Military Electro-optics/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Market Size

Military Electro-optics/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Market Size

The global military electro-optics/infrared (EO/IR) systems market was valued at USD 8.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2025 to 2034.

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The rising focus on Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) stems from the imperative for heightened situational awareness and proactive threat management. ISR systems, notably EO/IR technologies, empower armed forces to oversee expansive territories, identify looming threats, and collect vital intelligence all while safeguarding personnel. As part of the manned airborne ISR (MAISR) project, L3Harris has handed over three modified King Air 350ER ISR aircraft to the Canadian Armed Forces.
 

Upgraded at L3Harris’ Texas facility, these aircraft are set to bolster Canada's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, thereby enhancing security and mission effectiveness for the Department of National Defense. This initiative falls under a Foreign Military Sale, overseen by the U.S. Army’s Fixed Wing Project Office. These bolstered ISR capabilities not only enhance strategic planning and mission execution but also provide real-time updates, crucial for sustaining operational efficacy and securing an edge in combat.
 

In contemporary military operations, sophisticated situational awareness is paramount. It facilitates swift decision-making, mitigates risks, and boosts mission success rates. As battlefield complexities escalate, the integration of EO/IR systems offering real-time imaging and data analytics becomes crucial for timely threat assessment and response. These advanced systems enable military assets to detect, track, and pinpoint targets with remarkable accuracy, even under challenging conditions like nighttime or inclement weather in maritime for special operations.
 

For instance, Teledyne FLIR Defense's SeaFLIR 240-EP maritime surveillance system bolsters military situational awareness through its high-definition imaging and advanced ISR capabilities. Designed to be lightweight with inertial navigation, it's perfectly suited for naval combatants, small boats, and unmanned vessels. This versatility supports a range of missions, including surveillance, search and rescue, and special operations. Selected for tactical boats by the U.S. Marines, the system enhances operational effectiveness and situational awareness in maritime settings, ensuring swift responses and heightened security in the Pacific region.