Night vision is a technology that enhances visibility in low-light or pitch-black conditions. It enables individuals to perceive objects and environments that would be difficult or impossible to perceive with the naked eye at night or in dim lighting conditions if not for the use of night vision devices. Devices with night vision amplify available light or capture infrared radiation, then convert the captured data into visible images. This technology has numerous applications, including military operations, surveillance, the observation of wildlife, and security.
There has been a discernible upward trend in global military expenditure. For example, the Finance Minister of India allocated INR 525,166,15 crore to the Ministry of Defense for fiscal year 2022–23 in February 2022. This represents an increase of INR 46,970 crore, or 10%, over the previous year's budget of INR 478,196 crore and is the largest increase in the defense budget in recent history. Therefore, rising military expenditures are anticipated to drive the market significantly.
The implementation of sensor fusion technology is a significant market trend. Including sensors in night vision devices allows for accurate estimations. Thermal imaging and image intensification are the two key technologies that comprise sensor fusion. Combining the two technologies will give users access to a wide spectrum of visible light, ranging from near-IR to long-wave IR. The military, law enforcement, and security agencies will benefit from sensor fusion technology.
Using sensor fusion technology, users can transmit images to a command center for information verification or general intelligence gathering and observation. Therefore, the demand for sensor fusion technology within the military is increasing. Complex military equipment incorporating multiple technologies is utilized for military operations. Thus, sensory fusion technology will generate growth opportunities for the global night vision device market during the forecast period.
North America is the most significant global night vision device market share holder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 7.36% during the forecast period. The increased spending on military and defense in the region has enabled companies to conduct R&D, resulting in innovations that allow them to manage the safety and security of their citizens and borders more effectively. Market participants are also developing new technologies for aviation and other applications. In March 2022, Baanto International, a Canadian technology company, released a 27-inch touchscreen designed for the military. This touchscreen satisfies Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS) requirements and can be used in missions regardless of ambient light level. In addition, the regional governments intend to advance their night vision capabilities through research and development, integration, experimentation, laboratory and platform testing, evaluation, and the integration of their night vision capabilities with existing systems.
Europe is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 7.73% over the forecast period. Countries like the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, among others, are the primary contributors to Europe's high revenue share. The primary market drivers are government initiatives concerning security, counter-terrorism, and the need to provide emergency services in regions with low visibility or ambient light. Recent government expenditures have increased to acquire technologically advanced equipment for night vision capabilities in the region. For example, in January 2022, the Spanish Army issued a bid for Night Vision Goggles worth approximately 1 million euros. This purchase contributes to enhancing the personal equipment of troops.
Additionally, regional businesses collaborate with technology firms to develop advanced night vision systems. For instance, Theon Sensors recently partnered with HENSOLDT Optronics and SAFRAN Electronics and Defense to co-produce and maintain its night vision binoculars and advance the development of optronics systems, such as thermal imaging.
The key global night vision devices market players are Teledyne FLIR LLC, American Technologies Network Corp., L3Harris Technologies Inc., Elbit Systems Ltd, BAE Systems PLC, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Thales Group SA, Bushnell Inc., FireField, Luna Optics Inc., OpgalOptronic Industries Ltd, and others.