Market Highlights
The image intensifier tube market is likely to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period to reach a value of US$0.7 billion in 2028.
What is an image intensifier (I2) tube?
An image intensifier (I2) tube captures the existing environmental light through its objective lens and increases the brightness of low-light images to a level that is visible to the naked eye or is detectable by the digital image sensors. These tubes source the light either from the environment or from infrared illuminators. It is an integral element of a night vision device (NVD), which has become an indispensable component in a soldier system for anti-militant and counter-terrorism missions that occur during the night hours or in poor visibility conditions, as they aid in effectively tracking, and identifying, and targeting the hostile forces. As a result, the production and procurement of I2 tubes have rapidly gained momentum over the years as they multiply the capabilities of armed troops.
The market for I2 tubes is primarily influenced by rising border disputes, the growing threat of terrorism, and increasing political stalemates across the globe. Therefore, there have been several investments directed to the I2 tubes by the defense authorities in recent years, which has substantially influenced the market dynamics.
Segment Analysis
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Segmentations
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List of Sub-Segments
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Dominant and Fastest-Growing Segments
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Product-Type Analysis
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Weapon Night Sight and Night Vision Goggle
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Night vision goggle is estimated to be the dominant segment during the forecast period and weapon night sight is likely to witness the fastest growth.
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Generation-Type Analysis
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Generation I-III I2 Tube and Generation IV I2 Tube
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Generation I-III I2 tube is likely to maintain its market dominance in the coming years, whereas Generation IV I2 tube is likely to be launched in the market by 2025.
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Phosphor Screen-Type Analysis
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Green Phosphor Screen and White Phosphor Screen
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The green phosphor screen is expected to remain the largest segment during the forecast period, whereas the white phosphor screen is likely to exhibit the fastest growth.
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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 predicted to remain the largest segment over the next five years, whereas the air-based platform is likely to witness the fastest growth.
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Regional Analysis
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North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and The Rest of the World
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North America is expected to remain the largest market over the next five years, whereas Asia-Pacific is likely to grow at the fastest rate.
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Product Trends
The market is bifurcated into weapon night sight and night vision goggles. The night vision goggles segment holds the dominant market share and is further broken down into helmet-mounted displays and handheld goggles with the sole aim of providing a panoramic view of the industry. These goggles are used in large volumes as they are deployed across every armed troop, that is engaged in a military operation. They enable personnel to see through dark or no-light environments and are also capable of penetrating through mist, fog, rain, and smoke. As a result, night vision goggles witness the highest demand generation across the globe.
Generation Trends
The market is segmented into generation I-III and generation IV I2 tubes. Currently, all night vision devices have generation I-III I2 tubes. Generation IV I2 tubes are under R&D and are expected to enter the market in 2025. Among the available I2 tubes, the generation III I2 tubes provide the finest, brightest, and clearest pictures with high reliability and optimal low-light performance. Therefore, at present, generation I-III I2 tubes dominate the market.
Phosphor Screen Trends
The market is classified as green phosphor screen and white phosphor screen. The green phosphor screen accounts for the dominant share currently as it is a popular choice, especially for military applications, due to its wider visible spectrum. Whereas the white phosphor screen results in less eye fatigue and allows faster recognition as compared to the green phosphor screen. Therefore, it is estimated that they will eventually replace the green phosphor screen in the years to come.
Platform Trends
The market is segmented into ground-based, air-based, and naval-based platforms. Among these platform types, the ground-based platform is likely to remain the major demand generator for I2 tubes in the coming years as these tubes are mostly fit in the night vision devices that are generally used by dismounted soldiers for several ground-based operations.
Regional Analysis
North America is likely to remain dominant in the I2 tubes market over the forecast period. The region accounts for more than 40% of global military expenditure and is home to some of the market-leading companies such as L3Harris Technologies, Inc. and Elbit Systems of America, LLC, among others. These companies are also among the market leaders in night vision devices and are trusted contractors for the production of I2 tubes for the US DoD.
Similarly, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest market growth during the forecast period. The major factor responsible for the rapid regional growth, apart from the swift rise in overall military expenses, is the increasing penetration of regional market players such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and TAK Technologies Private Limited, among others.
Segmentation
This report studies the market covering a period of 12 years of trend and forecast. 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 image intensifier tube market is segmented into the following categories:
By Product Type
- Weapon Night Sight
- Night Vision Goggle
- Helmet-Mounted Display
- Handheld Goggle
By Generation Type
- Generation I-III I2 Tube
- Generation IV I2 Tube
By Phosphor Screen Type
- Green Phosphor Screen
- White Phosphor Screen
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, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Others)
Key Players
The market for image intensifier tubes is highly consolidated, with the top companies holding a mammoth share. There are a handful of manufacturers for I2 tubes that compete in terms of product quality, technology, cost, and geographic coverage. In addition, there have been some mergers and acquisitions in the defense industry in recent years, which have greatly influenced the competitive landscape (such as the acquisition of FLIR Systems, Inc. by Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, the purchase of the night vision business unit of Harris Corporation by Elbit Systems of America, LLC, and the all-stock merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation). The following are the key players in the image intensifier tube market:
- L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
- Elbit Systems Ltd.
- PHOTONIS
- Teledyne FLIR LLC
- ASELSAN A.?.
Recent Contracts and Agreements: There have been several investments in the defense industry directed at I2 tubes in recent years, which would boost the overall market. Some of them have been mentioned below:
- In July 2021, PHOTONIS was selected by the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) as a supplier of 4G 16mm black & white image intensifier tubes- the latest state-of-the-art technology in night vision - for several thousand image intensifiers of night vision binoculars designed and manufactured by INSTRO-UK/ELSEC- Israel.
- In April 2020, L3Harris Technologies, Inc. signed an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract worth US$93 million with the US Air Force to provide the green and white image intensifier tubes. These tubes would provide the flight crew with high-quality visual details for target acquisition.
- Likewise, in June 2019, PHOTONIS signed a multi-year contract with the Spanish Armed Forces for the delivery of up to 5,000 image intensifier tubes for the monocular night vision devices, which would enable the armed troops to effectively locate and engage threats and operate in all night conditions.
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:
- Since December 2022, PHOTONIS (now known as EXOSENS) has strategically acquired Xenics, Proxivision, Telops, and Elmul, signaling its focus towards becoming a global leader in detection and imaging technologies.
- 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 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.
Research Methodology
This strategic assessment report from Stratview Research provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today’s image intensifier tube 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 10 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 most comprehensively. The report structure has been kept such 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, Technology portfolio, New Technology Launches, etc.
- Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.
- Emerging trends.
- Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.
- Key success factors.
Report Customization Options
With this detailed report, Stratview Research offers one of the following free customization options to our respectable clients:
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: Technology portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances
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