Infrared Imaging Market By Product Type (Handheld Cameras, Mounted Systems, Smartphone-based Infrared Imaging, Scope & Goggles, Drone-based Infrared Systems), By Application (Condition Monitoring, Security & Surveillance, Monitoring & Inspection, Detection & Measurement, Automotive Night Vision Systems, Others), By Technology (Cooled Infrared Imaging, Uncooled Infrared Imaging), By Wavelength (Near-Infrared (NIR), Shortwave Infrared (SWIR), Midwave Infrared (MWIR), Longwave Infrared (LWIR)), By Component (Cameras, Sensors & Detectors, Lenses, Software, Others), and By End-user (Military & Defense, Industrial, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Automotive & Transportation, Aerospace, Electronics & Semiconductors, Others), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

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What trends will shape Infrared Imaging Market in the coming years?

The Infrared Imaging Market accounted for USD 8.21 Billion in 2024 and USD 8.74 Billion in 2025 is expected to reach USD 16.24 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 6.40% between 2025 and 2035. The infrared imaging market can be defined as the market of infrared imaging products, technologies, and development and production. The devices can see and show heat-emitting objects so that one can see in low- or no-light conditions. Customarily deployed in a variety of industries, including military and defence, medical, automotive, and manufacturing industries, infrared imaging finds use in surveillance, detection, and quality assurance. The market is propelled by the advancement in sensor technology, the growing concern of security, and the high application in emerging areas such as autonomous vehicles and smart homes. Increasing demand for energy efficiency and safety is another factor driving the global infrared imaging solutions market.

What do industry experts say about the Infrared Imaging market trends?

"Infrared thermography has been widely applied in real industrial inspection of aerospace, energy management systems, engines, and electric systems."

• Dr. Andreas Mandelis, Professor at the University of Toronto and Director of the Institute for Advanced Non-Destructive and Non-Invasive Diagnostic Technologies (IANDIT)

Which segments and geographies does the report analyze?

What are the key drivers and challenges shaping the Infrared Imaging market?

How does rising demand for security surveillance boost infrared imaging?

Demand for improved security surveillance has greatly influenced the use of infrared imaging technology, especially in applications that require visibility in low-light or obscured situations. Infrared cameras allow continuity of detection of intruders or threats in real-time because the thermal images captured by these cameras are not visible to normal cameras. The focus of government projects in India is on the development of infrared technology in the defence sector and the service of peacekeeping in the country; one example is that the Department of Science and Technology (DST) sponsors projects aimed at creating infrared sensors for better situational awareness.

Reports in DST point out that the application of infrared thermography in critical infrastructure monitoring is on the rise, with the technology assisting in observation of security breaches and averting hazards. Some studies made by educational institutions, such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), point to the effectiveness of infrared imaging in the context of intelligent surveillance systems, which combine AI capabilities and are capable of increasing the accuracy of threat recognition. This merging of technology advancements and the support of the government is an effective growth factor in the infrared imaging market, caused by the increasing concerns of security.

Will increased adoption in automotive night vision drive market growth?

One of the major factors that contributes to the development of the infrared imaging market is the growing use of automotive night vision systems. Accidents during the nighttime are still a considerable danger issue; in the U.S., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that approximately half of all fatal accidents occur at nighttime or in low-light conditions, whereas only a quarter of all travel occurs at night. This creates the extreme importance of developing technologies that enhance the visibility of drivers in the dark.

Advanced vehicle safety requires manufacturers to consider night vision systems as part of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and innovative night vision technology was introduced to improve safety by alerting the driver to possible hazards on the road. Besides, increased production of autonomous and semi-autonomous cars further contributes to the growth of the infrared imaging market, as night vision extends the safety of obstacles and pedestrians even further than a human eye is able to do. These are some of the contributing factors to the healthy growth path of the infrared imaging market in the automotive industry.

Does high manufacturing cost limit widespread infrared imaging applications?

The costs of manufacturing are also another great drawback that prevents the easy use of infrared imaging technologies. Research, which was partly funded by the U.S. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, has shown that the cost of manufacturing sensitive infrared sensors, particularly those required in long-wave infrared (LWIR) applications, is prohibitive and limits the application to niche industry segments like defence and aerospace, where there is reduced sensitivity to cost.

High cost is motivated by elaborate fabrication requirements and the use of rare or costly materials in IR detectors. Academic literature has further indicated that most of the infrared cameras are cumbersome and are very expensive, thus making their utilisation in commercial and industrial applications inhibited by more affordable but small-sized cameras. The costs of infrared sensors remain a key cost constraint to the wider application of infrared imaging technology in everyday markets, as government-funded research seeks to develop newer and cheaper methods of sensor manufacture through miniaturisation.

Is growth in industrial automation presenting novel infrared imaging uses?

The ever-increasing industrialised landscape of automation is bringing new and significant applications of infrared (IR) imaging technology. IR imaging is playing a more important role as industries come to use more and more automated systems for predictive maintenance, quality control, and safety monitoring. Another example can be given by the research presented at the Indian School of Business, which points out that AI-enhanced thermal imaging technology can help to significantly decrease the time it takes to locate electrical equipment failures – from several minutes to only several seconds – enhancing efficiency and preventing downtimes. In an analogous project, the Smithsonian Institution now uses infrared thermography to inspect building components and mechanical systems so that repairs can be made before costly failures occur, and energy use and equipment operating life are maximised.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is taking a lead in advancing infrared imaging standards to enhance the physical security of industrial facilities, especially stocks subject to bilateral concerns like nuclear power plants. These trends indicate the rising need for automation to use the IR imaging that leads to innovation in the application of the technology to make operations smarter, faster, and safer.

Could integration with AI open new horizons for infrared imaging?

The incorporation of artificial intelligence into infrared images will accelerate the infrared imaging market since it would improve the precision and efficiency of thermal analysis. As an example, the Indian Space Research Organisation and other governmental research institutions developed the latest infrared sensors, whose efficiencies in conjunction with AI algorithms have allowed infrared imaging to have clearer visuals and identify anomalies in real-time in various applications that include space exploration, environmental monitoring, and so on.

Academic research projects sponsored by national science organisations have shown that AI-enabled infrared imaging can be used to spot signs of disease much earlier in various applications (such as cancer) than before. Such published research reports in universities and government labs show that AI integration can cut the error percentage in thermal scanning imaging by 30%, increasing the confidence factor in segments like defense and industrial, where flawless performance is vital. The developments bear witness to a rising tendency wherein AI-enhanced infrared imaging opens new perspectives in precision, automation, and a variety of possible uses.

What are the key market segments in the Infrared Imaging industry?

Based on the product type, the Infrared Imaging Market has been classified into Handheld Cameras, Mounted Systems, Smartphone-based Infrared Imaging, Scope & Goggles, and Drone-based Infrared Systems. Handheld cameras are the product type with the most prominent position in the infrared imaging market. Such superiority is determined by their dexterity, ease of operation, and multi-application in different industries, including security, firefighting, electrical inspection, and building diagnostics.

The infrared cameras include handheld types, which are portable and thus easier to deploy, both professionally and by consumers. Their increased use is also enhanced by technology, which has led to improved image resolution and a reduction in their costs. This widespreadness and availability of accessibility make the handheld cameras the most dominant product of the infrared imaging market.

Based on the application, the Infrared Imaging Market has been classified into Condition Monitoring, Security & Surveillance, Monitoring & Inspection, Detection & Measurement, Automotive Night Vision Systems, and Others. The largest application segment in the infrared imaging market is security & surveillance. The growing demand for improved security in the fields of both government and civil engineering has resulted in the rampant application of the use of infrared imaging in the areas of night vision, perimeter observation, and threat identification.

Infrared technology allows one to hold good surveillance even in low-light or no-light situations, thus being useful in law enforcement, the military, and critical infrastructure security. The increased desire to have safety and the increased incorporation of smart security systems also contribute to the domination of this segment in the market.

Which regions are leading the Infrared Imaging market, and why?

The North American infrared imaging market is leading due to a variety of factors. The region has a well-developed technological infrastructure, and the processes of research and development lead to innovations in infrared imaging solutions. The availability of the major defence and security agencies, and also the robust healthcare sector, results in the driving demand for high-performance infrared cameras and sensors. Infrared imaging is used in the well-established industrial base, including automotive and aerospace, in North America, to perform quality control and predictive maintenance checks.

Government programmes that facilitate increased surveillance and protection of its citizens also drive the market. Early adoption of the latest technologies and a lax regulatory environment are some of the factors that assure market domination in the infrared imaging market sector. The growing combination of AI and machine learning and infrared technology only serves to drive market growth further forward. Effective cooperation between industrial actors and research institutes also promotes innovations and the development of technologies in the region.

The Asia-Pacific infrared imaging market is expanding because of various limitations. High-level urbanisation and industrialisation in countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and India, as well as the increasing government expenditure on defence and monitoring facilities, are boosting the market. The presence of the large electronics manufacturers and the well-developed environment of the supply chain also help the field of infrared imaging to be innovative and cost-effective in the production of infrared imaging devices. Besides, the spread of smart city projects and the growth of car manufacturing industries that incorporate infrared technologies also aid in dominating the region.

Increased awareness of the importance of energy efficiency and environmental surveillance is favouring the deployment of infrared imaging technologies in the region. The presence of a large number of consumers and growing disposable income levels shows the potential of using these higher-order technologies. The combination of these trends makes the Asia-Pacific region develop a very resilient environment that keeps leading the infrared imaging market ahead of other regions.

What does the competitive landscape of the Infrared Imaging market look like?

The infrared imaging market is intensely competitive, with the combination of both the established multinational corporations and nimble-footed independent ones. Strong players such as Teledyne Technologies and Fluke Corporation, a division of Fortive, are the market leaders with extensive product lines in the industrial, defence, and commercial markets. Leonardo S.p.A., through its subsidiary Leonardo DRS, has an intense focus on security, especially in the form of missile alert systems, which work on military air vehicles. Independent companies like Lynred and Opgal Optronic are still on the trail of innovation in sensor production and industrial applications.

Canon-owned Axis Communications uses thermal imaging to integrate security and surveillance. Meantime, more recent entries such as InfiRay are bringing the trend of smaller and smartphone-compatible thermal devices into the product range, opening the industry to consumer-grade applications. Overall, the development of the sensor and miniaturisation and digitalisation of products are major trends contributing to the competition and spurring expansion in a variety of end applications such as defence, automotive, industrial inspection, and the healthcare industry.

Infrared Imaging Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Which recent mergers, acquisitions, or product launches are shaping the Infrared Imaging industry?

• In June 2025, ABB’s infrared camera was successfully used on Hydrosat’s VanZyl-1 satellite to provide calibrated surface temperature data. This helped in monitoring agricultural water stress from space. A second camera unit was planned for launch on the VanZyl-2 satellite later that summer.
• In January 2023, InfiRay introduced a hand-held thermal imager that attaches via USB-C, allowing mobile phone users to access infrared imaging capabilities, expanding the accessibility of thermal imaging technology

Report Coverage:

By Product Type

• Handheld Cameras
• Mounted Systems
• Smartphone-based Infrared Imaging
• Scope & Goggles
• Drone-based Infrared Systems

By Application

• Condition Monitoring
• Security & Surveillance
• Monitoring & Inspection
• Detection & Measurement
• Automotive Night Vision Systems
• Others

By Technology

• Cooled Infrared Imaging
• Uncooled Infrared Imaging

By Wavelength

• Near-Infrared (NIR)
• Shortwave Infrared (SWIR)
• Midwave Infrared (MWIR)
• Longwave Infrared (LWIR)

By Component

• Cameras
• Sensors & Detectors
• Lenses
• Software
• Others

By End-user

• Military & Defense
• Industrial
• Healthcare & Life Sciences
• Automotive & Transportation
• Aerospace
• Electronics & Semiconductors
• Others

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
• Fortive Corporation
• Leonardo S.p.A
• Canon Inc.
• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
• RTX
• Exosens
• Opgal Optronic Industries Ltd.
• Lynred
• Allied Vision Technologies GmbH
• BAE Systems
• Testo SE & Co. KGaA
• Thermoteknix Systems Ltd
• MKS Instruments, Inc.
• Photon etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)