Asia Pacific Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market By Component (Scanning Head, Processing Unit, Control & Display Unit), By End User (Civil, Defense), By Platform (Airborne, Naval, Land, Others), By Country, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview:

Asia Pacific Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market was valued at USD 2.60 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.71 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.11% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System market is witnessing steady growth driven by rising demand for advanced surveillance technologies that enhance aircraft survivability in contested airspaces. Defense forces are increasingly adopting IRST systems to counter stealth aircraft and low observable threats, as radar systems face limitations against evolving aerial platforms. Growth is further supported by rapid integration of IRST solutions into next-generation combat aircraft, naval vessels, and unmanned platforms, with manufacturers focusing on improving sensor sensitivity, detection range, and multi-target tracking capabilities.

Market Drivers

Rising Emphasis on Stealth Aircraft Detection

The increasing deployment of stealth aircraft has elevated the demand for advanced infrared search and track systems that can overcome radar limitations. Stealth platforms are designed to minimize radar signatures, making traditional detection systems less effective. IRST technology provides a passive solution capable of identifying heat signatures without emitting detectable signals, which enhances survivability during missions. This driver is shaping procurement strategies, with military forces prioritizing passive sensors that can complement radar and electronic warfare systems. The ability to detect and track multiple targets in complex environments further positions IRST as a crucial technology in modern defense. Growing requirements for counter-stealth capabilities ensure that IRST adoption will continue expanding, especially as adversaries focus on fielding low-observable platforms.

Advancements in Sensor Technologies

Progress in infrared imaging, cooling mechanisms, and multispectral detection is significantly improving the performance of IRST systems. Modern sensors can detect smaller thermal signatures at longer ranges, enabling earlier and more accurate threat identification. Enhanced processing algorithms allow better differentiation between aircraft, drones, and decoys, reducing false alarms. Integration of high-resolution infrared sensors is also contributing to situational awareness across air, naval, and land platforms. These technological advancements not only strengthen operational capabilities but also create opportunities for deploying IRST systems in diverse environments. As sensor technologies continue to evolve, the efficiency, range, and adaptability of IRST solutions will increase, ensuring strong demand across the defense sector.

Growing Investments in Aerospace Modernization

Defense modernization programs are fueling demand for advanced situational awareness systems like IRST. Governments are allocating significant budgets toward upgrading fighter aircraft, naval fleets, and surveillance platforms to address evolving threats. IRST systems are increasingly being incorporated into both manned and unmanned platforms to provide reliable early-warning capabilities in contested airspaces. The modernization push emphasizes network-centric warfare, where IRST systems play a pivotal role by providing passive tracking that supports integrated defense operations. As modernization initiatives expand, the adoption of IRST technology will continue to rise, ensuring its position as a core component of future combat systems. For instance, India’s defense expenditure reached $86.1 billion in 2024, positioning it as the 5th largest global spender. The budget saw a 1.6% year-on-year increase, reflecting a steady growth trajectory. Strategic focus areas remain modernization of armed forces and maintaining a balance of power against China and Pakistan, with emphasis on strengthening indigenous capabilities and operational readiness across land, air, and naval domains.

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Key Market Challenges

High Development and Procurement Costs

Developing and integrating IRST systems involves significant investment in research, advanced materials, and sophisticated algorithms, which elevates costs. The procurement price for military customers can be a barrier, particularly when budgets must be balanced across multiple defense priorities. Maintenance and lifecycle expenses further add to the total cost of ownership. This challenge often requires manufacturers to justify value by emphasizing long-term strategic advantages. Affordability concerns may also slow widespread adoption, as only the most critical platforms are initially equipped with IRST capabilities. The high cost factor continues to pose a significant hurdle in scaling deployments across fleets.

Complexity of Platform Integration

Integrating IRST systems into varied platforms such as fighter aircraft, naval vessels, and unmanned systems poses significant technical challenges. Each platform demands customized configurations to align with existing avionics, electronic systems, and mission requirements. Weight, size, and power consumption must be carefully managed to avoid compromising performance. Compatibility with radar, communication, and navigation systems requires complex engineering and software adjustments. These integration challenges often extend timelines and increase costs, complicating procurement processes. Achieving seamless interoperability across diverse platforms remains one of the toughest barriers to efficient deployment of IRST systems.

Key Market Trends

Fusion with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into IRST systems is emerging as a major trend, transforming detection and tracking accuracy. AI-driven algorithms enhance real-time image processing, enabling systems to differentiate between genuine threats and background clutter with greater precision. Machine learning models continuously improve through data exposure, enhancing adaptability in diverse combat scenarios. This fusion not only increases reliability but also reduces operator workload by automating threat classification. As AI capabilities evolve, IRST systems are expected to become more autonomous, providing faster and more accurate situational awareness that enhances decision-making in high-threat environments. For instance, China’s DeepSeek LLM, developed at a fraction of Western costs with only one-tenth of the computing power of models like ChatGPT-4, is being integrated into UAVs, command systems, and autonomous vehicles, showcasing rapid dual-use experimentation. Reports indicate the PLA is building a ‘multi-domain kill-web’ to coordinate aircraft, satellites, sensors, and missiles, aiming for network-centric warfare by 2030. With 1.7 million 5G towers, a vast drone market, and strong civil-military fusion, China is accelerating real-time decision loops, precision mass deployment, and reconnaissance-strike capabilities posing a direct challenge to US systems integration and battlefield dominance.

Miniaturization for Multi-Platform Deployment

Advances in miniaturization are enabling the deployment of IRST systems across a wider range of platforms, including smaller drones and compact aircraft. Lightweight and energy-efficient designs allow integration without imposing heavy payload burdens. This trend broadens application possibilities, extending IRST beyond traditional fighter jets to unmanned systems, helicopters, and ground-based vehicles. Miniaturization also reduces logistical challenges by simplifying installation and maintenance requirements. The ability to field compact yet powerful IRST solutions supports the growing demand for versatile surveillance systems, ensuring these technologies are not confined to large and high-cost defense assets.

Development of Multispectral IRST Systems

Another key trend is the development of multispectral IRST systems that can operate across multiple infrared bands simultaneously. This approach enhances detection accuracy by capturing a wider range of thermal signatures and minimizing susceptibility to countermeasures such as flares. Multispectral systems improve reliability in diverse environmental conditions, including low visibility and high-clutter scenarios. By combining data from different infrared wavelengths, these systems provide more comprehensive situational awareness and better target identification. The shift toward multispectral capabilities reflects the market’s emphasis on resilience, adaptability, and advanced detection in evolving battlefield environments.

Segmental Insights

End User Insights

In 2024, the defense sector emerged as the dominant end user of infrared search and track systems, driven by the growing requirement for advanced passive detection technologies in modern warfare. Military forces are prioritizing IRST integration across fighter aircraft, naval vessels, and unmanned platforms to strengthen early-warning capabilities and counter low observable threats such as stealth aircraft and drones. The defense focus on survivability in contested environments has accelerated adoption, as IRST systems offer the advantage of detecting thermal signatures without emitting signals that could reveal positions. Rising investments in upgrading combat fleets and incorporating multispectral and AI-enabled infrared systems are further solidifying defense as the leading segment.

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Country Insights

In 2024, China held the dominant position in Asia Pacific infrared search and track system market, supported by extensive investments in advanced defense technologies and the integration of IRST into a wide range of aerial and naval platforms. Rising demand for enhanced surveillance capabilities to counter stealth aircraft and unmanned aerial threats has accelerated deployment across its modernized combat fleet. Continuous development of indigenous defense technologies and the incorporation of multispectral detection systems are reinforcing China’s leadership, ensuring its strong role in shaping the regional market landscape. For instance, China’s military expenditure in 2024 reached $314 billion, marking a 7.0% year-on-year increase and accounting for 50% of Asia & Oceania’s total defense spending. This rise reflects 30 consecutive years of growth, driven by priorities such as modernization of the armed forces, strengthening cyberwarfare capabilities, and expanding the nuclear arsenal. The overarching strategic aim is to reinforce global military standing and assert regional dominance.

Japan represented the second-largest market in 2024, driven by sustained emphasis on upgrading air and naval defense capabilities. The country’s focus on passive detection systems to strengthen situational awareness has boosted procurement of IRST technologies for its advanced combat aircraft and maritime defense assets. Strategic initiatives directed toward enhancing early-warning capabilities and integrating infrared solutions with network-centric defense platforms contributed to its position as a key market. For instance, in 2024, Japan allocated $55.3 billion to defense, a 21% annual increase and the highest share of GDP (1.4%) since 1958. Since 2015, defense spending has risen 49%, with the FY2025 budget at ¥8.70 trillion ($55 billion), up 9.4% from FY2024. Key priorities include long-range strike capabilities, hypersonics, satellite constellations, and procurement of frigates, submarines, reconnaissance and transport aircraft, F-35 jets, and next-gen stealth fighters. Investments in space and cyber capabilities include ¥123.8B for military satellites (+115%) and ¥97B for a cloud-based unified command system (+29%). Strategically, Japan is enhancing counterstrike capabilities, supporting the US-backed Indo-Pacific Strategy, and strengthening alliances with Australia, UK, and Philippines.

Recent Developments

• ​In 2024, Taiwan signed a USD 345.5 million deal with the US to equip its 66 F-16V fighter jets with advanced IRST systems, boosting target detection and tracking against China’s fifth-generation aircraft by identifying their heat signatures despite low visibility.
• In 2024, the Indian Air Force is set to receive an indigenously developed IRST for its Sukhoi SU-30 MKI fleet, replacing Russian systems. HAL and BEL will co-develop and produce at least 100 Long Range Dual Band IRSTs under the MAKE-II procedure, following project approval in 2018.
• In 2025, new AMCA fighter jet graphics revealed a centrally aligned IRST sensor, enhancing stealth by reducing radar cross-section and improving aerodynamics. The placement also broadens the field of view, boosting detection range and situational awareness, marking a key step in advancing India’s next-generation combat aircraft.
• In 2025, the U.S. Navy declared Initial Operational Capability for Lockheed Martin’s IRST Block II on F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, enabling long-range passive detection and tracking of airborne threats even in radar-challenged environments, enhancing situational awareness and survivability.

Key Market Players

• Leonardo S.P.A.
• Thales Group
• Rheinmetall AG
• Aselsan A.S.
• Safran S.A.
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Northrop Grumman Corporation
• HGH Systèmes Infrarouges
• Tonbo Imaging Private Limited
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation 

Report Scope:

In this report, Asia Pacific Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

•           Asia Pacific Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market, By Component:

o    Scanning Head

o    Processing Unit

o    Control & Display Unit

•           Asia Pacific Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market, By End User:

o    Civil

o    Defense

•           Asia Pacific Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market, By Platform:

o    Airborne

o    Naval

o    Land

o    Others

•           Asia Pacific Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market, By Country:

o    China

o    India

o    Japan

o    Indonesia

o    Thailand

o    South Korea

o    Australia

o    Rest of APAC

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in Asia Pacific Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market.

Available Customizations:

Asia Pacific Infrared Search & Track (IRST) System Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to the company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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