Defense Adaptive Optics Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Natural guide star adaptive optics (NGAO), Laser guide star adaptive optics (LGAO), Multi-conjugate (MCAO)), By Component (Wavefront Sensor, Wavefront Modulator, Control System), By End-User (Consumer, Astronomy, Military & Defense) And Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Defense adaptive optics (AO) is a technologically advanced system used to improve the performance of laser-based weapon system. These optical systems are used to reduce the effect of incoming wavefront distortions. This task is achieved by deforming an optical mirror to compensate for the distortion. In the laser-guided weapon system, these adaptive optics are majorly used to achieve the desired target.

The factors are projected to drive the market are the increasing use of defense adaptive optics in the defense industry for several applications such as free-space optical communication and laser-guided weapon technology. Moreover, the growing need for defense adaptive optics in the military to reduce the wavefront distortion effects to achieve swift communication during the battlefield operation is anticipated to boost the market. Several technological developments occurred in defense adaptive optics is an upcoming opportunity for the market. However, complex design and difficulty in non-common path aberrations is affecting the market growth.

Market Segmentation:

By type, the market is segmented into natural guide star adaptive optics (NGAO), laser guide star adaptive optics (LGAO), multi-conjugate (MCAO), multi-object (MOAO), and ground-layer (GLAO). Based on the component, the market is segmented into wavefront sensor, wavefront modulator, and control system. Based on the end-user, the market is categorized into consumer, astronomy, military & defense, biomedical, industrial & manufacturing, and communication. From a geographical standpoint, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

Key Players Covered:

Major key players present in the Active Optical Systems, LLC (Israel),  Adaptica S.r.l. (Italy), Boston Micromachines Corporation (The U.S.), Flexible Optical B.V. (Netherlands), Imagine Optic SA (France), Iris AO, Inc. (The U.S.),  Northrop Grumman Corporation (The U.S.), Phasics Corp. (France), Thorlabs, Inc. (The U.S.), and among others.

Key Insights

• The Growing Adoption of Defense Adaptive Optics in Satellite Imaging, Advanced Imaging System.


• The Growing Need of Defense Adaptive Optics in Military to Reduce the Wavefront Distortion Effects

Regional Analysis:

The defense adaptive optics market is analyzed across four major regions North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. At present, North America is expected to steer the market during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to key players' presence, which includes Active Optical Systems, LLC, Boston Micromachines Corporation, Iris AO, Inc., Northrop Grumman Corporation, and others.

The Asia Pacific is estimated to capture a significant market share of the market during the forecast period. This market growth is attributed to the growing defense budget from China and India to adopt new technology for a laser-guided weapon system. In July 2020, Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) had established a research cell in IIT Hyderabad to accomplish the defense tech requirements. The research cell provides adaptive optics, image processing, and technologically advanced algorithms for artificial intelligence-based applications for space applications.

Europe also exhibits significant growth in the market. This growth is attributed to the need for defense adaptive optics for atomic trapping, quantum computing, and laser cutting operation. The Rest of the World registers significant growth during the forecast period. This growth is owing to the growing demand for defense adaptive optics in South America and Middle East & Africa for free-space optical (FSO) communications.

Segmentation

Defense Adaptive Optics Industry Developments

• In March 2021, Intevac Photonics and the U.S. government had signed a contract with a valuation of USD 1.8 million to develop a Gated SWIR sensor, adaptive optics system, and livar camera technology. This contract had demonstrated the SWIR LIVAR technology with adaptive optics system for the U.S. army.


• In October 2020, General Atomics had acquired Longmont, Colorado-based Guidestar Optical Systems. This contract was improving the adaptive optics technology-based portfolio of General Atomics. The contract was set to provide adaptive optics technology in the aerospace & defence sector for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance applications.