Home > Aerospace & Defense > Aviation Technology > Military Electro-optics/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Market
Based on platform, the naval segment accounted for 25% military electro-optics/infrared systems market share in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a 6% through 2032. Military maritime assets were at greater risk due to border disputes and territorial wars, which resulted in a greater focus on maritime surveillance, threat detection, and target identification. Armed forces primarily concentrate on integrating advanced sensor systems into their military naval vessels as modern combats emphasize these capabilities. To better identify targets, assess threats, and judge intent as per the rules of support weapon engagement through fire control solutions, automatic tracking, and line-of-sight, navy vessels must obtain motion imagery from EO/IR sensors that provide long-range and day-night focus on the target. The requirement for more accurate & reliable sensor systems for the maritime patrol to improve naval awareness is growing.
Based on sensor technology, the military electro-optics/infrared systems market is categorized into infrared, laser, and imaging. The infrared segment will register gains at nearly 5% CAGR up to 2032. Infrared (IR) sensors are important components in military electro-optics/infrared systems. They enable the tracing and detection of targets in nighttime and low-light conditions. The demand for IR sensor technology is forecast to depict substantial growth, particularly in reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. One of the factors driving market growth is the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for defense and military operations. These vehicles rely on IR sensors for locating targets and gathering intelligence. The increasing demand for UAVs will fuel the demand for IR sensor technology.
Based on application, the military electro-optics/infrared systems market is segmented into Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), targeting, situational awareness, navigation, and others. The ISR segment was valued at USD 2,000 million in 2022 and is to see noteworthy growth in coming years. EO/IR systems use a combination of visible light and IR technology to identify, track, and detect targets day and night, at long ranges, and in harsh weather conditions. The increasing demand for situational awareness in modern military operations is fostering market growth.
EO/IR systems are critical to military forces as they provide accurate and timely intelligence on enemy movements & activities. They allow military personnel to see what is happening on the ground and in the air from a safe distance. Another factor contributing to the rising demand for EO/IR systems is the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles for military purposes. EO/IR sensors are a critical component of many UAVs, providing a high-resolution imaging capability for ISR missions. These factors along with the ability of EO/IR systems to perform efficiently will augment market growth.
North America military Electro-optics/Infrared systems market is predicted to observe 6% CAGR from 2022 to 2032. North America holds the largest share as the U.S. armed services have a significant demand for EO/IR equipment. The country is extending its expenditure on weapon systems to counter enemies on the battlefield. The increasing involvement of the U.S. Armed Forces in many international conflicts heavily influenced the growing purchase of ISR equipment that improves the military's situational awareness.