Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market - Platform, End Use - Global Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Infrared Search & Track System Market Size

The infrared search & track system market size was valued at USD 6.5 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% to reach USD 11.8 billion by 2034. Rising demand for passive surveillance systems, coupled with the growing integration of IRST systems across unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and naval vessels, is the major factor responsible for the growth in the market.
 

The tariffs set by the Trump administration added new cost burdens throughout the defense and aerospace supply chain, indirectly impacting the infrared search & track system market. Companies are facing increased production costs due to more expensive critical raw materials, components, and specialized manufacturing equipment. This situation is compelling manufacturers to rethink their supply chain strategies and look for other sourcing opportunities. Moreover, the uncertainty spawned from the wider trade violence impacted investment choices and caused some investors to become more reserved with new IRST initiatives and system enhancements.
 

As modern warfare opts for advanced stealth techniques with the use of electronic warfare, there is a shift towards ISR and Infrared Search & Track (IRST) surveillance systems. For instance, according to GMI analysis, the global intelligence surveillance reconnaissance market was valued at USD 42 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2025 to 2034. IRST systems have no detectable emissions like radar-based systems, making them helpful for covert missions. This particular benefit is forcing defense forces to adopt IRST technology in advanced fighter jets, naval ships, and drones.
 

As stealth technology becomes more accessible, with a growing number of nations developing or acquiring stealth-capable platforms, the ability to counter these threats has become a top priority. Traditional radars have problems with detecting stealth aircraft in long-range, multi-operational environments, within complex operational theaters. IRST systems detect much stronger signals, like those produced by an aircraft’s engines or airframe friction.
 

Because IRST employs passive means for detecting hostile aerial targets, it has become an indispensable part of modern air defense systems. Moreover, defense forces worldwide are increasingly focused on countering the advantages provided by stealth features on aircraft by increasing investments in the development, deployment, and upgrade of these systems.
 

Rapid technological progress in infrared sensor design, including improvements in cooling technologies, signal processing algorithms, and data fusion techniques, is significantly enhancing the capabilities of IRST systems. For instance, according to GMI analysis, the global infrared thermography market size was valued at over USD 400 million in 2022 and is estimated to register a CAGR of over 5.5% between 2023 and 2032.
 

The latest IRST systems are capable of detecting numerous targets using complicated thermal and infrared imaging systems at surpassing range limitations. These systems further enhance vegetation masking resolution to distinguish clutter from environmental threats. In addition, the smooth sharing of the IRST data with other systems on the platform like radios and electronic warfare systems, is increasing the role of these systems in integrated multi-domain operations warfare.
 

Naval units are increasingly outfitting surface vessels with IRST systems to deliver passive early warning against air and missile threats, increasing the survivability of fleets in hostile waters. Likewise, the spread of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and combat is generating new demand for lightweight, efficient IRST systems that can function without active emissions. This trend for cross-platform use is substantially expanding the market base, as military forces attempt to create networked, sensor-saturated environments across all domains air, sea, and land employing IRST technology as a key facilitator.
 

To maintain a competitive edge, manufacturers should prioritize the development of next-generation, AI-integrated systems that offer superior target recognition and multi-platform interoperability. Investing in lightweight, modular designs adaptable for UAVs, fighter jets, and naval platforms will open new market opportunities.
 

Infrared Search & Track System Market Trends

• There is an increasing movement towards multi-platform real-time networked sharing IRST systems. Military strategies are evolving towards sensor fusion and multi-domain operations which involve the integration and cooperation of aerial, naval, and ground IRST sensors to formulate a unified overview of the battlespace. Businesses are investing in the development of data-link capabilities for IRST systems, which facilitate networked tracking, collaborative targeting, and advanced threat evaluation. This not only enhances the precision of detection but also positions IRST systems as key components in future integrated air defense networks.
   
• The growth of small unmanned aerial systems is on the rise, which directly creates the need for smaller-scale miniature IRST systems. Due to this, developers are trying to create IRST systems which are lightweight and can be attached to different unmanned systems without draining too much power or affecting functionality. Recent product launches indicate new products are being released that offer compact designs but still enable long-range detection and in-depth imaging, even in tightly packed conditions. This is shifting the use of IRST technology beyond conventional fighter jets to include reconnaissance drones, loitering munitions, and unmanned naval vessels.
   
• ?Another shift in the trends is observed with the multi-band IRSTs which utilize more than one band such as mid-wave and long-wave infrared. This improvement enables the systems to recognize more types of targets in different environmental conditions like through clouds, fog, or hostile environments. Long-wave IRST, particularly appreciate in maritime and all-weather conditions, is gaining more interest lately. There is greater industry funding directed towards the development of multi-band sensors for improved situational awareness and enhanced robustness to detection avoidance or low observable technologies.
   

Infrared Search & Track System Market Analysis

Based on the Platform, the market is divided into airborne, naval, land, and others.
 

• The airborne segment market held the largest share of 42.1% in the year 2024 and is expected to continue its domination till the forecast period. The expansion of IRST systems in the airborne market is primarily fueled by the international priority of upgrading air combat capabilities in the face of emerging aerial threats. As stealth technology and electronic warfare strategies proliferate, conventional radar-based detection is increasingly becoming less effective. The air forces worldwide are making significant investments in fifth- and sixth-generation fighter programs, where IRST systems are a key component for passive detection, stealth tracking, and threat engagement.
   
• The naval segment is growing at a significant rate and is expected to reach market size of USD 3.9 billion in 2034. This market is experiencing strong growth due to the growing use of passive surveillance and early warning in contested and high-threat maritime environments. Advanced warships are faced with advanced air threats in the form of anti-ship missiles, stealth aircraft, and drones that require silent detection methods that do not disclose the position of the ship. IRST systems enable ships to detect and track threats based on thermal signatures without radiating signals, significantly enhancing survivability.
   

Based on end-user, the infrared search & track system market is segmented into civil & commercial and military & defense.
 

• The civil & commercial segment is anticipated to reach a market size of USD 4.2 billion in 2034. IRST systems are finding more applications in the commercial and civil markets, driven by increasing airborne safety concerns, guarding critical infrastructure, and the expanding use of unmanned aerial systems. Airports and civil aviation authorities are looking at using passive infrared tracking systems to enhance detection of unauthorized drones, which pose a significant threat to flight operations and passenger safety. Additionally, private maritime companies and commercial shipping companies are showing greater interest in IRST systems to enhance situational awareness within piracy-infested or high-density regions, where passive surveillance can yield invaluable dividends without alerting potential threats.
   
• The infrared search & track system market from military & defense segment held the largest market share and was valued at USD 4.4 billion in 2024. The market is driven by the compelling requirement for more surveillance, target tracking, and counter-stealth in increasingly sophisticated threat domains. With more frequent use of stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and swarms of drones, defense forces are relying on passive detection systems such as IRST to ensure air, land, and sea superiority. Increased spending on fifth-generation fighter programs, naval shipbuilding, and networked air and missile defense is speeding the acquisition of sophisticated IRST systems. Furthermore, emphasis on multi-domain operations, wherein forces must be able to fight effectively across air, sea, land, space, and cyber domains, is fueling demand for IRST as a critical node in distributed sensor fusion networks. The need to extend the longevity of mature platforms by modernizing them, spurred by rising regional tensions and defense spending, is still well-sustained within the military and defense sectors.
   

• The U.S. infrared search & track system market dominated in the North America region and is expected to reach market size of USD 4.3 billion in 2034. The U.S. IRST system market is characterized by the country's strategic interest to counter its peer rivals like China and Russia, which have developed substantial stealth aircraft capability. In order to maintain air superiority, the US Department of Defense is heavily investing in passive surveillance technologies, such as advanced IRST systems on manned and unmanned platforms. The addition of IRST systems on upcoming fighter programs, such as the F/A-18E/F Block III Super Hornet, as well as the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) platform in development, further fuels market growth.
   
• The Germany infrared search & track system market was valued at USD 224.1 million in 2024. The market in the country is driven by the growing need for advanced passive surveillance systems. Multilateral defense programs, including the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program with France and Spain, for stealth detection and passive sensor integration, are also key drivers for Germany. In addition, the strong demand by the German navy for passive detection ability for its surface vessels for situational awareness applications will further boost the market growth in the country.
   
• The China infrared search & track system market is growing at the highest CAGR of 8.3% for the forecast period in Asia-Pacific region. China's market is growing with its push for self-sufficiency and swift modernization of military technology. The country is heavily investing in developing advanced IRST technologies to equip its new generation of fighter aircraft. Moreover, the country broader strategy of strengthening anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities, particularly in contested areas like the South China Sea, is also leading to a greater emphasis on passive detection technologies to enhance early warning, targeting, and tracking without revealing platform positions which is further driving the market.
   
• The India infrared search & track system market is growing at a significant rate and is expected to reach a market size of USD 544.1 million in 2034. India's growth in the IRST system market is strongly influenced by its urgent need to modernize air defense and enhance surveillance capabilities in response to regional security challenges, especially from neighbouring countries. The Indian Air Force’s focus on upgrading existing fighter fleets, such as the Su-30MKI, with modern IRST pods and integrating advanced IRST systems into upcoming indigenous platforms like the AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) is a key growth driver.
   
• The Japan infrared search & track system market is growing at decent pace and was valued at USD 355.5 million in 2024. The Japanese IRST system market is growing with its emphasis on reinforcing homeland defense and countering stealth threats in the fast-rising Indo-Pacific region. According to proximity to advanced military states, Japan has placed importance on passive detection technology for its naval and air forces to complement its active defense mechanisms. The acquisition of advanced fighter planes like the F-35 by Japan Air Self-Defense Force and its role in the production of the next-generation F-X stealth fighter include designs for integration of cutting-edge IRST systems.
   

Infrared Search & Track System Market Share

The market is highly competitive and features a blend of well-established and new emerging technology players. Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Leonardo S.P.A., Thales Group, and Safran S.A., holding 65%-70%, are the top 5 players holding market share. Key player in the infrared search & track system market are utilizing their expertise in infrared sensors, optics, and sophisticated software to create next-generation IRST systems that can enhance situational awareness and target capability on defense platforms.
 

Moreover, companies are creating collaborative partnerships along the defense supply chain. For instance, in 2025, Lockheed Martin’s advanced infrared search-and-track (IRST) system reached initial operating capability (IOC) status on the US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft. This new system, named IRST21, is a long-wave infrared search-and-track sensor that allows for the passive detection of airborne threats at extended ranges, far surpassing visual capabilities. The IOC status marks a step towards full-rate production, following a series of successful flight evaluations conducted by the Navy.
 

Similarly, in 2023, Northrop Grumman announced its contract with the U.S. Air Force for developing infrared search and track sensors for military aircraft platforms. The total value of the contract was USD 8.1 million, which was part of the Multi-Spectral Sensing Technologies R&D (MuSTeR) program.
 

Infrared Search & Track System Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the market includes:

• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Leonardo S.P.A.
• Thales Group
• Safran S.A.

Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Industry News

• In April 2023, Turkey’s ASELSAN unveiled its new infrared search and tracking system KARAT, for the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) TF-X at Teknofest Istanbul. The KARAT will be located in front of the cockpit of the National Combat Aircraft, behind a special window with a reduced radar cross-section. With KARAT, the National Combat Aircraft will be able to detect enemy warplanes passively without active broadcasting with its radar. Together with KARAT, the National Combat Aircraft will be the first 5th-generation fighter aircraft with a fully infrared search system.
   
• In October 2022, Leonardo launched its new DSS-IRST system at Euronaval exhibition in Paris. The new system is called DSS-IRST (Distributed Static Staring-InfraRed Search and Tracking System), a next-generation technology developed by the company to provide larger naval units, such as the Italian Navy's and Pattugliatori Polivalenti d’Altrura (PPA), with state-of-the-art capabilities and performance for dealing with multiple, long and short-range surface, missile, and airborne threats along coastal areas and on the open sea.
   

The infrared search & track system market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Platform

• Airborne
  • Military aircraft
    • Trainer aircraft
    • Combat aircraft
    • Special mission aircraft
  • Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
• Naval
  • Offshore patrol vessel (OPV)
  • Destroyers
  • Frigates
  • Amphibious warships
  • Corvettes
  • Fast attack craft (FAC)
  • Cruisers
  • Aircraft carriers
• Land
• Others

Market, By End Use

• Civil & commercial
• Military & defense

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Japan
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • U.A.E
  • South Africa