Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth 2034

Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System Market: Industry Perspective

The global infrared search and track (IRST) system market size was worth around USD 6.68 Billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 11.83 Billion by 2034 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 5.88% between 2025 and 2034. The report analyzes the global infrared search and track (IRST) system market's drivers, restraints/challenges, and the effect they have on the demands during the projection period. In addition, the report explores emerging opportunities in the infrared search and track (IRST) system industry.

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Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System Market: Overview

The infrared search and track (IRST) system is an advanced sensor technology that is used extensively in aircraft and other vehicles for detecting and tracking targets based on the infrared emissions coming from the object. The market revolves around the production, design, and distribution of IRST systems for civil and military purposes. It is primarily used for surveillance reasons and targeting or accurate tracking of various objects. The FIRST systems have been known to be highly effective in stealth aircraft that are designed to stay hidden and avoid radar detection.

The equipment functions by detecting the infrared radiation that is emitted by an object even if it is not using any other form of active radar or emitting other radiations. The fraternity is registering a high growth rate due to changing political dynamics of the current world and during the forecast period, it is expected to witness steady growth.

Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global infrared search and track (IRST) system market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 5.88% over the forecast period (2025-2034).
• Regarding revenue, the global infrared search and track (IRST) system market size was valued at around USD 6.68 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 11.83 Billion by 2034.
• The infrared search and track (IRST) system market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to increasing defense modernization, need for passive surveillance systems, and demand for stealth-compatible tracking solutions.
• Based on Platform, the Airborne segment is expected to lead the global market.
• On the basis of Component, the Scanning Head segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market.
• Based on the End-user, the Military segment is projected to swipe the largest market share.
• By Application, the Target Detection segment is expected to dominate the global market.
• Based on region, North America is predicted to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

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Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System Market: Growth Drivers

Growing demand for advanced surveillance systems to propel market growth

The global infrared search and track (IRST) system market is projected to grow owing to the growing demand for advanced surveillance and tracking systems across the globe. One of the major consumers of the equipment is several military and defense organizations of individual economies worldwide.

The current volatile political-power dynamics have led to increasing investment by regional governments toward improving their military and defense system which translated to higher funding for advanced systems that can assist in gaining upper hand in the current situation. In the last few years, the world has witnessed several incidents of domestic and international regional tensions. The current one is the Russia-Ukraine war which has led to a severe loss of life and other assets for both countries. As nations work toward ensuring the safety of their population, they are more likely to invest in IRST systems for staying prepared against unprecedented situations.

Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System Market: Restraints

High development and maintenance costs to restrict the market growth

The global infrared search and track (IRST) system industry may face growth restraints owing to the high cost of production and maintenance of the IRST systems. These equipment require high resources, both monetary and non-monetary, for research & development purposes. Furthermore, the maintenance costs of the devices are extremely high, and only skilled professionals can handle any defect or error in the equipment. This greatly restricts the industry from reaching its true potential since not all economies may have the necessary funds to deploy infrared search and track systems in large numbers.

Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System Market: Opportunities

Integration with other advanced systems to provide growth opportunities

The global infrared search and track (IRST) system industry players can expect higher growth opportunities due to the rising interest in the seamless integration of IRST systems with other advanced technologies like electronic warfare systems and radar. This will assist in providing the military and defense personnel with more control and a comprehensive view of the targeted object, area, or battlefield. Furthermore, the growing investment toward the civil application of the system could positively benefit the industry.

Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System Market: Challenges

Weather condition sensitivity to challenge market growth

One of the crucial challenges faced by the global infrared search and track (IRST) system market that impacts its sales volume is the high sensitivity of the system to weather conditions. Since the systems rely on the infrared emission of the object being targeted, severe weather conditions like rain, cloud, and fog can greatly impact the performance output of the device. This diminishes the overall effectiveness of the IRST system. This means that systems have limited applications and industry pioneers need to work on improving the device efficiency across weather conditions.

Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System Market: Segmentation

The global infrared search and track (IRST) system market is segmented based on platform, component, end-user, and region.

Based on platform, the global market segments are maritime, airborne, land, and space. In 2022, the industry witnessed the highest growth in the airborne segment since the largest consumers of the IRST system are fighter jets and surveillance aircraft. These airborne equipment require a higher degree of situation awareness for detecting and tracking targets mostly in complex environments. The maritime segment is another significant contributor in the industry as the marine vessels use it to detect any threat in the vast expanse of sea and ocean including small boats or low-flying missiles. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 budget request, the Department of Defense (DoD) requested a total of USD 156.3 billion for the Air Force.

Based on component, the infrared search and track (IRST) system industry segments are display, scanning head, and process & control electronics.

Based on end-user, the global market segments are defense and civil. The industry is projected to witness the highest growth in the defense segment during the forecast period as global spending on defense and the military is on the rise across nations. The defense sector uses the IRST system for various purposes. For instance, they are used for airborne and maritime surveillance. They are also used extensively in ground surveillance activities while also assisting in detecting any potential ongoing threats. The US government spent a total of USD 1 trillion on its F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program.

Recent Developments:

• In October 2022, Leonardo, one of the UK's leading aerospace companies, announced the launch of DSS-IRST (Distributed Static Staring-InfraRed Search and Tracking System). The announcement was made at the Euronaval exhibition held in Paris. The system is expected to help naval forces from potential threats as it covers across 360° range
• In January 2022, the United States government kicked off its plans to integrate an IRST sensor into its range of stealthy F-22 Raptors. The move came under the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program undertaken by the country. F-22 Raptor is a twin-engine, single-seat stealth tactical fighter jet that can operate in all weather conditions

Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System Market: Report Scope

Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System Market: Regional Analysis

North America to witness the highest growth in upcoming years

The global infrared search and track (IRST) system market is expected to witness the highest growth in North America with the United States leading with the largest regional share. The high growth rate is mainly driven by the robust aeronautical and military infrastructure of the US which is labeled as one of the world’s most well-funded and resourceful militaries across the globe.

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The US has been a pioneer in systematic technological advancements across industries, especially its defense workforce. It has built never-seen-before technologies and has been a leading exporter of the systems and devices to its allies or friendly nations. The US government is expected to expand its expenditure on the defense force as currently it is locked in the ongoing political tensions between the Western and the Eastern countries. More technological integration and development can be expected in the coming years.

Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System Market: Competitive Analysis

The report provides a company market share analysis to give a broader overview of the key market players. In addition, the report also covers key strategic developments of the market, including acquisitions & mergers, new product launches, agreements, partnerships, collaborations & joint ventures, research & development, and regional expansion of major participants involved in the infrared search and track (IRST) system market on a global and regional basis.

The global infrared search and track (IRST) system market is led by players like:

• AIM Infrarot-Module GmbH
• Lockheed Martin
• Safran Electronics & Defense
• Raytheon Technologies
• FLIR Systems Inc.
• Thales Group
• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• Leonardo S.p.A.
• Hensoldt
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Textron Inc.
• L3 Harris Technologies
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
• Rheinmetall AG
• Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
• Aselsan A.S.
• Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
• BAE Systems plc
• Harris Corporation
• MBDA
• Collins Aerospace
• Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
• General Dynamics Corporation
• Honeywell International Inc.
• Qioptiq Ltd.

The global infrared search and track (IRST) system market is segmented as follows:

By Platform

• Maritime
• Airborne
• Land
• Space

By Component

• Display
• Scanning Head
• Processing & Control Electronics

By End-User

• Defense
• Civil

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa