Certified Global Research Member
Isomar fd.webp Wcrc 57.webp
Key Questions Answered
  • Global Market Outlook
  • In-depth analysis of global and regional trends
  • Analyze and identify the major players in the market, their market share, key developments, etc.
  • To understand the capability of the major players based on products offered, financials, and strategies.
  • Identify disrupting products, companies, and trends.
  • To identify opportunities in the market.
  • Analyze the key challenges in the market.
  • Analyze the regional penetration of players, products, and services in the market.
  • Comparison of major players’ financial performance.
  • Evaluate strategies adopted by major players.
  • Recommendations
Why Choose Market Research Future?
  • Vigorous research methodologies for specific market.
  • Knowledge partners across the globe
  • Large network of partner consultants.
  • Ever-increasing/ Escalating data base with quarterly monitoring of various markets
  • Trusted by fortune 500 companies/startups/ universities/organizations
  • Large database of 5000+ markets reports.
  • Effective and prompt pre- and post-sales support.

Military Thermal Imaging Companies

At the forefront of modern warfare technology, military thermal imaging companies are driving innovation in the field of surveillance and situational awareness. These companies are advancing thermal imaging systems with cutting-edge technologies, such as uncooled sensors, multispectral imaging, and artificial intelligence integration. Their innovations enable military personnel to detect, identify, and track targets effectively, even in challenging environments or low-light conditions. Furthermore, compact and lightweight thermal imaging solutions enhance mobility and versatility for troops in the field. With a focus on providing a tactical advantage, these companies continue to redefine military operations by delivering state-of-the-art thermal imaging capabilities that contribute to enhanced reconnaissance, threat detection, and overall mission success.

Military Thermal Imaging Companies


The Military Thermal Imaging Market is a critical sector within the defense industry, playing a vital role in enhancing situational awareness, target acquisition, and surveillance capabilities for military forces. This comprehensive overview explores the competitive landscape, encompassing key players, strategies, factors for market share analysis, new and emerging companies, industry news, and current investment trends, shaping the overall competitive scenario.


Key Players:



  • Lockheed Martin (US)

  • Aselsan (Turkey)

  • Thales Group (France)

  • Raytheon Company (US)

  • Northrop Grumman (US)

  • L-3 Technologies (US)

  • Ultra Electronics (UK)

  • Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel)

  • MOOG Inc. (US)

  • Flir Systems (US)

  • Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (Israel)

  • Qioptik (Paris)


Strategies Adopted:


Key players in the Military Thermal Imaging Market deploy strategic initiatives to maintain and strengthen their market positions. Continuous investment in research and development is a common strategy to introduce innovative thermal imaging technologies, including enhanced sensor resolutions, multi-spectral imaging capabilities, and integration with other sensor systems. Moreover, strategic collaborations with defense contractors, international partnerships, and military research institutions facilitate the development of tailored solutions, ensuring thermal imaging systems meet the evolving needs of modern military operations.


Factors for Market Share Analysis:


Market share analysis in the Military Thermal Imaging Market is influenced by critical factors such as the performance and sensitivity of thermal imaging sensors, the ability to operate in various environmental conditions, and compliance with stringent military standards. Companies excelling in delivering thermal imaging solutions with long-range detection, high-resolution imagery, and advanced image processing capabilities are likely to secure a significant market share. The capacity to address the diverse requirements of different military platforms, including ground-based, airborne, and maritime applications, is crucial in determining market dominance.


New and Emerging Companies:


In the evolving landscape of the Aerospace Military Thermal Imaging Market, new and emerging companies are making noteworthy strides. Entities such as Teledyne FLIR, Roketsan, and HGH Infrared Systems bring innovative approaches to thermal imaging technologies, focusing on advancements in compact designs, artificial intelligence integration, and modular sensor systems. These companies contribute agility and niche expertise, challenging traditional approaches and introducing disruptive technologies that address specific challenges in modern military reconnaissance and surveillance.


Industry News:


Recent industry news underscores the dynamic nature of the Aerospace Military Thermal Imaging Market, with reports of successful thermal imaging system deployments, partnerships between thermal imaging manufacturers and defense agencies, and advancements in technologies such as uncooled thermal sensors. Additionally, news regarding the integration of thermal imaging with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the development of long-range thermal imaging systems, and international collaborations for joint military exercises highlight the industry's commitment to staying at the forefront of evolving military requirements. Such developments contribute to the evolving landscape and indicate a shift towards more advanced and adaptable thermal imaging solutions.


Current Company Investment Trends:


Investments in the Military Thermal Imaging Market reflect a commitment to advancing technology and addressing the evolving needs of modern military operations. Key players are investing significantly in research and development to enhance the capabilities of thermal imaging systems, improve sensor technologies, and address emerging challenges such as countermeasures against thermal detection. Strategic acquisitions and partnerships to expand solution portfolios, ensure interoperability, and address evolving military threats are common investment trends. Furthermore, advancements in artificial intelligence for target recognition, the integration of thermal imaging with other sensor modalities, and the exploration of new materials for sensor development are notable focus areas, aiming to enhance the overall performance and versatility of thermal imaging solutions.


Overall Competitive Scenario:


The overall competitive scenario in the Military Thermal Imaging Market is characterized by a blend of established players providing comprehensive solutions and innovative newcomers introducing disruptive technologies. As military forces seek to enhance their reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, the competition revolves around delivering thermal imaging systems that offer not only cutting-edge technology but also adaptability to different mission profiles and environmental conditions. The ongoing advancements in multi-spectral imaging, artificial intelligence integration, and the development of lightweight and portable thermal imaging solutions further shape the competitive dynamics in the market.


Recent Development:


January 2024:


Leonardo DRS (USA): Secured a USD 94 million contract from the US Army for advanced infrared weapon sights for infantry snipers. The Family of Weapon Sights - Sniper, Improved Night/Day Observation Device Block III, aims to provide extended-range target detection, environmental observation, and bullet trajectory tracking.


Thales Group (France): Successfully completed night vision integration testing on its Scorpion reconnaissance helicopter for the French Army.


Military Thermal Imaging Company

Global Military Thermal Imaging Market Overview 


Military Thermal Imaging Market Size was valued at USD 3.31 billion in 2022. The Military Thermal Imaging Market is projected to grow to USD 6.67 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% during the forecast period (2022 - 2032).



Thermal imaging technology has been developed for military applications that provide soldiers with a clear vision in low light conditions, such as in the evening or fogs and military operations conducted at night. These technologies can display images on standard monitor systems through electronic signals that process the information gathered by thermal imaging devices. The rise in dependency on electro-optical solutions, such as thermal imaging would improve the accuracy of armed forces on the battlefield, whether on the land, sea, or air. 

Significant investments have been made on the development of military thermal imaging systems, which would lead to rapid growth of the market during the forecast period. However, some factors such as the requirement for additional detailing in long-wave infrared cameras and export restrictions of military thermal imaging, which would adversely affect the market growth.


The increased need for thermal inspections and monitoring in the military sector is expected to offer new growth opportunities to the market players. The factors responsible for the growth of the global military thermal imaging market are the reduction in the price of thermal imaging products and increasing adoption of thermal imaging for perimeter security. There are several contracts have been signed to bolster the growth of the market. In 2016, Thales Group signed a contract with the Indian Army to provide Catherine Thermal Imaging Cameras for T90 battle tanks. In 2017, Teledyne Technologies acquired E2v Technologies plc. to provide high-performance imaging sensors, custom camera solutions, and application-specific standard products.


The global military thermal imaging market has been segmented by type, application, end user, platform, and region. Among type, modules are most widely used and have the largest market share due to their compactness, low cost, and flexibility to integrate with other devices, including military drones. Based on application, the security and surveillance market segment is estimated to witness the largest demand, during the forecast period, due to increasing usage by the military forces for border patrolling and security. Based on end users, the airborne market segment is estimated to witness the largest demand for military thermal imaging systems, due to the high usage of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for military operations. 


For instance, FLIR Systems signed a contract with Hellenic Port Police to provide airborne thermal imaging systems for port security, coastal patrol, shipping protection, and general surveillance for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Based on platform, the fixed mounted thermal imaging systems are the most widely used and account for the largest market share. Furthermore, the FLIR Systems signed a contract with the Swedish Armed Forces to provide vehicle-mounted thermal imaging systems for vehicle sighting applications.


Recent Development


FLIR Systems:



  • FLIR Black Hornet Nano Drone: This ultra-miniaturized drone boasts a thermal imaging camera, offering soldiers real-time reconnaissance in tight urban environments or over obstacles.


BAE Systems:


  • Integrated Helmet Display System (IHDS): This HMD incorporates thermal imaging with other critical information, offering pilots a comprehensive view of their surroundings and potential threats.


Segmentation of the Global Military Thermal Imaging Market


Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. North America is expected to dominate the market in the coming years, due to the presence of thermal imaging product manufacturers and R&D centers in this region. Asia-Pacific is expected to follow North America in the military thermal imaging market and is estimated to trail North America during the forecast period as well. The key influencing factors boosting the growth of the market are the increasing deployment of thermal imaging technologies in various military applications and increasing military expenses by emerging economies, such as China and India. Thus, the global military thermal imaging market is estimated to witness 6% CAGR from 2020 to 2027.


Intended Audience



  • Camera component manufacturers

  • Security services providers

  • Software developers

  • Component providers

  • Regulatory bodies

  • Government authorities

  • Research institutes

  • Regulatory bodies


Key Players


The key players in the global military thermal imaging market are Lockheed Martin (US), Aselsan (Turkey), Thales Group (France), Raytheon Company (US), Northrop Grumman (US), L-3 Technologies (US), Ultra Electronics (UK), Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel), MOOG Inc. (US), Flir Systems (US), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (Israel), and Qioptik (Paris).


Research Methodology


The market values and forecasts are derived using MRFR research methodology, which includes secondary research, primary interviews, data triangulation, and validation from an in-house data repository and statistical modeling tools.


Secondary Research


In this process, data is collected from various secondary sources, including annual reports, SEC filings, journals, government associations, aerospace & defense magazines, white papers, corporate presentations, company websites, and paid databases.


Primary Research


In this process, both the demand- and supply-side parties are interviewed to extract facts and insights into the market forecast, production, trends, and projected market growth. Industry stakeholders such as CEOs, VPs, directors, and marketing executives across the value chain are approached to obtain key information.


Key Insights



  • Market sizing, forecast, and analysis: detailed coverage of the market segment and sub-segments

  • Regional/country trends and forecast: detailed analysis of the market in North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America, along with key countries in each region

  • Market dynamics intelligence: market drivers, opportunities, trends, restraints, Porter’s five forces, supply chain, and value chain analysis

  • Technology trends, regulatory landscape, and patent analysis outlook

  • Competitive intelligence: market share analysis, financial analysis, product benchmarking, and strategic developments including joint ventures, product launches, and mergers & acquisitions

  • Regional attractiveness and related growth opportunities


Report Customization MRFR offers report customization to valued customers. Below are the options available for customization: Company Profiles In-depth profiling of additional market players (3 to 4 companies) Country-Level Analysis Detailed analysis of a country-level market and related segments as per the report scope (subject to data availability)


Leading companies partner with us for data-driven Insights
client_1 client_2 client_3 client_4 client_5 client_6 client_7 client_8 client_9 client_10
Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report
Please fill in Business Email for Quick Response

We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails based on your report interest from time to time. You may contact us at any time to opt-out.

Purchase Option
Single User $ 4,950
Multiuser License $ 5,950
Enterprise User $ 7,250
Compare Licenses
Tailored for You
  • Dedicated Research on any specifics segment or region.
  • Focused Research on specific players in the market.
  • Custom Report based only on your requirements.
  • Flexibility to add or subtract any chapter in the study.
  • Historic data from 2014 and forecasts outlook till 2040.
  • Flexibility of providing data/insights in formats (PDF, PPT, Excel).
  • Provide cross segmentation in applicable scenario/markets.