The Global Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market is valued at approximately USD 5.06 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to surge at a compelling CAGR of 5.60% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035. As militaries around the world face increasing threats from stealth technologies, radar jamming, and electronic warfare, IRST systems have emerged as a critical solution, enabling detection and tracking without active electromagnetic emissions. These passive surveillance systems are rapidly being embedded into next-generation platforms, driven by their capability to detect infrared signatures in complex environments-enhancing situational awareness while maintaining tactical advantage. With defense modernization gaining pace and cross-border tensions escalating in key geographies, investment into IRST technology is experiencing an unprecedented acceleration.
The demand for IRST systems is escalating particularly across the airborne and maritime platforms where stealth aircraft and hypersonic threats pose a significant strategic challenge. As legacy radar-based systems encounter operational limitations, defense forces are pivoting toward passive alternatives such as IRST, which cannot be easily detected or jammed. These systems, equipped with high-resolution scanning heads, advanced processing control electronics, and integrated displays, are reshaping surveillance and threat-detection doctrines across both civil and military applications. Moreover, the convergence of artificial intelligence with electro-optical tracking is enabling IRST to play a vital role in multi-domain operations, including space-based defense monitoring-opening lucrative new frontiers for market stakeholders.
From a geographical standpoint, North America is set to dominate the market throughout the forecast timeline, attributed to its cutting-edge R&D capabilities, sustained defense expenditure, and ongoing aircraft fleet upgrades by the U.S. Department of Defense. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is forecasted to register the fastest CAGR due to mounting security concerns, particularly across the Indo-Pacific corridor. Countries such as China, India, and South Korea are investing heavily in indigenous ISR capabilities, including airborne and naval IRST systems. Europe, on the other hand, is witnessing considerable deployment of IRST technology in next-generation fighter jets such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale, alongside collaborative defense projects aimed at reinforcing NATO readiness.
Major market players included in this report are:
- Leonardo S.p.A.
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- Thales Group
- Safran Group
- Raytheon Technologies Corporation
- BAE Systems
- Rheinmetall AG
- ASELSAN A.S.
- Hensoldt AG
- Elbit Systems Ltd.
- L3Harris Technologies Inc.
- Teledyne FLIR LLC
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
- Indra Sistemas S.A.
Global Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market Report Scope:
- Historical Data - 2023, 2024
- Base Year for Estimation - 2024
- Forecast period - 2025-2035
- Report Coverage - Revenue forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth factors, and Trends
- Regional Scope - North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa
- Customization Scope - Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts' working hours) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope*
The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments & countries in recent years and to forecast the values for the coming years. The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within the countries involved in the study. The report also provides detailed information about crucial aspects, such as driving factors and challenges, which will define the future growth of the market. Additionally, it incorporates potential opportunities in micro-markets for stakeholders to invest, along with a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape and product offerings of key players. The detailed segments and sub-segments of the market are explained below:
By Component:
- Scanning Head
- Processing Control Electronics
- Display
By Platform:
- Land
- Maritime
- Airborne
- Space
By End User:
By Region:
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Europe
- UK
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- Italy
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- Australia
- South Korea
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Middle East & Africa
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
Key Takeaways:
- Market Estimates & Forecast for 10 years from 2025 to 2035.
- Annualized revenues and regional level analysis for each market segment.
- Detailed analysis of geographical landscape with Country level analysis of major regions.
- Competitive landscape with information on major players in the market.
- Analysis of key business strategies and recommendations on future market approach.
- Analysis of competitive structure of the market.
- Demand side and supply side analysis of the market.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Global Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market Report Scope & Methodology
- 1.1. Research Objective
- 1.2. Research Methodology
- 1.2.1. Forecast Model
- 1.2.2. Desk Research
- 1.2.3. Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approach
- 1.3. Research Attributes
- 1.4. Scope of the Study
- 1.4.1. Market Definition
- 1.4.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.5. Research Assumption
- 1.5.1. Inclusion & Exclusion
- 1.5.2. Limitations
- 1.5.3. Years Considered for the Study
Chapter 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. CEO/CXO Standpoint
- 2.2. Strategic Insights
- 2.3. ESG Analysis
- 2.4. Key Findings
Chapter 3. Global Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market Forces Analysis
- 3.1. Market Forces Shaping the Global Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market 2024-2035
- 3.2. Drivers
- 3.2.1. Escalating Stealth and Hypersonic Threats
- 3.2.2. Surge in Electronic Warfare and Radar Jamming
- 3.2.3. Expansion of Multi-Domain Operations and Space Surveillance
- 3.3. Restraints
- 3.3.1. High Acquisition and Lifecycle Costs
- 3.3.2. Integration Complexity with Legacy Platforms
- 3.3.3. Performance Degradation under Adverse Environmental Conditions
- 3.4. Opportunities
- 3.4.1. AI-Enabled Target Recognition and Tracking
- 3.4.2. Deployment in Space-Based ISR Architectures
- 3.4.3. Modernization of Airborne and Naval Fleets
Chapter 4. Global IRST System Industry Analysis
- 4.1. Porter's Five Forces Model
- 4.1.1. Bargaining Power of Buyer
- 4.1.2. Bargaining Power of Supplier
- 4.1.3. Threat of New Entrants
- 4.1.4. Threat of Substitutes
- 4.1.5. Competitive Rivalry
- 4.2. Porter's Five Forces Forecast Model 2024-2035
- 4.3. PESTEL Analysis
- 4.3.1. Political
- 4.3.2. Economical
- 4.3.3. Social
- 4.3.4. Technological
- 4.3.5. Environmental
- 4.3.6. Legal
- 4.4. Top Investment Opportunities
- 4.5. Top Winning Strategies 2025
- 4.6. Market Share Analysis 2024-2025
- 4.7. Global Pricing Analysis and Trends 2025
- 4.8. Analyst Recommendation & Conclusion
Chapter 5. Global Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market Size & Forecasts by Component (2025-2035)
- 5.1. Market Overview
- 5.2. Scanning Head
- 5.2.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 5.2.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
- 5.3. Processing Control Electronics
- 5.3.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 5.3.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
- 5.4. Display
- 5.4.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 5.4.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
Chapter 6. Global Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market Size & Forecasts by Platform (2025-2035)
- 6.1. Market Overview
- 6.2. Land
- 6.2.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 6.2.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
- 6.3. Maritime
- 6.3.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 6.3.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
- 6.4. Airborne
- 6.4.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 6.4.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
- 6.5. Space
- 6.5.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 6.5.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
Chapter 7. Global Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market Size & Forecasts by End User (2025-2035)
- 7.1. Market Overview
- 7.2. Civil
- 7.2.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 7.2.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
- 7.3. Defense
- 7.3.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 7.3.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
Chapter 8. Global Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market Size & Forecasts by Region (2025-2035)
- 8.1. Market, Regional Snapshot
- 8.2. Top Leading & Emerging Countries
- 8.3. North America Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market
- 8.3.1. U.S.
- 8.3.1.1. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.3.1.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.3.2. Canada
- 8.3.2.1. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.3.2.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.4. Europe Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market
- 8.4.1. UK
- 8.4.1.1. End User Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.4.1.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.4.2. Germany
- 8.4.2.1. End User Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.4.2.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.4.3. France
- 8.4.3.1. End User Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.4.3.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.4.4. Spain
- 8.4.4.1. End User Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.4.4.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.4.5. Italy
- 8.4.5.1. End User Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.4.5.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.4.6. Rest of Europe
- 8.4.6.1. End User Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.4.6.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.5. Asia Pacific Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market
- 8.5.1. China
- 8.5.1.1. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.5.1.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.5.2. India
- 8.5.2.1. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.5.2.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.5.3. Japan
- 8.5.3.1. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.5.3.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.5.4. Australia
- 8.5.4.1. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.5.4.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.5.5. South Korea
- 8.5.5.1. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.5.5.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.5.6. Rest of Asia Pacific
- 8.5.6.1. End User Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.5.6.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.6. Latin America Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market
- 8.6.1. Brazil
- 8.6.1.1. End User Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.6.1.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.6.2. Mexico
- 8.6.2.1. End User Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.6.2.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.7. Middle East & Africa Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market
- 8.7.1. UAE
- 8.7.1.1. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.7.1.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.7.2. Saudi Arabia
- 8.7.2.1. End User Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.7.2.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.7.3. South Africa
- 8.7.3.1. Component Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.7.3.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.7.4. Rest of Middle East & Africa
- 8.7.4.1. End User Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.7.4.2. Platform Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
Chapter 9. Competitive Intelligence
- 9.1. Top Market Strategies
- 9.2. Leonardo S.p.A.
- 9.2.1. Company Overview
- 9.2.2. Key Executives
- 9.2.3. Company Snapshot
- 9.2.4. Financial Performance (Subject to Data Availability)
- 9.2.5. Product/Services Portfolio
- 9.2.6. Recent Development
- 9.2.7. Market Strategies
- 9.2.8. SWOT Analysis
- 9.3. Lockheed Martin Corporation
- 9.4. Northrop Grumman Corporation
- 9.5. Thales Group
- 9.6. Safran Group
- 9.7. Raytheon Technologies Corporation
- 9.8. BAE Systems
- 9.9. Rheinmetall AG
- 9.10. ASELSAN A.S.
- 9.11. Hensoldt AG
- 9.12. Elbit Systems Ltd.
- 9.13. L3Harris Technologies Inc.
- 9.14. Teledyne FLIR LLC
- 9.15. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
- 9.16. Indra Sistemas S.A.