Thermal Imaging Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Handheld and Fixed/Mounted), By Technology (Cooled, Uncooled), By Product (Thermal Camera, Thermal Scopes, Thermal Module), By Wavelength (Shortwave Infrared (SWIR), Mid-wave Infrared (MWIR)), By Application (Border Surveillance, Vehicle Targeting, C-UAS), By Vertical (Aerospace and Defense, Law Enforcement, Healthcare, Automotive), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global thermal imaging market size was USD 2.27 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 4.10 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period. North America dominated the thermal imaging market with a market share of 31.8% in 2019.

The growth of the market is primarily driven by the rising demand for advanced thermal imaging solutions in end-use verticals such as military and defense, manufacturing, and healthcare & life science. In addition to this, the increasing penetration of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and growing demand for wireless temperature sensors are expected to boost the growth of the market during the forecast period.

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GLOBAL THERMAL IMAGING Market Snapshot & Highlights

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2019 Market Size: USD 2.27 billion
• 2027 Forecast Market Size: USD 4.10 billion
• CAGR: 7.7% (2024–2027)

Market Share:

• North America dominated the thermal imaging market with a 31.8% share in 2019, driven by strong military spending, widespread use of surveillance systems, and adoption across sectors including healthcare and manufacturing.
• By product, thermal cameras held the largest market share, supported by high demand in commercial and residential sectors. Meanwhile, thermal scopes are expected to record the highest CAGR, particularly in military and defense applications.

Key Country Highlights:

• United States: Accounts for the largest share, fueled by increasing defense investment (~USD 732 billion in 2019), widespread use of thermal imaging in C-UAS, border surveillance, and smart healthcare systems.
• China: Second-largest military spender; rapid growth in thermal imaging adoption for border management and infrastructure surveillance.
• Germany: Rising deployment of fever-detection systems in public and commercial spaces post-COVID; focus on industrial and critical infrastructure monitoring.
• India: Growing defense budget and border security upgrades drive strong demand for handheld and vehicle-mounted thermal devices.
• Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia): Strategic focus on upgrading border and oil infrastructure surveillance with thermal imaging solutions under Vision 2030 initiatives.
• Japan: Strong demand in smart transportation, manufacturing, and emergency services; adoption of thermal imaging in robotics and AI-enhanced systems.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Adoption of Advanced Solutions to Create Several Growth Opportunities Amid COVID-19 Crisis

The world confronts a severe and acute public health crisis in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. This type of imaging solutions are playing a crucial role in detecting elevated body temperatures for coronavirus identification. Companies are also leveraging AI-enabled platforms such as IoT, digital twin, smart robots, and others to monitor real-time production at the manufacturing plants. This significantly reduces the need for employees and workers onsite, thereby supporting the social distancing mandates to fight COVID-19.

With a stringent social distancing standard being executed worldwide, the demand for these solutions will gain eminence at public places such as railways, airports, supermarkets, and stadiums, to trace patients. For instance, in May 2020, Germany-based DERMALOG Identification Systems GmbH deployed its thermal imaging technology-based fever detection cameras at Scandinavian Park, a large shopping mall near the Germany/Denmark border.

Thermal Imaging Market TRENDS

Thermal Camera is Widely Used to Measure Body Temperature to Help Control the Spread of Disease

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a massive demand for thermal imaging solutions from various industries such as healthcare, life science, transportation, and others. Several businesses and facilities are implementing temperature screening systems at their spaces to reduce the spread of disease. The Chinese police are using thermal cameras and goggles to identify pedestrians with high temperatures. Even Dubai police are using AI-based thermal smart helmets to scan and identify people with high body temperature. As several countries begin to ease COVID-19 lockdown, businesses are looking towards products as a fever screening tool to keep staff and customers safe from viruses. North America witnessed thermal imaging market growth from USD 683.7 Million in 2018 to USD 721.9 Million in 2019.

• For example, in April 2020, the e-commerce giant Amazon has installed thermal cameras equipped with this technology in six U.S. facilities situated in Seattle and Los Angeles to screen employee’s health.

Thermal Imaging Market Growth FACTORS

Proliferation of Thermal Cameras for Border Surveillance Management to Propel the Market Growth

The growth of the market is attributable to the rising adoption of advanced thermal imaging cameras in the military and defense industry to cater to the demand for combat operations and night patrolling. These cameras can identify targets at extremely long range even during poor weather conditions. In border surveillance, equipment such as binoculars, monocular, military vehicles are used for perimeter surveillance and remotely-operated turrets.

• For instance, in March 2020, FLIR Systems, Inc. launched a high-definition midrange surveillance system called “Ranger HDC MR” to detect illegal activities even in degraded weather conditions.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Export Restrictions Imposed on these Products to Limit the Market Growth

Thermal imaging products always had an export sensitivity issue. Exporting thermal and infrared cameras to certain countries are restricted by the U.S Government and these export restrictions come under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Some cameras fall under specific Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) codes which are governed by the Bureau of Industry and Security, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The manufacturing companies need to follow all the rules and regulations imposed by the government otherwise, they need to pay a huge penalty.

• For instance, in May 2018, FLIR Systems Inc., the infrared and these imaging systems manufacturer, was accused of violating the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). The company was hit with USD 30 million civil penalties for this major deemed export compliance case.

This might slow the adoption of these devices such as thermal cameras and scopes in the market.

Thermal Imaging Market SEGMENTATION Analysis

By Type Analysis

Handheld Segment is Anticipated to Exhibit a Higher Growth Rate in the Coming Years

Based on the device type, the market is segmented into handheld and fixed/mounted. The handheld sub-segment is further categorized into thermal weapon sights, handheld surveillance sights, and others.

The handheld segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment owing to its portability and ease of use characteristics. The growth is attributable to the integration of thermal imaging tools in smartphones.

The fixed/mounted segment holds the largest market share. The growth is owing to the rising demand for fixed CCTVs cameras for surveillance and security purposes. Fixed/mounted device position eliminates the need for a person to scan and detect the object or living creatures.

By Technology Analysis

Uncooled Segment is Expected to Grow Significantly in the Forecast Period

Based on the technology, the market is further segregated into cooled and uncooled.

The cooled segment captures the maximum thermal imaging market share as cooled devices can detect the smaller temperature variations owing to its highly sensitive nature.

The uncooled segment exhibited a high growth rate during the forecast period. Uncooled thermal devices are much less expensive than their counterparts and can be manufactured in fewer steps with higher yields. These types of devices are mostly suited for applications where the monitoring area is under 4-5 km of range.

By Product Analysis

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Thermal Camera Segment to Apprehend Largest Market Share

Based on the product, the market is divided into the thermal camera, thermal scopes, and thermal module.

The thermal camera held the highest market share during the forecast period. The growth is attributable to the rising adoption of thermal cameras in commercial and residential sectors.

The thermal scopes segment is estimated to show the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is owing to the increasing demand for the thermal scopes from the military and defense sectors. The thermal modules segment holds a significant share in the market owing to their low weight, small size, and low power consumption features. The thermal camera segment is expected to hold a 57.6% share in 2019.

By Wavelength Analysis

Mid-wave Infrared (MWIR) Segment to Exhibit the Highest CAGR

Based on the wavelength, the market is segmented into the shortwave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and longwave infrared (LWIR).

The mid-wave infrared (MWIR) is projected to be the fastest-growing segment in the coming years. The growth is attributable to its ability to operate efficiently in harsh environments such as aerosol, smoke, or fog.

The Longwave infrared (LWIR) segment holds the highest market share. The growth is attributable to technological advancement and growing adoption of LWIR cameras in security and surveillance applications. Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) devices pose limited benefits compared to MWIR and LWIR.

By Application Analysis

Adoption of Thermal Cameras for C-UAS Purposes to Surge

Based on application, the market is categorized into border surveillance, vehicle targeting, C-UAS, maritime & coastal surveillance, critical infrastructure, and others.

The border surveillance segment holds the largest share in the market. The growth is owing to the increasing demand for these devices and rising government spending in the military and defense sectors.

• According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Military Expenditure Database, in 2019, the global military expenditure is estimated at around USD 1,917 billion, 3.6% higher than in 2018.

The counter- unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the coming years. The rising demand for thermal scopes, modules, cameras, and others for vehicle targeting, critical infrastructure will aid the growth of the market.

By Vertical Analysis

Aerospace and Defense Segment to Account for Maximum Share

By vertical, the global market has been categorized into aerospace and defense, law enforcement, healthcare, automotive, oil and gas, residential, manufacturing, and others.

The aerospace and defense segment holds the maximum share in the market as this type of imaging technique is a cost-effective alternative of lighting systems that are installed to safeguard borders. The thermal devices are used in armored vehicles, weapon stations to provide situational awareness to the military personnel.

The law enforcement segment is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR in the coming years. Thermal imaging devices help law enforcement officers to effectively manage operations, investigate crime scenes and trace and apprehend suspects. Thermal imaging cameras are also used by maritime law enforcement officers for coastal security, harbor navigation, and search and rescue operations. In addition, the increasing adoption of these devices in healthcare, automotive, oil and gas, residential, manufacturing, and other verticals is expected to fuel the growth of the market.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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Geographically, the market is segmented across five major regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

North America is expected to dominate the market in terms of share during the forecast period. This growth is attributable to the presence of a considerable number of device manufacturers and providers. The growing investment by the government in the military and defense sector has also contributed to the growth of the market.

• For instance, in 2019, military investment in the US was accounted for around USD 732 billion, which grew by 5.3% from last year. The US accounted for around 38% of global military spending in 2019.

Asia Pacific is expected to hold a strong position in the coming years. The growth is ascribable to the rising military expenditures to upgrade their military weapons will drive the market. Currently, China is the second-largest country with high spending on its military across the world.

• According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, in 2019, Southeast Asia invested around USD 34.5 billion on the military, and defense sector which increased by around 4.2% from 2018.

Europe is expected to hold a significant share in the global thermal imaging market during the forecast period. The rising use of the product in security and surveillance applications is expected to boost the demand in Europe. The Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Latin America regions are expected to experience a gradual CAGR during the prediction period. This growth is owing to the increasing defense budget and rising investments by the government to adopt advanced solutions.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Emphasis of Key Players towards Developing Innovative Thermal Imaging Solutions to Strengthen Competition

Major players such as BAE System, Plc., Thales Group, Leonardo, S.p.A, and FLIR Systems, Inc. are strengthening their market position by launching new product lines to cater to the military applications. FLIR Systems, Inc. offers safety and security solutions such as advanced intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, thermal imaging and other sensing technologies. The company’s industrial business unit manufactures and develops thermal imaging devices and components.

List of Top Thermal Imaging Companies:

• BAE System Plc (Farnborough, United Kingdom)
• Leonardo S.p.A. (Rome, Italy)
• Thales Group (La Défense, France)
• FLIR Systems, Inc. (Oregon, United States)
• American Technologies Network Corporation (California, United States)
• Fluke Corporation (Washington, United States)
• Thermoteknix Systems Ltd. (Cambridge, United Kingdom)
• Seek Thermal, Inc. (California, United States)
• Cantronic Systems, Inc. (British Columbia, Canada)  
• Excelitas Technologies Corp. (Waltham, Massachusetts, United States)
• Opgal Optronic Industries Ltd. (Israel)
• Dali Technology Co., Ltd. (Zhejiang, China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• January 2024 - BAE Systems unveiled enhanced capabilities for its TWV640 thermal camera core, designed for makers of thermal imaging solutions for defense, space, and industrial applications. 
• February 2024 - BAE Systems introduced the Athena™ 1920, a high-definition thermal camera core designed for demanding applications, raising the bar for uncooled thermal imaging. 
• March 2024 - Leonardo introduced the ERICA Plus, an advanced thermal imager providing high-resolution passive infrared imaging for day and night scenarios, in low visibility conditions for land, air, and sea operations. 
• April 2024 - Leonardo launched the SLX-Hawk thermal imaging camera, a compact, high-performance unit applicable to a wide range of thermal imaging applications by system integrators and OEMs. 
• May 2024 - Thales introduced the TIM XLR, a high-definition thermal imager boasting a 1280 x 1024 HD detector, delivering crystal-clear thermal images with unmatched precision, engineered for Remote Weapon Stations applications.
• June 2024 - Thales expanded its SOPHIE family of hand-held thermal imagers and target locators, with the latest members SOPHIE Ultima and SOPHIE Optima, taking the concept to a new level. 
• July 2024 - Teledyne FLIR introduced the FLIR E5 Pro, a rugged point-and-shoot thermal camera that helps work more efficiently in building surveys, HVAC, automotive, and general electrical and mechanical inspections. 
• August 2024 - Teledyne FLIR's thermal imaging cameras, such as the FLIR K1, serve as an extra set of eyes on the fire scene, allowing commanders, officers, and inspectors to quickly complete a thorough assessment in total darkness and through smoke. 
• September 2024 - ATN Corp launched the Thor LTV thermal scopes series, featuring advanced thermal sensors providing crystal-clear images even in the toughest conditions, with user-friendly features for hunters. 
• October 2024 - ATN introduced the UTIM, a high-resolution thermal imaging camera for drones, offering superior thermal imaging capabilities for tactical surveillance, target acquisition, search & rescue, and border security.
• November 2024 - Fluke released the iSee™ Mobile Thermal Camera (TC01A/TC01B), boasting professional-grade image quality with a 256 x 192 pixel thermal resolution and smooth video recording at a 25 Hz frame rate. 
• December 2024 - Fluke's thermal cameras capture infrared energy to create images, ideal for industrial inspections, maintenance, leak detection, and machine troubleshooting. 
• January 2025 - Thermoteknix unveiled the MicroCAM 3, a new generation thermal imaging core with higher performance, a faster frame rate, and lower power consumption, featuring a smaller, cylindrical design. 
• February 2025 - Thermoteknix introduced the TiCAM 750, an easy-to-use, rugged, long-range thermal imaging biocular delivering exceptional image quality, ideal for a wide range of civil and military applications.
• March 2025 - Seek Thermal launched the Reveal 300, a compact yet incredibly tough, IP67-rated thermal camera designed to endure harsh environments while delivering crystal-clear thermal images, featuring Seek's proprietary SV1 Image Optimization.
• April 2025 - Seek Thermal introduced the InspectionCAM, a low-cost, high-resolution thermal imaging solution enabling fast, detailed analysis of electrical components, aiding in identifying potential failure points invisible to the naked eye. 

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The thermal imaging market research report provides a detailed industry analysis and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product types, and leading applications of the product. Besides this, the report offers insights into the key market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the key growth of the advanced market over the recent years.

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