Infrared search and tracking (IRST), also known as infrared sighting and tracking, is a method of passive tracking with the help of infrared radiation. Various types of electromagnetic radiation include infrared radiation, radio waves, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and microwaves. Humans are not capable of perceiving such infrared radiation with their naked eyes. However, the radiation can be visible to the eyes with the help of sensors and appropriate devices such as infrared cameras and detectors. The technology can detect infrared radiation emitted from the bodies of any living being or non-living object. The systems are extensively used in defense applications in security and surveillance through passive searching and tracking.
Continued technological advancements in infrared sensing systems have upgraded the capabilities of present infrared search and track (IRST) systems. Using highly accurate sensors, state-of-the-art image processing, and advanced display systems have led to the rise of effective and efficient infrared search and track (IRST) systems in recent years. The infrared search and track (IRST) systems can search for and track an object in adverse conditions such as bad weather, pitch-black darkness, and underwater. Owing to the merits above, the demand for IRST systems has escalated significantly and is expected to grow even further in the following years. The infrared search and track (IRST) systems can be mounted on different platforms, such as airborne, naval, or any land vehicle or infrastructure. IRST systems offer higher efficiency in passive surveillance compared to other technologies such as radar and sonar. The systems are extensively used in military aircraft and jets, aiding in identifying approaching aircraft, missiles, and projectiles. Consequently, infrared search and track (IRST) systems have become an integral part of modern defense equipment, and the market is expected to rise significantly during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025.
The report titled "Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Systems Market: Growth, Future Prospects, and Competitive Landscape, 2017–2025" offers strategic insights into the global infrared search and track (IRST) systems market, with a focus on the market's size and estimates for the duration of 2015–2025. The said research study covers an in-depth analysis of multiple market segments based on platform, end-use, and cross-sectional studies across different geographies. The study covers the comparative analysis of different segments for 2016 and 2025. The report also provides a prolific view of market dynamics, such as market drivers, restraints, and opportunities.
To help strategic decision-makers, the report also includes competitive profiling of the leading infrared search and track (IRST) system manufacturers, strategies, market positioning, and key developments. Some of the major players profiled in the report include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Thales Group, Safran S.A., Rheinmetall AG, Leonardo S.p.A., Northrop Grumman Corporation, HGH Systemes Infrarouges SAS, Rheinmetall AG, Aselsan A.S., and The Boeing Company. In addition,
Other in-depth analysis provided in the report includes:
Current and future market trends to justify the forthcoming attractive markets within the infrared search and track (IRST) systems market.
Market fullers, market impediments, and their impact on market growth
in-depth competitive environment analysis
Trailing 2-year market size data (2015–2016)
Overall, the research study provides a holistic view of the global infrared search and track (IRST) systems market, offering market size and estimates for the period from 2017 to 2025, keeping in mind the above-mentioned factors.
The global infrared search and track (IRST) systems market are segmented, based on platform, into the following categories:
Airborne
Naval
Land
As of 2016, airborne infrared search and track (IRST) systems dominated the overall infrared search and track (IRST) systems market worldwide in terms of revenue. Military and defense operations are heavily dependent on air force strikes. Modern infrared search and track (IRST) systems can search, track, and target an enemy aircraft. The system has the ability to differentiate discrete aircraft in formations and at intermediate ranges when compared to other traditional fighter radar systems available. In addition, infrared search and track (IRST) systems are also used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveying and inspecting a particular location.
Naval platforms for infrared search and track (IRST) systems trailed the airborne platform segment in revenue. Infrared search and track (IRST) systems are actively installed and used on aircraft carriers. The system helps track incoming projectiles or missiles toward the carriers. In addition, infrared search and track (IRST) systems also guide naval carriers through harsh and unfavorable weather conditions. Owing to the features offered, the adoption of infrared search and track (IRST) systems for naval carriers has increased significantly in the past few years. It is expected to grow at a consistent rate in the following years.
The global infrared search and track (IRST) systems market are segmented, based on its end-use, into the following categories:
Defense
Civil
The defense end-use segment was the largest in terms of revenue in the overall infrared search and track (IRST) systems market. The segment contributed to more than 75% of the total market across the world. Consistently growing needs for tracking and locating have urged government agencies to incorporate infrared search and track (IRST) systems for defense applications. In addition, rising investment by the governments of developed nations such as the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and others also boosted the demand for infrared search and track (IRST) systems.
Infrared search and track (IRST) systems have limited applications in the civil end-use segment. Consequently, the segment contributed a nominal share compared to the defense end-use applications as of 2016. Infrared search and track (IRST) systems have been gradually adopted in commercial aircraft for better tracking and navigation. Furthermore, the system is used in public safety and traffic control helicopters. The scope of the systems is gradually expanding for civil end-use applications. Consequently, the segment is expected to rise steadily in the following years.
The global infrared search and track (IRST) systems market has been segmented on the basis of geographical regions, as per the following regions and countries:
North America
U.S.
rest of North America
Europe
U.K.
Germany
France
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Rest of Asia Pacific
Rest of the World (ROW)
Middle East and Africa (MEA)
Latin America
As of 2016, Europe dominated the global market for infrared search and track (IRST) systems. A consistent rise in the defense budget has been observed in the past few years in Europe, especially in the U.K., France, Germany, Sweden, and the rest of Europe. The sense of passive and situational awareness has boosted the adoption of infrared search and track (IRST) systems in the defense systems of the aforementioned countries. Consequently, the demand for the IRST system has shown significant growth in this region.
Asia Pacific followed the European region in terms of revenue in the global infrared search and track (IRST) markets as of 2016. Rising territorial disputes and terrorist activities have compelled Asia-Pacific nations to beef up their military capabilities. Defense aircraft modernization and procurement of passive monitoring systems have boosted the demand for advanced infrared search and track (IRST) systems. With the rising trend of procurement of advanced defense equipment and a growing defense budget, the market for infrared search and track (IRST) systems is also expected to show significant growth in the following years.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The market for Infrared Search And Track (IRST) Systems is expected to reach US$ 4.47 Bn in 2025.
The Infrared Search And Track (IRST) Systems market is expected to see significant CAGR growth over the coming years,at 5.1%.
The report is forecasted from 2017-2025.
The base year of this report is 2016.
ockheed Martin Corporation,Thales Group,Safran S.A.,Rheinmetall AG,Leonardo S.p.A. are some of the major players in the global market.
