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.

Tactical Optics Market Analysis

ID: MRFR//8226-HCR | 168 Pages | Author: Sejal Akre| April 2024

The Tactical Optics market is influenced by several factors that together shape its dynamics, to meet changing needs and obstacles faced by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. A major market factor would be the unending quest for innovation in optics technology. With warfare and security threats taking up new forms, there’s always a need for advanced tactical optics that are more clarified, precise and versatile. Continuous competition among developers of cutting-edge magnification optics, night vision capability enabled lenses as well as those with smart features shows an urgent need by armed forces to maintain technological advantage.

Geopolitical considerations hold significant sway over the dynamism of Tactical Optics Market. The global security architecture marked by geopolitical tensions and military conflicts pushes nations towards beefing up their defense capabilities. The demand for tactical optics changes depending on strategic priorities and security challenges faced by various armies around the world. Market dynamics respond to geopolitics through provision of operational specificities which supports different kinds of threats addressing strategies from either police or military organizations within any given region.

The Tactical Optics Market is highly affected by evolutions in military tactics and changes in types of combat environments. Military personnel go after optronics that will enhance their situational awareness, accuracy and adaptability in any environment possible. Markets Dynamics are characterized by developments in optical aids best adapted to modern day war situations such as counter-terrorism, asymmetric warfare or urban warfare cases. As the nature of military engagements continue to change so does versatility become a major element driving this market; hence the current diverse demands vis-Ă -vis unpredictable wars.

Technological convergence is one of the most important market factors leading to electronic integration with digital components into tactical optics today. Smart systems are increasingly becoming popular because they come with ballistic calculators, range finders and thermal imaging among others making them sought-after products within this industry. They show how much they have been relying on high-tech solutions through their recent interest in optic systems that rely heavily on modern-age technologies to facilitate additional functionalities. The fusion of traditional optics and digital innovations corresponds to the need for advanced and intelligent approaches.

Interoperability as well as modularity have a role to play in shaping Tactical Optics Market. These military optics ought to easily blend with different weapon systems; thereby promoting interoperability among different units from diverse armed forces. In response, market dynamics provide modular lenses with consistent interfaces, which support customization or integration into a highly versatile range of firearms and equipment’s. This means that there is room for flexibility and adaptation where by any armed group depending on mission or situation can find the right type of optical assets.

The demand for lightweight, sturdy materials in tactical optics constitutes another critical factor in the market itself. Given the amount of gear soldiers must carry, optic weight becomes crucially important. Market dynamics address this through inclusion of such advanced materials as carbon fibers and high-strength alloys in their products ensuring durability without any compromise in portability whatsoever. Optics makers seek to harmonize between toughness and weight so that they meet requirements for rugged devices yet retain lightness even under harsh conditions.

Tactical Optics Market dynamics are also influenced by global arms trade as well defense budgets among nations. Resources allocation towards military modernization affects aspects connected to those concerning latest technology in optics demand patterns. Changes in defense budgets shape the market dynamics with such companies responding accordingly taking into account varied financial capabilities together with strategic interests across borders amongst various states within a given year periods thus necessitating flexible manufacturing processes that cater for different buyers at different times depending on budgets available.

Tactical optics regulations and regulatory frameworks are very important for market dynamics. Observing ethical manufacturing principles, export controls, and adherence to international arms trade guidelines are some of the most important considerations. As such, the market ensures that trading is done responsibly while at the same time aligning itself with global norms and regulations in order to adhere to legal and ethical standards of tactical optics production and sales.”

Global Tactical Optics Market Overview


Tactical Optics Market is projected to reach USD 13,770 Million by 2030 and register a CAGR of 5.91% during 2020- 2030. The word tactical generally pertains to military firearms and their accessories. Tactical scopes are characterized by a low magnification range and serve the purpose of extending the shooter's range beyond their regular vision, which is why their usage is associated with the military.


Market Synopsis


Global Tactical Optics Market is expected to register significant growth during the forecast period owing to factors such as increasing demand for EO/IR cameras and growing weapon modernization programs across the globe. Furthermore, the increasing procurement of tactical optics for dismounted soldiers and vehicle platforms is also expected to drive the growth of the market. Additionally, the increasing adoption of tactical optics by the US armed forces is also expected to drive the market growth. 


For example, in December 2018, Raytheon Company signed a contract worth USD 40 million with the US Navy to provide repair services for the multi-spectral targeting systems of the H-60 aircraft.


However, issues related to the demand for high technical expertise to develop tactical optics and stringent government regulations are likely to hamper the growth of the Tactical Optics Market


Market USP


Advancements in technology and rising terrorism across the globe are driving the growth of the Tactical Optics Industry.


Market Drivers



  • Increasing demand for EO/IR cameras



  • Weapon modernization programs across the world



  • Increase in the procurement of tactical optics for vehicle platforms and dismounted soldiers: To offer enhanced ISR and target acquisition capabilities to the defense forces, the government authorities are investing in tactical optics.


Market Restraints



  • Need for high technical expertise to develop tactical optics

  • Stringent government regulations


Market Segmentation


By Application



  • Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR): The Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) segment is projected to register significant CAGR during the forecast period due to the increasing demand for enhanced ISR capabilities by the armed forces across the world owing to rising terrorism.



  • Target Acquisition & Identification: The target acquisition & identification segment dominated the market in 2019 and is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the rising installations of target identification and acquisition products on various platforms.



  • Search & Rescue: The growing adoption of drones and unmanned systems for search & rescue mission is expected to drive the growth of the segment.



  • Border & Coastal Patrol: Increased installation of EO/IR cameras for border & coastal surveillance to track illegal activities is expected to drive the growth of the segment.


By Product



  • Weapon Scopes & Sights: The increasing adoption of thermal imaging technology for enhanced visibility during night and low visibility times is expected to drive the growth of the segment.



  • Handheld Sighting Devices: The increasing adoption of new optical technologies, such as rangefinders, binoculars, target acquisition & surveillance systems, and night vision goggles, are driving the growth of the segment.



  • Cameras & Displays: The cameras & display segment dominated the market in 2019 and is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the increasing use of thermal cameras for border surveillance The growing demand for head-mounted displays for soldiers on the battlefield is expected to drive the growth of the segment.



  • Night Vision Scopes: Increasing demand for enhanced target detection capabilities and the need to offer enhanced visibility to soldiers in low lighting are expected to drive the growth of the segment.


By Platform



  • Ground: The ground segment dominated the Tactical Optics Market in 2019. Factors such as increased procurement of armored vehicles by the armed forces and increasing installation of high-tech cameras for border surveillance are driving the growth of the segment.



  • Naval: The increasing naval modernization programs by countries such as China, India, and the US to strengthen its maritime capabilities are expected to drive the growth of the segment.



  • Airborne: The segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the growing adoption of tactical UAVs and unmanned systems by the armed forces and the rising adoption of attack helicopters by various developing countries such as India.


By End-Use



  • Manned Platform: The segment dominated the market in 2019. Increasing demand for enhanced situational awareness by the armed forces is expected to drive the growth of the segment.



  • Weapon Mounted: Increasing the procurement of new weapons is expected to drive the growth of the segment.



  • Soldier: Increasing soldier modernization programs across the world are expected to drive the growth of the segment.



  • Unmanned Platform: The segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the growing adoption of unmanned systems by countries such as the US and China for various applications such as border surveillance and search & rescue.


By Range



  • Short Range: The growing demand for handheld devices such as rangefinders, binoculars, and others is expected to drive the growth of the segment.



  • Medium Range: The segment is projected to exhibit a significant CAGR during the forecast period due to the increasing adoption of drones.



  • Long Range: The segment dominated the Tactical Optics Market in 2019 and is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the increasing procurement of the naval ships, aircraft, and armored vehicles.


By Region



  • North America: North America dominated the global tactical optics market in 2019 due to the presence of companies such as Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Northrop Grumman Corporation.



  • Europe: Increasing adoption of smart weapons by the armed forces of countries such as the UK is expected to drive the growth of the market in the region. For example, in May 2020, the UK Army tested a new smart riflescope that offers enhanced target acquisition capabilities by using computer imaging technology.



  • Asia-Pacific: The market in this region is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing territorial conflicts in the region and rising defense expenditures of countries, such as China and India, are driving the market growth in Asia-Pacific.



  • Middle East: Increasing terrorist activities in the region and the presence of companies, such as Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems Ltd, are expected to drive the market growth in the region.



  • Latin America: Extreme warfare situations in countries such as Mexico are expected to fuel the demand for tactical optics in this region.


Key Players



  • Leonardo S.p.A. (Italy)

  • BAE Systems (UK)

  • Elbit Systems Ltd (Israel)

  • KONGSBERG Gruppen AS (Norway)

  • L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US)

  • Lockheed Martin Corporation (US)

  • Northrop Grumman Corporation (US)

  • Raytheon Technologies Corporation (US)

  • Thales Group (France)

  • Saab AB (Sweden)


Other Prominent Players



  • Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (Israel)

  • FLIR Systems, Inc. (US)

  • Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel)

  • Wuhan JOHO Technology Co., Ltd (China)

  • AimpointAB (Sweden)

  • ATN Corporation (US)

  • Bushnell Corporation (US)

  • Burris Company, Inc (US)

  • LEUPOLD & STEVENS, INC. (US)

  • NIGHTFORCE OPTICS (US)

  • SIG SAUER (US)

  • Sightmark (US)

  • Trijicon, Inc. (US)

  • Vortex Optics (US)


Recent Development


L3Harris Technologies (merged with Thales in 2023) announced a new contract with the US Army in December 2023 to supply ENVG-III (Enhanced Night Vision Goggle) binoculars. These next-generation night vision devices offer improved image quality and performance in low-light conditions.


Elbit Systems unveiled its new XACT Co-Witness sights in January 2024. These sights are designed for use with magnified optics, allowing shooters to quickly transition between close-quarters combat and long-range engagements.


Sig Sauer launched its ROMEO7 red dot sight in a new FDE (Flat Dark Earth) finish in February 2024. This popular red dot sight is now available in a wider variety of colors to match different firearms and tactical gear.


Vortex Optics introduced its Strike Eagle 5-25x50 FFP riflescope in March 2024. This high-powered riflescope is designed for long-range shooting and features a first focal plane (FFP) reticle that remains constant in size regardless of magnification.

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.