening checkpoints.

What detection capabilities does the B220-HT desktop ETD offer for LDOS customers?

The B220-HT delivers rapid, simultaneous detection of a broad range of explosives and narcotics using trace samples from objects or skin.

How does the B220-HT relate to Leidos' other airport detection systems like the QS-B220 (LDOS)?

The B220-HT is part of Leidos' trace detection family and complements the TSA-certified QS-B220, which is widely deployed across U.S. airports.