Thermal Imaging Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Thermal Imaging Systems Market Report is Segmented by Application (Security and Surveillance, Military and Defense, and More), Form Factor (Hand-Held Imaging Devices, Fixed-Mount, and More), Technology (Uncooled LWIR, Cooled MWIR, and More), Component (Detectors/Cores, and More), End-User Industry (Defense and Homeland Security, Industrial, and More), and by Geography. The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Thermal Imaging Systems Market Size and Share

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Thermal Imaging Systems Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The thermal imaging systems market size is valued at USD 5.78 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 8.17 billion by 2030, expanding at a 7.16% CAGR. Accelerating defense modernization, expanding industrial automation, and mandated automotive safety features are converging to keep demand elevated. Standardization around NFPA-70B thermography is stimulating steady procurement cycles in manufacturing and utilities, while uncooled long-wave infrared (LWIR) price declines are widening accessibility. In parallel, vehicle makers are integrating night-vision cameras into Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) to comply with pending pedestrian-protection rules. The momentum is reinforced by Indo-Pacific ISR budgets, with military programs in the United States and Australia placing multi-year orders for next-generation FLIR sensors.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By application, security and surveillance commanded 38.2% of 2024 thermal imaging systems market share, while automotive ADAS is forecast to post a 7.8% CAGR to 2030.
  • By form factor, hand-held units led with 46.4% revenue share in 2024; integrated OEM modules are projected to register a 7.2% CAGR through 2030.
  • By technology, uncooled LWIR retained 72.5% of 2024 thermal imaging systems market size; short-wave infrared (SWIR) is expected to be the fastest-growing segment at 7.5% CAGR.
  • By component, complete cameras generated 54.4% of 2024 sales, yet software analytics is positioned for the highest 8.9% CAGR by 2030.
  • By end-user, defense accounted for 35.6% of 2024 revenue, though automotive is forecast to expand at an 8.0% CAGR during 2025-2030.

By geography, North America held 41.5% of 2024 revenue; Asia-Pacific is projected for the quickest 8.3% CAGR.

Segment Analysis

By Application: Security Dominance Amid ADAS Acceleration

Security and surveillance held 38.2% of 2024 revenue, reinforcing the foundational role of perimeter protection in the thermal imaging systems market. Increasing border-control spending and critical infrastructure hardening sustain procurement of fixed and pan-tilt-zoom cameras, while AI-driven analytics cut operator workload. Automotive ADAS, the fastest-growing application at a 7.8% CAGR, capitalizes on regulatory nudges for pedestrian safety and automated emergency braking. OEM design cycles that once specified infrared as optional are now embedding compact modules into higher-volume trims, broadening annual shipment baselines.

Demand diversification is evident in thermography services as factories comply with NFPA-70B, creating annuity-style inspection revenue. Firefighting agencies are equipping frontline responders with thermal monoculars, leveraging satellite-driven hotspot alerts for rapid deployment. Emerging mobile apps pairing smartphones with clip-on micro-bolometers signal the consumerization phase of the thermal imaging systems market.

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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Form Factor: Handheld Leadership Challenged by OEM Integration

Hand-held imagers captured 46.4% of 2024 revenue, favored for versatility across preventive maintenance, law enforcement, and first-responder scenarios. The convenience of battery-operated units sustains significant replacement demand, especially as detector resolution improves. Integrated OEM modules, however, are set to outpace at a 7.2% CAGR, underpinning the expansion of the thermal imaging systems market size inside vehicles, drones, and smart appliances. Fixed-mount solutions remain indispensable in perimeter security and process monitoring where 24/7 coverage is mandatory.

Military procurement emphasizes Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) gains, driving proprietary shutterless calibration and edge AI to compress payload footprints. Flexible infrared sensors in development promise future wearables, although commercialization is still several design iterations away.

By Technology: Uncooled LWIR Dominance Faces SWIR Challenge

Uncooled LWIR retained 72.5% of 2024 thermal imaging systems market share thanks to favorable economics and broad spectral suitability. SWIR’s projected 7.5% CAGR rests on its ability to pierce smoke, haze, and glass, positioning it for airborne surveillance, industrial analytics, and mining. Cooled MWIR stays essential for missile tracking and border surveillance where extreme sensitivity is non-negotiable despite higher lifecycle cost.

Defense R&D investments in dual-band focal-plane arrays are blurring traditional boundaries, enabling combined LWIR-MWIR payloads that shorten target identification times. Commercial interest in multispectral fusion is accelerating as security integrators seek to curb nuisance alarms in critical infrastructure.

By Component: Software Analytics Drive Value Creation

Complete cameras generated 54.4% of 2024 sales, but revenue gravity is shifting toward software platforms that convert imagery into prescriptive maintenance or threat alerts. Analytics subscriptions are forecast for an 8.9% CAGR as plant managers prioritize OPEX over CAPEX. Optics and lens sets must evolve to meet higher pixel densities, while detector manufacturers invest in wafer-level packaging to cut costs.

Edge computing inside cameras minimizes cloud round-trip latency, and post-quantum encryption initiatives are becoming table stakes for critical-infrastructure bids. Camera makers bundling secure firmware, AI toolchains, and continuous updates are capturing premium margins in the thermal imaging systems market.

Thermal Imaging Systems Market: Market Share by Component
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By End-User Industry: Defense Leadership Amid Automotive Surge

Defense commanded 35.6% of 2024 sales, a role unlikely to weaken given ISR funding trajectories. Still, automotive ADAS, at an 8.0% CAGR, supplies the steepest volume ramp and broadens the customer mix within the thermal imaging systems industry. Industrial verticals use thermography to pre-empt downtime, while commercial real-estate security modernizes with coordinated visible-thermal analytics. Medical fever screening remains niche but steady as hospitals maintain elevated hygiene protocols.

Wildfire management agencies partner with satellite operators to secure sovereign imagery, while insurance firms encourage factory upgrades to lower fire-related payouts. These diverse demand vectors insulate suppliers from single-vertical volatility and underpin healthy top-line visibility.

Geography Analysis

North America led with 41.5% of 2024 spending, reflecting defense allocations such as the US Army’s USD 117.5 million order for third-generation FLIR sensors. NFPA-70B compliance further bolsters industrial uptake, and automotive Tier-1s are piloting night-vision programs for 2027 model years. Cybersecurity directives from CISA drive premium demand for hardened firmware, enabling US-based vendors to maintain pricing discipline.

Asia-Pacific is projected to log the highest 8.3% CAGR as Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia diversify ISR fleets and expand vehicle exports. China’s share shift from 15% to 63% in thermography during 2019-2020 illustrates the manufacturing scale at play. Indigenous sensor ecosystems are maturing, yet export controls restrict access to state-of-the-art US technology, fueling regional R&D investment.

Europe posts steady growth, buoyed by defense optronics orders and automotive safety regulations. HENSOLDT’s 34% revenue surge in its Optronics segment underscores resilient procurement. Middle East and Africa register firm demand for perimeter surveillance, with Teledyne FLIR shipping multi-sensor pods to Saudi Arabia. South America remains emergent, but industrial maintenance and public-safety budgets point to incremental upside.

Thermal Imaging Systems Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region
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Competitive Landscape

The thermal imaging systems market features moderate concentration, with diversified conglomerates, focused defense contractors, and specialized optics suppliers contending for share. Teledyne’s USD 770 million 2025 acquisition spree underscores a strategy of technology breadth and vertical integration. Leonardo DRS leveraged record Q1 2025 bookings of USD 1 billion to scale dual-use product lines.

Players differentiate through proprietary detectors, ruggedized optics, and AI-enabled analytics. Partnerships with automotive Tier-1s help capture ADAS pipelines, while OEMs court industrial integrators to embed analytics into factory MES platforms. Material-science innovation, notably alternative chalcogenide lenses, offers a hedge against germanium risks. Start-ups that focus on wildfire monitoring or cloud-native predictive maintenance force incumbents to balance defense backlogs with commercial agility.

Three strategic patterns dominate: 1) acquisition-driven portfolio expansion to address white-space verticals; 2) dual-use technology transfer from defense to commercial sectors; and 3) investment in secure, upgradable software stacks to lock in lifecycle revenue. The result is a competitive field where brand reputation, export-licensing expertise, and R&D velocity remain decisive.

Thermal Imaging Systems Industry Leaders

  1. Opgal Optronic Industries Ltd.​

  2. Fluke Corporation​

  3. Testo Inc.​

  4. Seek Thermal Inc.

  5. Teledyne FLIR

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Thermal Imaging Systems Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • March 2025: Teledyne FLIR Defense secured contract with Middle East Task Company to supply Lightweight Vehicle Surveillance System integrating TacFLIR 380HD to Saudi military, deliveries by end-2025
  • February 2025: Canadian Space Agency awarded CAD 72 million contract to Spire Global and OroraTech for WildFireSat constellation with advanced thermal payloads, targeting 2029 launch.
  • January 2025: Teledyne Technologies completed acquisition of Excelitas’ aerospace and defense electronics businesses, deploying USD 770 million to deepen sensor portfolio.
  • July 2024: US Army placed USD 117.5 million low-rate production order with Raytheon for third-generation FLIR sensors featuring dual-band arrays.

Table of Contents for Thermal Imaging Systems Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Falling price of uncooled micro-bolometers
    • 4.2.2 Growing defense ISR budgets in Indo-Pacific
    • 4.2.3 Mandatory NFPA-70B thermography for electrical safety
    • 4.2.4 Vehicle OEM push for cost-effective ADAS night-vision
    • 4.2.5 AI-enabled predictive maintenance in smart factories
    • 4.2.6 Climate-driven wildfire monitoring demand
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Export-control regimes (ITAR and EAR)
    • 4.3.2 High cap-ex for cooled MWIR cameras
    • 4.3.3 Supply-chain choke points in germanium optics
    • 4.3.4 Cyber-security risks in networked cameras
  • 4.4 Value / Supply-Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Technological Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter's Five Forces
    • 4.7.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.7.3 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.4 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
    • 4.7.5 Threat of Substitutes
  • 4.8 Pricing Analysis (by Application and Technology)

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE)

  • 5.1 By Application
    • 5.1.1 Security and Surveillance
    • 5.1.2 Military and Defense
    • 5.1.3 Thermography / Inspection
    • 5.1.4 Firefighting
    • 5.1.5 Personal Vision Systems
    • 5.1.6 Smartphones and Tablets
    • 5.1.7 Automotive ADAS
    • 5.1.8 Maritime and Aerospace
  • 5.2 By Form Factor
    • 5.2.1 Hand-held Imaging Devices
    • 5.2.2 Fixed-mount (Rotary / Non-rotary)
    • 5.2.3 Integrated OEM Modules
  • 5.3 By Technology
    • 5.3.1 Uncooled LWIR
    • 5.3.2 Cooled MWIR
    • 5.3.3 SWIR and Multispectral
  • 5.4 By Component
    • 5.4.1 Detectors / Cores
    • 5.4.2 Complete Cameras
    • 5.4.3 Optics and Lens Sets
    • 5.4.4 Software and Analytics
  • 5.5 By End-user Industry
    • 5.5.1 Defense and Homeland Security
    • 5.5.2 Industrial
    • 5.5.3 Commercial
    • 5.5.4 Medical
    • 5.5.5 Public Safety
  • 5.6 By Geography
    • 5.6.1 North America
    • 5.6.1.1 United States
    • 5.6.1.2 Canada
    • 5.6.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.6.2 South America
    • 5.6.2.1 Brazil
    • 5.6.2.2 Argentina
    • 5.6.2.3 Rest of South America
    • 5.6.3 Europe
    • 5.6.3.1 Germany
    • 5.6.3.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.6.3.3 France
    • 5.6.3.4 Italy
    • 5.6.3.5 Spain
    • 5.6.3.6 Russia
    • 5.6.3.7 Rest of Europe
    • 5.6.4 Asia Pacific
    • 5.6.4.1 China
    • 5.6.4.2 Japan
    • 5.6.4.3 South Korea
    • 5.6.4.4 India
    • 5.6.4.5 Australia and NZ
    • 5.6.4.6 ASEAN (Break-up)
    • 5.6.4.7 Rest of Asia Pacific
    • 5.6.5 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.6.5.1 Middle East
    • 5.6.5.1.1 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.6.5.1.2 UAE
    • 5.6.5.1.3 Turkey
    • 5.6.5.1.4 Rest of Middle East
    • 5.6.5.2 Africa
    • 5.6.5.2.1 South Africa
    • 5.6.5.2.2 Nigeria
    • 5.6.5.2.3 Rest of Africa

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Teledyne FLIR
    • 6.4.2 Opgal Optronic Industries
    • 6.4.3 Fluke Corporation
    • 6.4.4 Seek Thermal
    • 6.4.5 Axis Communications
    • 6.4.6 Leonardo DRS
    • 6.4.7 Raytheon Technologies
    • 6.4.8 L3Harris Technologies
    • 6.4.9 Lockheed Martin
    • 6.4.10 Testo SE and Co. KGaA
    • 6.4.11 Bullard
    • 6.4.12 Hikmicro (Hikvision)
    • 6.4.13 Guide Sensmart
    • 6.4.14 Excelitas (Xenics)
    • 6.4.15 BAE Systems
    • 6.4.16 HT Italia
    • 6.4.17 Trijicon
    • 6.4.18 Zhejiang Dali
    • 6.4.19 Pelco
    • 6.4.20 Yantai IRay

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

  • 7.1 White-space and Unmet-need Assessment
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Global Thermal Imaging Systems Market Report Scope

The scope of the study includes both imagers and thermal cameras. Thermal Detectors with main functionality to sense & detect thermal radiation as opposed to imagers, whose main function is to take an image of thermal radiation.

The Thermal Imaging Systems market is segmented by Application (Thermography, Military, Surveillance, Personal Vision Systems, Fire Fighting, Smartphones (Ruggedized)), Form Factor (Handheld Imaging Devices and Systems, Fixed Mounted Systems), and Geography. The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD million) for all the above segments.

By Application Security and Surveillance
Military and Defense
Thermography / Inspection
Firefighting
Personal Vision Systems
Smartphones and Tablets
Automotive ADAS
Maritime and Aerospace
By Form Factor Hand-held Imaging Devices
Fixed-mount (Rotary / Non-rotary)
Integrated OEM Modules
By Technology Uncooled LWIR
Cooled MWIR
SWIR and Multispectral
By Component Detectors / Cores
Complete Cameras
Optics and Lens Sets
Software and Analytics
By End-user Industry Defense and Homeland Security
Industrial
Commercial
Medical
Public Safety
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific China
Japan
South Korea
India
Australia and NZ
ASEAN (Break-up)
Rest of Asia Pacific
Middle East and Africa Middle East Saudi Arabia
UAE
Turkey
Rest of Middle East
Africa South Africa
Nigeria
Rest of Africa
By Application
Security and Surveillance
Military and Defense
Thermography / Inspection
Firefighting
Personal Vision Systems
Smartphones and Tablets
Automotive ADAS
Maritime and Aerospace
By Form Factor
Hand-held Imaging Devices
Fixed-mount (Rotary / Non-rotary)
Integrated OEM Modules
By Technology
Uncooled LWIR
Cooled MWIR
SWIR and Multispectral
By Component
Detectors / Cores
Complete Cameras
Optics and Lens Sets
Software and Analytics
By End-user Industry
Defense and Homeland Security
Industrial
Commercial
Medical
Public Safety
By Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
France
Italy
Spain
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific China
Japan
South Korea
India
Australia and NZ
ASEAN (Break-up)
Rest of Asia Pacific
Middle East and Africa Middle East Saudi Arabia
UAE
Turkey
Rest of Middle East
Africa South Africa
Nigeria
Rest of Africa
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current value of the thermal imaging systems market?

The market is valued at USD 5.78 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 8.17 billion by 2030, growing at a 7.16% CAGR.

Which application segment is expanding fastest?

Automotive ADAS is forecast to post the highest 7.8% CAGR through 2030 as vehicle makers add night-vision capabilities.

Why is NFPA-70B significant for thermal imaging adoption?

The 2024 revision makes thermography mandatory for electrical preventive maintenance, triggering recurring demand for calibrated cameras and analytics software.

Which technology holds the largest share?

Uncooled LWIR accounts for 72.5% of 2024 revenue due to cost advantages and broad suitability across applications.

What regions are growing quickest?

Asia-Pacific is projected for an 8.3% CAGR through 2030, driven by defense modernization and expanding automotive production.

How are vendors addressing supply-chain risk in germanium optics?

Suppliers are investing in chalcogenide glass and wafer-level packaging to reduce reliance on germanium and stabilize lead times.

Page last updated on: July 11, 2025

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