Infrared Countermeasures System Market Report 2026

The infrared countermeasures system market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $8.19 billion in 2025 to $8.55 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to early development of infrared threat detection systems, integration of infrared jammers and countermeasure dispensers, adoption of missile warning sensors in military platforms, growth of R&D and technical support services, implementation of logistics and simulation services for IRCM systems.

The infrared countermeasures system market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $10.05 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to advancement in next-generation infrared countermeasure technologies, increasing integration with multi-sensor defense platforms, growth in expendable countermeasures and automated deployment systems, rising defense procurement for heat-seeking threat protection, expansion of engineering and support services globally. Major trends in the forecast period include integration of advanced laser and directed energy technologies, miniaturization and lightweight ircm systems for enhanced mobility, increasing demand for multi-spectral and hybrid countermeasures, growth in naval and airborne ircm deployments, expansion of ircm systems for critical infrastructure protection,.

The growing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles is anticipated to drive the expansion of the infrared countermeasures system market. UAV threats refer to the dangers presented by drones used for surveillance, attacks, or disruptive activities targeting military, commercial, or civilian entities. The rising demand for countering UAV threats is fueled by the increasing use of drones in military, commercial, and surveillance operations, as well as their potential misuse for attacks or espionage. This has led governments and organizations to invest in advanced detection and defense systems. Infrared countermeasures systems address these risks by detecting and neutralizing hostile drones, protecting critical assets, and ensuring operational safety without the need for complete platform overhauls, thus improving defense capabilities. For example, in July 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported to the House Committee on Homeland Security that there were 411 illegal drone incursions near U.S. airports in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 25.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. As a result, the rising threat of UAVs is contributing to the growth of the infrared countermeasures system market.

Leading companies in the infrared countermeasures systems market are focusing on technological innovations, such as laser-based countermeasure systems, to maintain their competitive advantage. Laser-based countermeasures use directed laser energy to protect aircraft, vehicles, or other assets from incoming threats such as missiles or guided weapons. For example, in February 2023, Northrop Grumman, a U.S.-based aerospace and defense company, deployed the Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) system to the U.S. Army at initial operational capability. This lightweight, fifth-generation laser-based system for rotary-wing aircraft features a compact pointer-tracker, high reliability, and compatibility with multiple platforms. The CIRCM system enhances aircraft survivability by offering a modular, reliable countermeasure solution that can be quickly integrated across various fleets.

In January 2025, SPX Technologies, a U.S.-based technology company, acquired Kranze Technology Solutions (KTS) for $350 million. This acquisition strengthens SPX's position in communication technologies, particularly in tactical datalinks, communications intelligence, and RF countermeasures. Kranze Technology Solutions, a U.S.-based company, specializes in infrared countermeasures (IRCM) systems.

Major companies operating in the infrared countermeasures system market are Airbus SE, Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Thales Group, L3 Harris Technologies, Leonardo S.P.A, Textron, Elbit Systems, Saab AB, Kongsberg Gruppen, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, Aselsan, ITT Corporation, Hensoldt, Chemring Group, Thermoteknix Systems, RFlex Corporation, Leapedge Aerospace and Defense Technologies, Sky shield.

North America was the largest region in the infrared countermeasures system market in 2025. The regions covered in the infrared countermeasures system 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 have introduced complexities to the infrared countermeasures system market by increasing costs for key components like laser systems and electronic controls, particularly impacting manufacturing hubs in Asia-Pacific regions. This has caused supply chain disruptions and slower production timelines, affecting segments such as active and hybrid IRCM systems the most. However, tariffs have also encouraged domestic production growth and innovation in alternative sourcing strategies, benefiting regions investing in local manufacturing and fostering advanced IRCM technologies. Consequently, while tariffs pose challenges, they have also spurred market resilience and diversification.

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

An infrared countermeasures (IRCM) system is a defense technology designed to protect assets from heat-seeking threats. These systems identify incoming infrared signals and deploy countermeasures to mislead or deflect them. IRCM systems combine advanced sensors, lasers, and electronic warfare technologies to improve survivability in hostile environments.

The primary types of infrared countermeasure systems include active infrared countermeasures, passive infrared countermeasures, and hybrid infrared countermeasures. Active infrared countermeasures are systems that detect and actively neutralize incoming threats, such as missiles, using directed energy or laser technologies. These systems comprise components such as laser systems, decoy systems, electronic and control systems, and software. They are deployed across land, air, and naval platforms and are utilized by defense forces, homeland security agencies, commercial aviation operators, maritime security units, and critical infrastructure protection organizations.

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

The infrared countermeasures system market consists of revenues generated by entities by providing services such as research and development, technical support, logistics, simulation, and engineering. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The infrared countermeasures system market also includes sales of threat detection systems, countermeasure dispensers, infrared jammers, missile warning sensors, and expendable countermeasures. 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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