Tactical Optics Market Report 2026

The tactical optics market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $12.62 billion in 2025 to $13.59 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to early development of optical systems for firearms and defense applications, advancements in laser rangefinder and spotting scope technologies, government and military funding for tactical optics programs, integration of monoculars and helmet-mounted displays in operational use, initial adoption of weapon-mounted cameras for situational awareness.

The tactical optics market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $18.01 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for augmented reality tactical goggles and heads-up displays, expansion of optical systems for law enforcement and defense applications, development of advanced range-finding binoculars and integrated targeting systems, adoption of next-generation laser and imaging technologies, increased collaboration between optics manufacturers and defense agencies for enhanced situational awareness solutions. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for ruggedized optics with multi-environment durability, increasing integration of advanced coatings for glare reduction and clarity, growth in lightweight composite materials for enhanced mobility, expansion of modular and customizable optics platforms, higher adoption of long-range precision optics in civilian shooting sports.

The increase in geopolitical tensions and security threats is expected to drive growth in the tactical optics market moving forward. Geopolitical tensions and security threats involve political instability, conflicts between nations or regions, and escalating risks to national or global security. These rising tensions are largely fueled by growing competition among major powers for strategic dominance and control over key regions and resources. Tactical optics improve situational awareness, target identification, and precision engagement, allowing military and law enforcement personnel to respond more effectively to these challenges. For example, in February 2024, the Australia-based think tank Institute for Economics and Peace reported that deaths from terrorism rose by 22% in 2023, reaching 8,352, with attacks becoming more lethal, averaging 2.5 deaths per incident compared to 1.6 in 2022. Therefore, the growing geopolitical tensions and security threats are propelling the tactical optics market.

Companies in the tactical optics market are advancing innovation by developing multi-platform compatible solutions to increase operational flexibility, simplify integration across various weapon systems, and address the evolving requirements of modern military and law enforcement users. Multi-platform compatibility means tactical optics can be used with different weapon systems and mounting interfaces, improving versatility and functionality. For instance, in January 2025, UNITY Tactical, a US-based manufacturer of tactical components, launched the REKE Scope Mount, their first mount designed specifically for intermediate- to long-range rifle optics. This mount features a 1.54 optical centerline optimized for in-line night vision devices and supports modular expansion for improved precision and multi-platform adaptability.

In February 2025, Teledyne Technologies, a US aerospace and defense electronics provider, acquired Excelitas Technologies Corp. for $710 million. This acquisition aims to enhance Teledyne’s presence in advanced defense and aerospace optics by incorporating Excelitas Technologies’ optical systems division, which includes the Qioptiq brand known for tactical night vision systems, helmet-mounted displays, and space-grade optics. This move strengthens Teledyne’s capabilities and broadens its customer base in key defense and space sectors. Excelitas Technologies Corp. is a US manufacturer specializing in advanced photonic technologies, including tactical optics.

Major companies operating in the tactical optics market are RTX Corporation, BAE Systems plc, Thales Group, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Rheinmetall AG, Elbit Systems Ltd., Leonardo DRS Inc., Teledyne FLIR LLC, American Technologies Network Corp., Leupold And Stevens Inc., Primary Arms LLC, Burris Company Inc., Vortex Optics, Trijicon Inc., Bushnell Inc., Meopta s.r.o., Nightforce Optics Inc., Steiner Optik GmbH, Holosun Technologies Inc., Aimpoint AB, Schmidt And Bender GmbH And Co. KG.

North America was the largest region in the tactical optics market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the tactical optics market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs are influencing the tactical optics market by increasing the cost of imported lenses, electronic components, and precision assemblies, raising production expenses and slowing procurement cycles. The impact is greatest in digital and smart optics, thermal scopes, and night-vision devices across import-dependent regions such as Asia-Pacific and North America. Military, law enforcement, and professional shooting segments experience price pressures and delays, while some regions benefit from incentivized domestic manufacturing and localized supply-chain development.

The tactical optics market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides tactical optics market statistics, including the tactical optics industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the tactical optics market share, detailed tactical optics market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the tactical optics industry. This tactical optics market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

Tactical optics are specialized visual tools designed to enhance accuracy, target detection, and situational awareness under challenging conditions. They are commonly employed in hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor activities, and are constructed to withstand harsh environments.

The primary types of tactical optics include riflescopes, red dot sights, night vision devices, thermal imaging scopes, and binoculars. Riflescopes are optical devices attached to rifles to improve aiming precision by magnifying targets and offering an accurate aiming point. These optics incorporate technologies such as analog, digital, and smart-enhanced systems, and are made from materials like aluminum, polymer, glass, and composites. Their applications span military, law enforcement, hunting, shooting sports, wildlife observation, and search and rescue missions. Users range from professionals and amateurs to government agencies, defense organizations, and private security firms.

The countries covered in the tactical optics market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The tactical optics market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as designing, manufacturing, and supplying optical systems used in firearms, surveillance, and targeting for defense and law enforcement applications. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The tactical optics market also includes sales of laser rangefinders, weapon-mounted cameras, spotting scopes, monoculars, heads-up displays, helmet-mounted displays, augmented reality tactical goggles, and range-finding binoculars. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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