Global Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market Size Study & Forecast, by Component, Platform, End User, and Regional Forecasts 2025-2035

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

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:
• Civil
• Defense

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.

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