Infrared Search and Track (IRST) System Market grows with tech advances, rising defense budgets, and demand for high-precision, passive threat detection capabilities.

According to a recent report by TechSci Research titled “Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2030F”, the global Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market was valued at USD 7.53 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 10.56 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. This steady growth is being fueled by technological innovations, rising global defense budgets, and the increasing need for covert surveillance and threat detection solutions across both military and civilian sectors.

Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems are passive sensor technologies that detect and track objects by sensing their infrared radiation. Unlike radar systems, IRST operates without emitting any signals, making it virtually undetectable and ideal for stealth operations. As modern combat strategies place increasing emphasis on non-radiative and stealth operations, the utility of IRST systems in defense applications has become more apparent than ever.

Rising Demand Across Defense Sectors

Defense forces around the world are increasingly investing in IRST systems to upgrade their surveillance capabilities. These systems play a critical role in air, naval, and ground operations by providing early warning detection, target acquisition, and situational awareness. The ability to function without active emissions allows military units to avoid detection while identifying enemy assets, making IRST systems essential in modern electronic warfare environments.

In air-based defense, IRST systems are being installed in next-generation fighter aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to support long-range detection and targeting. Fighter jets equipped with IRST can track enemy aircraft without the risk of radar detection, giving them a strategic edge in combat scenarios. As countries focus on building fifth and sixth-generation aircraft fleets, the demand for advanced IRST technology continues to rise.

Meanwhile, ground and naval forces are also enhancing their capabilities with infrared surveillance systems. For example, ground-based vehicles and missile defense systems are incorporating IRST for better battlefield awareness, while naval vessels are being upgraded with state-of-the-art infrared sensors to improve maritime surveillance, especially in low-visibility or electronic warfare scenarios.

Naval Platforms Lead Market Expansion

Based on platform segmentation, the naval platform segment is witnessing the fastest growth in the IRST market. This growth is largely attributed to the modernization of naval fleets and the increasing need for enhanced surveillance, reconnaissance, and target tracking in maritime defense.

Naval forces globally are undertaking comprehensive fleet upgrades, replacing outdated technologies with more advanced systems to counter emerging threats. Modern warships are now equipped with IRST systems that aid in detecting enemy vessels, submarines, and incoming threats such as anti-ship missiles, even under challenging environmental conditions.

Additionally, IRST plays a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) by providing passive threat detection capabilities without compromising a ship’s position. As nations prioritize maritime dominance and secure their territorial waters, the role of IRST technology in naval operations continues to gain strategic importance.

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Growth in Civil Applications

While defense remains the primary driver, the civil aviation sector is also emerging as a key market for IRST systems. These systems are being explored for air traffic monitoring, collision avoidance, and situational awareness, particularly in regions prone to harsh weather and limited visibility conditions.

As global air traffic continues to rise, ensuring aviation safety is a top priority. IRST systems offer a passive method of detecting other aircraft, potential obstacles, or unauthorized drones, improving airspace security and efficiency. Furthermore, as urban air mobility (UAM) and unmanned air traffic management (UTM) evolve, the role of infrared sensors is expected to become more prominent in ensuring safe airspace operations.

Regional Trends and Opportunities

Geographically, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is projected to be the fastest-growing market for IRST systems. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are significantly increasing their defense budgets to strengthen their military capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts.

China is heavily investing in the modernization of its air and naval forces, focusing on stealth and next-gen combat platforms that incorporate IRST technology. India is similarly upgrading its defense infrastructure, including indigenous fighter jet programs and naval vessel development. Japan’s emphasis on missile defense and surveillance in maritime zones is also accelerating the adoption of infrared sensor systems.

This regional growth is further supported by increasing collaboration between domestic and international defense companies, as well as a rising number of military modernization programs aimed at boosting indigenous manufacturing capabilities. The growing threat of asymmetric warfare, cross-border tensions, and the proliferation of advanced weapons systems is pushing APAC nations to embrace IRST as a critical component of their defense technology roadmap.

Market Challenges and Outlook

Despite the positive outlook, the IRST system market does face certain challenges. The high cost of deployment, complex integration with legacy systems, and regulatory hurdles in defense procurement can act as restraints. Moreover, technological challenges related to improving sensor resolution, detection range, and system reliability continue to drive R&D costs.

However, ongoing innovations in infrared imaging, machine learning, and sensor miniaturization are expected to mitigate these issues and expand the scope of IRST systems. As militaries and civil aviation authorities alike recognize the value of passive surveillance in ensuring operational superiority and safety, the market is poised for sustained growth.

Major companies operating in the global Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System market are:

Leonardo S.P.A.
Thales Group
Rheinmetall AG
Aselsan A.S.
Safran S.A.
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Northrop Grumman Corporation
HGH Systèmes Infrarouges
Tonbo Imaging Private Limited
Raytheon Technologies Corporation

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“The civil sector is increasingly adopting IRST technology, particularly in aviation, air traffic management, and border security. The growing demand for safer, more efficient air traffic control systems is driving the adoption of IRST systems in both civilian aircraft and air traffic management centers. In aviation, IRST systems are being used to monitor air traffic in challenging weather conditions and crowded airspace, improving safety and efficiency. Similarly, in border security and law enforcement, IRST systems are being deployed for surveillance and monitoring purposes, providing a non-intrusive way to detect and track suspicious activities. The rising trend of smart cities and urban surveillance is also contributing to the growth of civil IRST applications, with cities investing in advanced monitoring systems to improve public safety. “Said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director of TechSci Research, a research-based management consulting firm.

Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Component (Scanning Head, Processing Unit, Control & Display Unit), By End User  (Civil, Defense), By Platform (Airborne, Naval, Land, Others), By Region, & Competition, 2020-2030F”, has evaluated the future growth potential of global Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System market and provides statistics & information on market size, structure and future market growth. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment decisions. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System market.

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