Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Market Outlook - Forecast Trends, Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The global electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems market attained a value of USD 15.07 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.70% between 2025 and 2034 to reach USD 21.67 Billion by 2034.

Key Trends in the Market

Devices that use a combination of optics and electronics for producing, detecting, and measuring radiation on the optical spectrum are referred to as electro-optical systems, or EO systems. Law enforcement and military departments generally use electro optical systems or infrared systems as imaging systems to improve situational awareness of settings during the day, at night, and even in low light situations. Common applications of EO/IR systems include airborne homeland security, surveillance, patrol, warfare, search and rescue, and reconnaissance missions.

• There is a growing need to integrate different systems so they may work together to create enterprise-like systems that provide a more comprehensive perspective of the battlefield. As a result, several forces are increasingly concentrating on real-time data collection and enhanced situational awareness. Due to their enhanced target recognition abilities and high range capabilities, EO/IR sensors will be useful in the military sector. As a result, many countries are heavily investing in these systems.
• Additionally, the electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems market is expected to grow due to the increasing need for modernisation of older systems. Electronic warfare, optical surveillance, and observation systems, as well as missile warning receivers, can all benefit from updated EO/IR systems.
• EO/IR systems are increasingly utilised in diverse applications, fuelled by the expanding trend of system miniaturisation, and need for increasing accuracy, and cost- and reliability-effectiveness. Improved EO/IR systems are being developed as a result of research into third generation nonlinear crystals, forward-looking infrared, sophisticated 3D visualisation, laser radars, smart seekers and sensors, and hyperspectral and multispectral sensors, which is having a beneficial impact on the market.

Global Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Market Segmentation

The report titled “Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Technology:

• Cooled
• Uncooled

Market Breakup by Sensor Technology:

• Scanning Sensor
• Staring Sensor

Market Breakup by Imaging Technology:

• Multispectral
• Hyperspectral

Market Breakup by Wavelength:

• Ultraviolet
• Short Wavelength Infrared
• Medium Wavelength Infrared
• Long Wavelength Infrared
• Near Infrared

Market Breakup by Platform:

• Land
• Airborne
• Marine/Naval

Market Breakup by End Use:

• Military
• Commercial

Market Breakup by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Market Share by End Use

The electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems market by end use is anticipated to be dominated by the military sector throughout the forecasted period. Developments in sensor technology, increasing international tension and conflict, rising demand, and the preference for small unmanned aerial vehicles are some of the key drivers propelling the segment's expansion.

The development of complex and powerful sensor technologies, such as laser range finders, laser spot detectors, compass thermographic sensors, and low-light television cameras, is the result of technological developments. These modern tools have made a significant contribution in boosting terrestrial security.

Additionally, there have been more frequent instances of international conflict and territorial disputes. This has increased demand for advanced and high precision sensors. Small, unmanned aircrafts offer advantages such as easy navigation and undetected flying due to which they have been growing in popularity, increasing the demand for EO/IR systems.

Market Share by Region

North America is a leading shareholder in the global electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems market and is anticipated to develop at the quickest rate during the forecast period. This is due to the strong demand for EO/IR systems from the United States armed forces. The United States has made significant investments in the research and acquisition of electro optical systems for various military platforms, including naval vessels, armoured vehicles, aircraft, submarines, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and helicopters.

The United States is also increasing its expenditure in cutting-edge weapon systems due to the growing capabilities of other nations on the battlefield. Additionally, the increased purchase of advanced ISR and other equipment that improve the military's situational awareness was substantially influenced by the United States military's expanding involvement in numerous international conflicts.

The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to register substantial growth in the electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems market. This can be attributed to the growing economies of countries in the region, which have fuelled expenditures in the military industry to fortify their current infrastructure. Growing territorial conflicts in the area and rising military spending are driving the market's expansion. As a result, the armed services in the region are investing heavily on plans to modernise their military electronics systems.

Additionally, it is anticipated that increased development and acquisition of cutting-edge military aircraft and unmanned vehicles for military operations in the Asia Pacific will increase the demand for effective systems like EO/IR systems, thus propelling the electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems market growth.

Competitive Landscape

The comprehensive report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis. The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems market, covering their competitive landscape and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, investments, and expansion plans.

Raytheon Technologies Corporation

Raytheon Technologies Corporation, a United States-based corporation, offers technology goods and services to the aerospace and defence sectors. The company's product line includes commercial, general aviation, and military aircraft engines, power generation management and distribution systems, engine control systems, and flight systems. Additionally, it provides solutions for hypersonic air warfare, command and control, cybersecurity, decision superiority, communications and navigation, naval warfare, land warfare, and space warfare.

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Lockheed Martin Corporation, a global security and aerospace corporation, with its headquarters in Maryland in the United States, employs around 114,000 people worldwide. It focuses primarily on the manufacture, integration, and maintenance of high-tech systems, products, and services.

Thales Group

Thales Group, a leading provider of technology with its headquarters in Paris, France, has a reach across five continents. It is a supplier of cutting-edge technology, electronic systems, software, equipment, ground transportation, and services to the aerospace, defence, and security industries. For the land, marine, and air defence markets, the company also offers radio communications products, weapon systems, protection systems, vital information systems, network and infrastructure systems, and cybersecurity solutions.

Other market players include Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems PLC, and Rheinmetall AG, among others.