Electro-optical system market set to surge at 4.5% CAGR

The market, valued at $12,064.2 million in 2023, is expected to surge to an impressive $18,794.6 million by the year 2033, reflecting a substantial Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.5% over the forecast period.

Over the past years, the electro-optical system market has shown consistent growth, with a CAGR of 2.4% from 2018 to 2022. However, the acceleration in growth rate projected from 2023 to 2033 underscores the increasing demand for enhanced safety and security solutions, particularly in defence applications.

Global electro-optical system market: market dynamics

The main actions integral to armed forces are intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities which are provided by electro-optical systems like multi-spectral day and night imaging sensors, night vision goggles (NVG), laser rangefinders (LRF), forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems, and infrared targeting pods. These capabilities lead to market growth for electro-optical systems in defence and military applications.

The electro-optical system enables flexible deployment of targeted military force based on accurate and timely surveillance and reconnaissance with increased affordability combined with interoperability and mission-critical functions suited to military departments. In addition, the naval forces worldwide implement in electro-optical systems in new and diverse ways such as EO fire control directors and IR search and track systems.

The continued research in the next several years is expected to manufacture next-generation sensors for weapons body armour, and communications equipment.  Also, airborne EO Systems, and land and sea-based EO Systems are the other two areas of deployment for electro-optical systems expected to flourish in the near future.

Regional analysis

In terms of regional trends, North America currently holds a substantial share of the global electro-optical system market, driven by a robust defence sector and advancements in surveillance technologies. Europe closely follows suit, with significant contributions from established players in the defence and aerospace sectors.

Asia-Pacific, however, is anticipated to highlight remarkable growth potential, attributed to the increasing defence budgets of emerging economies and the need for enhanced border security. The region's rapid technological advancements and expanding industrial base are set to amplify the demand for electro-optical systems in the forecast period.

Category-wise insights

The electro-optical system market encompasses a wide array of products, including thermal cameras, night vision systems, laser rangefinders. Among these, thermal imaging systems are expected to witness substantial growth due to their versatile applications in various industries, from industrial maintenance to defence operations.

In conclusion, the global electro-optical system market is on the cusp of a transformative phase, characterised by accelerated growth and innovation. The projected CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2033 underscores the market's potential to address evolving security challenges and capitalise on advancements in optical technologies.

Competition analysis

In April 2022, L3 Harris Technologies announced a prospective $500 million contract to develop and manufacture a wide-field-of-view electro-optical system to protect surface warships against new adversary anti-ship cruise missiles.

In September 2020, Lockheed Martin Corporation, located in Maryland, US, stated that it had delivered the 700th Electro-Optical Targeting System for the F-35 Lightning II.