Shortwave Infrared Market Summary

The global shortwave infrared (SWIR) market was valued at USD 603.0 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,179.6 million by 2030, growing at a robust CAGR of 12% from 2025 to 2030. The market's expansion is fueled by the growing adoption of SWIR technologies across diverse industries, including defense, industrial inspection, healthcare, and security, which increasingly rely on advanced imaging capabilities to operate efficiently in challenging environments.

SWIR technology operates in the wavelength range of 1.0 to 3.0 microns and offers unique imaging benefits, including the ability to penetrate various materials and provide high-contrast imaging in low-light conditions. These characteristics make it ideal for a wide range of use cases such as surveillance, agricultural monitoring, electronic inspection, and scientific research. For example, in April 2024, Quantum Solutions, a leader in quantum dot innovation, introduced its Q.Eye SWIR image sensors, covering a spectral range of 400–1700 nm. These advanced sensors are expected to significantly enhance imaging performance in machine vision and robotics applications, signaling technological progress in the industry.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• In 2024, the solution segment dominated the global SWIR market, accounting for over 73% of total revenue. This dominance is attributed to the rising demand for advanced imaging and sensing solutions across multiple industries. Products such as SWIR cameras, sensors, and supporting software are in high demand due to their superior performance in adverse conditions like fog, smoke, and dim lighting, providing enhanced visibility and operational effectiveness.
• The thermal imaging segment emerged as the leading contributor to market revenue in 2024. Its capability to detect heat signatures and produce high-contrast images even in extreme environments—such as darkness, heavy smoke, or fluctuating temperatures—makes it especially valuable in military and security applications where visibility is often compromised.
• In terms of technology type, the uncooled SWIR segment led the market with the highest revenue share in 2024. Unlike traditional cooled systems that require complex and costly cryogenic cooling, uncooled SWIR cameras are more cost-effective, energy-efficient, and easier to integrate into a broader range of commercial and industrial applications, driving their widespread adoption.
• The military and defense sector accounted for the largest market share in 2024, reflecting the importance of SWIR imaging in tactical scenarios. These systems offer superior imaging performance in low-light or obscured environments, making them essential tools for modern warfare, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and border surveillance operations.
• North America led the SWIR market in 2024, holding over 38% of the global revenue share. This dominance is driven by the region's strong focus on enhancing military and defense infrastructure, particularly in the U.S., where SWIR systems are widely used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and threat detection.
• The U.S. SWIR market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2025 to 2030. Government investments in defense modernization and the integration of cutting-edge imaging technologies into defense platforms significantly contribute to this anticipated growth, particularly in the development of advanced surveillance and target identification systems.
• The European SWIR market is also poised for steady expansion during the forecast period. This growth is largely due to increased funding in imaging and sensor technologies across aerospace, security, and medical diagnostics sectors, supported by favorable regulatory and industrial frameworks.
• The Asia Pacific region is expected to register the fastest growth over the forecast period. The region's surging defense budgets, particularly in countries like China and India, are boosting demand for next-generation imaging systems. SWIR technologies are increasingly being deployed for military surveillance, border security, and infrastructure monitoring.

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Market Size & Forecast

• 2024 Market Size: USD 603.0 Million
• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 1,179.6 Million
• CAGR (2025 - 2030): 12%
• North America: Largest market in 2024

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key players shaping the SWIR market landscape include Teledyne FLIR LLC, Corning Incorporated, Collins Aerospace, Allied Vision Technologies GmbH, and Leonardo DRS. These companies are focusing on strategic partnerships, product innovation, and research and development to expand their market presence.

Teledyne FLIR LLC, formerly known as FLIR Systems Inc., is a major American manufacturer of thermal imaging cameras and sensors. Its product lineup includes handheld and mounted thermal security cameras, machine vision systems, and gas detection devices. These solutions are widely adopted across sectors such as defense, law enforcement, industrial inspection, and public safety to improve visibility and situational awareness in complex environments.

Corning Incorporated, another major U.S.-based company, leverages its deep expertise in materials science and optics to develop advanced SWIR solutions. Its partnership with Orbital Sidekick on the Aurora Hyperspectral Imaging satellite showcases the company's leadership in high-resolution SWIR imaging for space-based and remote sensing applications. Corning’s innovations are pivotal in enhancing imaging capabilities and expanding the application base of SWIR technologies.

Key Players

• Teledyne FLIR LLC
• Corning Incorporated
• Collins Aerospace
• Allied Vision Technologies GmbH
• Leonardo DRS
• Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
• Fluke Corporation
• New Imaging Technologies (NIT)
• Raptor Photonics
• Lynred

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Conclusion

The shortwave infrared (SWIR) market is witnessing substantial growth due to its critical role in enhancing visibility in complex conditions across various industries. With increasing investments from defense, industrial, and scientific sectors, SWIR technology is evolving as a standard for next-generation imaging. Innovations in uncooled systems, expanding regional defense budgets, and industry partnerships are accelerating global adoption. As companies continue to innovate and integrate SWIR into more applications, the market is poised for sustainable long-term growth. The demand for high-performance, cost-effective imaging solutions will drive further advancements and expansion of SWIR technologies worldwide in the coming years.