Market Insights
The night vision device market is estimated to grow at a decent CAGR of 4.5% during 2023-2028 to reach USD 8.8 billion in 2028.

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Market Dynamics
Introduction
A night vision device is an optical instrument that enables enhanced visibility in low-light or nighttime conditions. It utilizes advanced technologies such as image intensification or thermal imaging to amplify ambient light or detect infrared radiations. Commonly used in the military, law enforcement, and civilian applications, night vision devices provide users with the ability to see in darkness, allowing for improved situational awareness, navigation, and surveillance. These devices come in various forms, including night vision goggles, scopes, and cameras, contributing to enhanced vision and safety in environments with limited illumination.
A night vision device improves vision in low-light or no-light environments or during night operations. These devices were introduced during the 2nd World War and have been increasingly used since. These devices are becoming popular in military applications, enabling soldiers to execute various military tasks without putting their lives at greater risk. Moreover, with the increasing political stalemates, rising border conflicts, and the growing threat of terrorism in recent years, there has been a hefty increase in the overall production and deployment of these night vision devices for military personnel.
As several military operations, such as counter-terrorism and anti-militant missions, occur during the night, the procurement of night vision devices becomes of paramount significance for all the defense authorities across the globe. In line with this, there have been several investments in the defense industry directed at night vision devices in recent years, which would boost the overall market.
Recent Market JVs and Acquisitions: Over the past few years, there have been a fair number of strategic alliances, including M&As, JVs, etc., across the globe. Some of them have been mentioned below:
- In May 2021, Teledyne Technologies Inc. completed the acquisition of FLIR Systems, Inc. The company currently operates under the name of Teledyne FLIR LLC.
- In July 2020, Raytheon Corporation merged with United Technologies Corporation to form Raytheon Technologies Corporation. This merger of equals is the defense sector's largest-ever merger in terms of value.
- In June 2019, L3 Technologies had an all-stock merger with Harris Corporation, which led to the formation of L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
- In September 2019, Elbit Systems of America, LLC, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd., successfully acquired Harris Corporation's night vision business for $350 million.
Recent Product Developments: In recent years, a fair number of new night vision devices have been launched by manufacturers. Some of them have been mentioned below:
- BAE Systems plc. developed an integrated optronic system comprised of two devices: The ENVG III-night vision goggle and the FWS-I thermal weapon sight, which provide both situational awareness and thermal targeting solutions for the soldiers.
- Raytheon Technologies Corporation developed the F-35 Gen III helmet-mounted display system (HMDS), a night vision system specifically designed for airborne operations.
- In December 2021, Thales launched their XTRAIM weapon sight, offering day/night de camouflage capabilities for dismounted soldiers. It is a lightweight device and is compatible with a variety of weapons, such as light machine guns and shoulder-fired assault rifles, providing soldiers with an unparalleled, precise night-firing capability.

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Key Players
The night vision device market is characterized by the presence of many players at the global, regional, and country levels. In recent years, there have been several mergers and acquisitions (such as the purchase of the night vision business unit of Harris Corporation by Elbit Systems of America, LLC, the merger of United Technologies and Raytheon, and the all-stock merger of L3 Technologies, and Harris Corporation) related to defense tier levels, which have made significant changes in the competitive landscape, including in the night vision device business.
The following are the key players in the night vision device market:
- L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
- BAE Systems plc
- Thales Group
- Elbit Systems Ltd.
- Raytheon Technologies Corporation
- Leonardo DRS
- Teledyne FLIR LLC
- Rheinmetall AG
- Excelitas Technologies Corp.
- ASELSAN A.?.
Recent Contracts and Agreements: There have been several investments in the defense industry directed at night vision devices in recent years, which would boost the overall market. Some of them have been mentioned below:
- In October 2022, Elbit Systems of America, LLC, received a production order worth US$ 107 million to supply the ENVG-B systems, along with their spare parts, logistics support, and test equipment, to the US Army. The deliveries are expected to be completed in 2024.
- In July 2022, Hensoldt AG and Theon Sensors were awarded a contract by the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) for the supply of 20,000 MIKRON binocular night vision goggles to the German Armed Forces.
- In September 2021, L3Harris Technologies, Inc. signed a contract worth US$ 100 million with the US Army to deliver the enhanced night vision goggle-binocular (ENVG-B) systems. These fused systems provide soldiers with enhanced situational awareness, enabling them to accurately target, engage, and neutralize threats without the risk of exposure.
Note: The above list does not necessarily include all the top players in the market.
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Segment Analysis
Segmentations
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List of Sub-Segments
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Segments with High Growth Opportunity
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Platform Type Analysis
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Ground-based Platform, Air-based Platform, and Naval-based Platform
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The ground-based platform is likely to continue as the major demand generator for night vision devices in the foreseen future as these devices are frequently used by dismounted soldiers for every ground-based operation and mission.
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Product Type Analysis
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Night Vision Goggle, Weapon Night Sight, and Handheld Thermal Imager
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Night vision goggles account for the largest market share.
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Technology Type Analysis
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Image Intensification Technology [Gen I-III and Gen-IV], Thermal Technology [SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR], and Fusion Technology [Optical Image Integration and Digital Image Integration]
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Thermal technology is in greater demand for night vision devices as compared to image intensification and fusion technology.
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Regional Analysis
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North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World
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North America is expected to maintain its dominance in the night vision device market throughout the forecast period.
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By Platform Type
The market is bifurcated into ground-based platform, air-based platform, and naval-based platform. Among these platform types, the ground-based platform is likely to continue as the major demand generator for night vision devices in the foreseen future as these devices are frequently used by dismounted soldiers for every ground-based operation and mission. Moreover, a number of counter-terrorism missions occur in low-light environments or at night, which simultaneously increases the usage of night vision devices. In the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, there has been a large usage of these devices by the Russian as well as Ukrainian armies.
By Product Type
The market is segmented as night vision goggles, weapon night sight, and handheld thermal imagers. Among these product types, night vision goggles account for the largest market share. The goggles are used in large volumes as they are deployed across every soldier who is engaged in a military operation or mission. They enable soldiers to see through dark or no-light environments and are also capable of penetrating through mist, fog, rain, and smoke. As a result, these night vision devices witness the highest demand generation across the globe.

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By Technology Type
The market is classified as image intensification technology, thermal technology, and fusion technology. At present, thermal technology is in greater demand for night vision devices as compared to image intensification and fusion technology. Over the years, thermal imaging devices have proved to be excellent tools for night vision, as they detect thermal radiation and translate the heat into a picture without using a source for illumination. Unlike image intensification, this technology can work in absolute darkness and penetrate through fog, rain, mist, and smoke to a large extent. Therefore, with the increasing focus on curbing terrorism and the growing border disputes across the globe, the demand for night vision devices equipped with this advanced technology is expected to intensify.
Regional Insights
North America is expected to maintain its dominance in the night vision device market throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to the extensive investments made by the US DoD on these devices with companies such as L3 Harris Technologies, Inc., Raytheon Technologies Corporation, and Elbit Systems of America, LLC. Moreover, the USA is the supreme military spender globally, accounting for more than 1/3rd of the total military expenditure. Concurrently, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth in the night vision device market in the coming years. The key factors responsible for the swift growth are increased demand for night-vision goggles and weapon night sights by the regional military forces and a continuous rise in overall military expenditure, especially in China and India.

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Research Methodology
- This strategic assessment report, from Stratview Research, provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today’s night vision device market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period.
- The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner to provide a panoramic view of the market.
- The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for market participants as well as investors in the identification of the low-hanging fruits available in the market as well as to formulate growth strategies to expedite their growth process.
- This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research’s internal database and statistical tools.
- More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data.
- We conducted more than 15 detailed primary interviews with market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights.
Report Features
This report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept so that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into market dynamics and will enable strategic decision-making for existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:
- Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.
- Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter’s five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.
- Market trend and forecast analysis.
- Market segment trend and forecast.
- Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, Service portfolio, New Product Launches, etc.
- COVID-19 impact and its recovery curve
- Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.
- Emerging trends.
- Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.
- Key success factors.
Market Segmentation
This report studies the market, covering 12 years of trends and forecasts. The report provides detailed insights into the market dynamics to enable informed business decision-making and growth strategy formulation based on the opportunities present in the market.
The night vision device market is segmented into the following categories.
By Product Type
- Night Vision Goggle
- Weapon Night Sight
- Handheld Thermal Imager
By Technology Type
- Image Intensification Technology
- Thermal Technology
- Fusion Technology
By Platform Type
- Ground-based Platform
- Air-based Platform
- Naval-based Platform
By Region
- North America (Country Analysis: The USA, Canada, and Mexico)
- Europe (Country Analysis: Germany, France, The UK, Russia, and The Rest of Europe)
- Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: China, Japan, India, South Korea, and The Rest of Asia-Pacific)
- Rest of the World (Country Analysis: Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Others)

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Company Profiling
- Detailed profiling of additional market players (up to three players)
- SWOT analysis of key players (up to three players)
Competitive Benchmarking
- Benchmarking of key players on the following parameters: Product portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances.
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