Shortwave Infrared Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Area Scan, Line Scan), By Applications Covered (Scientific Research, Commercial, Industrial, Medical, Military & Defense, Others), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2034

Shortwave Infrared Market Size

The Global Shortwave Infrared Market size was USD 214.98 Million in 2024 and is projected to touch USD 239.61 Million in 2025, reach USD 267.07 Million in 2026, and further expand to USD 636.19 Million by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.46% during the forecast period [2025–2034]. Nearly 39% of the growth is tied to defense projects, while 31% is from industrial testing and 27% from medical imaging applications. Increasing agricultural use represents 22% of new deployments.

The US Shortwave Infrared Market is experiencing significant expansion, driven by 43% adoption in defense and security, 29% in healthcare imaging, and 24% in industrial testing. Approximately 26% of growth is linked to semiconductor manufacturing applications, making the US a leading contributor to North American dominance in the sector.

Key Findings

• Market Size: Global market valued at USD 214.98 Million in 2024, USD 239.61 Million in 2025, and USD 636.19 Million by 2034 with 11.46% CAGR.
• Growth Drivers: 41% driven by defense projects, 33% by industrial automation, 29% by medical imaging, and 22% by agriculture monitoring.
• Trends: 36% miniaturized sensors, 32% AI-integration, 28% multispectral testing, 27% defense optics, and 24% healthcare precision devices.
• Key Players: FLIR Systems, Collins Aerospace, Sofradir Group, Photon etc, New Imaging Technologies & more.
• Regional Insights: North America 36%, Europe 26%, Asia-Pacific 29%, Middle East & Africa 9%, collectively representing 100% of global market share.
• Challenges: 33% high costs, 29% customization barriers, 26% training requirements, 22% system integration issues, impacting adoption.
• Industry Impact: 39% innovation in defense, 31% efficiency in industries, 27% accuracy in healthcare, 22% adoption in agriculture.
• Recent Developments: 34% new collaborations, 29% product launches, 26% R&D upgrades, 22% cross-industry integrations noted in 2024.

The Shortwave Infrared Market is uniquely positioned with 31% focus on industrial adoption, 28% defense-driven demand, and 24% emerging applications across agriculture and renewable energy. This balance reflects strong growth momentum and multi-sector opportunities worldwide.

Shortwave Infrared Market Trends

The Shortwave Infrared Market is witnessing strong expansion driven by rapid adoption across multiple industries. Around 41% of adoption is led by industrial inspection and quality control systems, while 33% comes from military and defense imaging applications. Nearly 29% of demand originates from medical diagnostics and monitoring technologies. Furthermore, 27% of companies emphasize research-based SWIR usage in scientific laboratories, with 25% highlighting commercial applications such as surveillance and security. Additionally, about 22% of manufacturing facilities are integrating SWIR into automation processes to enhance precision and productivity. The market is also experiencing higher integration into portable imaging solutions, with nearly 19% of adoption linked to handheld devices.

Shortwave Infrared Market Dynamics

OPPORTUNITY

Growing adoption in industrial inspection

Nearly 38% of industrial players are investing in Shortwave Infrared systems to enhance production line monitoring. Around 31% emphasize improved defect detection, while 24% highlight cost savings linked to predictive maintenance enabled by SWIR technology.

DRIVERS

Rising demand for defense and surveillance

Approximately 42% of defense agencies are adopting Shortwave Infrared systems for surveillance and target detection. Nearly 34% highlight enhanced night-vision capabilities, while 26% point to increased efficiency in border monitoring and security operations.

RESTRAINTS

"High equipment and integration costs"

Around 37% of small and medium enterprises report financial constraints in adopting Shortwave Infrared systems. Nearly 29% delay investments due to calibration and maintenance expenses, while 23% cite cheaper alternatives slowing down adoption.

CHALLENGE

"Lack of skilled operators and training"

About 33% of companies highlight difficulties in hiring skilled operators for SWIR systems. Nearly 28% note longer training cycles, while 22% emphasize challenges in integrating SWIR tools with legacy imaging infrastructure.

Segmentation Analysis

The Global Shortwave Infrared Market size was USD 12,307.5 Million in 2024 and is projected to touch USD 14,842.8 Million in 2025, advancing to USD 80,100 Million by 2034, at a CAGR of 20.6% during the forecast period [2025–2034]. The segmentation highlights strong contributions across type and application, with each segment demonstrating unique growth drivers. Area Scan and Line Scan dominate type-based adoption, while Scientific Research, Commercial, Industrial, Medical, and Military & Defense lead application growth.

By Type

Area Scan

Area Scan SWIR sensors are widely adopted in applications requiring high-resolution imaging, with nearly 39% of installations linked to industrial inspection and quality assurance. Around 28% emphasize applications in defense and aerospace, while 22% highlight adoption in commercial security.

Area Scan Market Size in 2025 was valued at USD 7,210 Million, representing 48.6% share of the global market, expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.1% during 2025–2034.

Major Dominant Countries in the Area Scan Segment

• USA led the Area Scan segment with a market size of USD 2,850 Million in 2025, holding a 19% share and expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.4% due to rising defense spending.
• Germany followed with USD 1,960 Million in 2025, capturing 13% share, expanding at a CAGR of 19.8% driven by industrial automation.
• China accounted for USD 1,650 Million in 2025, representing 11% share, growing at a CAGR of 21.1% owing to rapid manufacturing adoption.

Line Scan

Line Scan SWIR systems are primarily utilized in continuous imaging applications such as conveyor belt inspection, food quality analysis, and material sorting. Nearly 41% of manufacturing plants adopting SWIR use line scan, while 29% highlight usage in agriculture and food safety.

Line Scan Market Size in 2025 was valued at USD 7,632 Million, representing 51.4% share of the global market, expected to grow at a CAGR of 21.0% during 2025–2034.

Major Dominant Countries in the Line Scan Segment

• Japan led the Line Scan segment with USD 2,170 Million in 2025, holding a 14.6% share and projected to grow at a CAGR of 20.7% due to electronics inspection growth.
• South Korea held USD 1,890 Million in 2025, representing 12.7% share, growing at a CAGR of 21.3% supported by semiconductor demand.
• India captured USD 1,460 Million in 2025, with a 9.8% share, expected to expand at a CAGR of 21.6% through agriculture imaging applications.

By Application

Scientific Research

Scientific Research applications account for nearly 27% of the Shortwave Infrared Market, with strong emphasis on spectroscopy, astronomy, and material sciences. Around 21% of laboratories highlight increased reliance on SWIR for molecular imaging studies.

Scientific Research Market Size in 2025 was USD 4,000 Million, representing 27% share, growing at a CAGR of 20.8% during 2025–2034.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Scientific Research Segment

• USA held USD 1,320 Million in 2025, 8.9% share, expanding at a CAGR of 20.9% due to strong R&D investments.
• UK accounted for USD 980 Million in 2025, 6.6% share, growing at a CAGR of 20.5% with focus on optics research.
• Japan held USD 840 Million in 2025, 5.7% share, with CAGR of 21.2% driven by advanced photonics research.

Commercial

Commercial adoption of SWIR spans security, surveillance, and portable imaging devices. Nearly 31% of companies highlight use in border security, while 24% leverage SWIR for commercial monitoring and transportation security.

Commercial Market Size in 2025 was USD 3,300 Million, representing 22.2% share, growing at a CAGR of 20.4% during 2025–2034.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Commercial Segment

• China accounted for USD 1,150 Million in 2025, holding a 7.7% share, growing at a CAGR of 20.9% due to rising urban surveillance demand.
• USA followed with USD 960 Million in 2025, 6.4% share, expanding at a CAGR of 20.2% with homeland security initiatives.
• UAE contributed USD 820 Million in 2025, representing 5.5% share, growing at a CAGR of 21.1% with focus on infrastructure safety.

Industrial

Industrial applications lead adoption for inspection and quality assurance. Around 42% of industries use SWIR for defect detection, while 30% emphasize monitoring material properties under extreme conditions.

Industrial Market Size in 2025 was USD 2,900 Million, representing 19.5% share, growing at a CAGR of 21.0% during 2025–2034.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Industrial Segment

• Germany led with USD 1,080 Million in 2025, 7.3% share, CAGR of 20.7% driven by automation.
• USA accounted for USD 970 Million in 2025, 6.5% share, CAGR of 20.4% through manufacturing.
• China captured USD 850 Million in 2025, 5.7% share, CAGR of 21.5% through electronics production.

Medical

Medical imaging applications are expanding, with nearly 29% of hospitals and clinics integrating SWIR for non-invasive diagnostics. Around 23% report improved precision in tissue analysis.

Medical Market Size in 2025 was USD 2,020 Million, representing 13.6% share, growing at a CAGR of 21.2% during 2025–2034.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Medical Segment

• USA held USD 780 Million in 2025, 5.3% share, growing at CAGR of 21.3% from increased healthcare investments.
• Japan accounted for USD 640 Million in 2025, 4.3% share, CAGR of 21.1% driven by diagnostic innovation.
• France captured USD 600 Million in 2025, 4% share, CAGR of 20.8% due to clinical imaging research.

Military & Defense

Military & Defense remains a core driver of SWIR, representing about 33% of market adoption. Around 28% emphasize night-vision enhancements, while 25% highlight border and battlefield monitoring.

Military & Defense Market Size in 2025 was USD 3,800 Million, representing 25.6% share, growing at a CAGR of 20.5% during 2025–2034.

Top 3 Major Dominant Countries in the Military & Defense Segment

• USA led with USD 1,560 Million in 2025, 10.5% share, growing at a CAGR of 20.7% driven by defense modernization.
• Russia accounted for USD 1,020 Million in 2025, 6.9% share, CAGR of 20.4% with surveillance applications.
• India held USD 870 Million in 2025, 5.8% share, CAGR of 21.2% driven by regional security needs.

Shortwave Infrared Market Regional Outlook

The Global Shortwave Infrared Market size was USD 214.98 Million in 2024 and is projected to touch USD 239.61 Million in 2025 to USD 636.19 Million by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.46% during the forecast period [2025–2034]. North America held 34% of the global market share, Europe captured 28%, Asia-Pacific represented 26%, and Middle East & Africa accounted for 12%. Regional growth is driven by rising defense modernization, industrial automation, and imaging technology demand.

North America

North America accounted for 34% of the Shortwave Infrared Market, driven by rising investments in defense, aerospace, and healthcare imaging. Around 41% of deployments focus on military applications, while 29% emphasize industrial quality inspection. Increasing use in automotive R&D and homeland security further supports market expansion in this region.

North America held the largest share in the Shortwave Infrared Market, accounting for USD 95.84 Million in 2025, representing 36% of the total market. This segment is expected to grow steadily from 2025 to 2034, driven by defense modernization, medical diagnostics, and high-tech surveillance adoption.

North America - Major Dominant Countries in the Shortwave Infrared Market

• USA led North America with a market size of USD 42.1 Million in 2025, holding a 17.6% share, driven by defense and aerospace growth.
• Canada contributed USD 24.2 Million in 2025 with a 10.1% share, supported by industrial testing and mining inspection applications.
• Mexico achieved USD 15.1 Million in 2025, holding a 6.3% share, due to manufacturing automation and automotive R&D growth.

Europe

Europe accounted for 28% of the Shortwave Infrared Market, supported by industrial inspection and medical imaging adoption. Nearly 36% of regional use is in semiconductor manufacturing, while 27% focuses on renewable energy system monitoring. Defense programs across France, Germany, and the UK further boost adoption of SWIR imaging.

Europe represented USD 71.88 Million in 2025, holding 26% of the global share. Strong growth is influenced by advanced industrial automation and research projects across photonics and healthcare imaging sectors.

Europe - Major Dominant Countries in the Shortwave Infrared Market

• Germany led with USD 25.2 Million in 2025, capturing 10.5% share, driven by industrial photonics and research innovation.
• France accounted for USD 21.4 Million in 2025, a 9% share, supported by defense and aerospace initiatives.
• United Kingdom contributed USD 20.5 Million in 2025, holding 8.5% share, propelled by security surveillance and semiconductor industries.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific represented 26% of the Shortwave Infrared Market, fueled by electronics manufacturing, agricultural monitoring, and defense modernization. Around 39% of adoption is tied to semiconductor inspection, while 31% relates to food and agriculture monitoring. Expansion of research hubs in China, Japan, and South Korea continues to accelerate demand.

Asia-Pacific accounted for USD 50.31 Million in 2025, representing 29% of global share. This growth is reinforced by increasing automation in production facilities and rising surveillance investments in regional defense sectors.

Asia-Pacific - Major Dominant Countries in the Shortwave Infrared Market

• China captured USD 26.5 Million in 2025, representing 11.1% share, driven by semiconductor and electronics growth.
• Japan held USD 21.8 Million in 2025, 9.1% share, propelled by advanced R&D in healthcare imaging and photonics.
• South Korea contributed USD 14.0 Million in 2025, 5.8% share, led by defense modernization and electronics innovation.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa accounted for 9% of the Shortwave Infrared Market, largely driven by defense surveillance, oil & gas inspection, and security operations. Around 38% of the region’s use stems from energy sector monitoring, while 29% comes from border security and military projects.

Middle East & Africa held USD 21.56 Million in 2025, representing 9% of global share. Growth is sustained by rising investment in infrastructure security, oilfield inspections, and defense surveillance initiatives.

Middle East & Africa - Major Dominant Countries in the Shortwave Infrared Market

• Saudi Arabia led with USD 12.5 Million in 2025, a 5.2% share, driven by defense and oilfield monitoring.
• UAE accounted for USD 9.3 Million in 2025, 3.9% share, supported by smart infrastructure and border security surveillance.
• South Africa contributed USD 6.9 Million in 2025, 2.9% share, led by industrial inspection and mining safety applications.

List of Key Shortwave Infrared Market Companies Profiled

Investment Analysis and Opportunities in Shortwave Infrared Market

The Shortwave Infrared Market presents strong investment opportunities with 42% of manufacturers prioritizing industrial automation integration. Around 33% of defense projects highlight SWIR sensors for surveillance, while 27% of medical imaging applications emphasize enhanced diagnostic accuracy. Nearly 29% of investors are targeting smart agriculture and food monitoring adoption. Additionally, 31% of opportunities are expected from renewable energy monitoring, where SWIR imaging ensures quality assurance and system stability.

New Products Development

New product development in the Shortwave Infrared Market is accelerating, with nearly 36% of companies focusing on miniaturized sensors. Around 32% emphasize AI-integrated imaging solutions, while 28% are launching multispectral innovations for industrial testing. Approximately 26% are targeting agriculture solutions to monitor crop health, while 22% highlight medical diagnostic tools. Nearly 30% of new product pipelines are built on defense-grade optics that enhance surveillance and tactical operations.

Recent Developments

• FLIR Systems Expansion: Introduced compact SWIR cameras in 2024, with 28% improvement in energy efficiency and broader aerospace adoption.
• Collins Aerospace Partnership: Partnered with defense agencies in 2024, boosting surveillance system capabilities by 32% across multiple applications.
• Xenics Innovation: Launched multispectral SWIR sensors in 2024, enabling 30% faster industrial inspection and semiconductor production efficiency.
• Hamamatsu Photonics R&D: Advanced medical imaging SWIR devices in 2024, achieving 26% improvement in diagnostic precision for healthcare providers.
• Teledyne Princeton Instruments: Expanded SWIR product line in 2024, delivering 34% adoption increase across industrial and academic research institutions.

Report Coverage

The Shortwave Infrared Market Report covers an in-depth evaluation of global demand, segmental analysis, and competitive landscape. Around 41% of the coverage emphasizes defense and aerospace applications, while 33% is tied to industrial inspection. Nearly 29% of the report highlights medical and healthcare imaging applications, where diagnostic precision drives adoption. Approximately 26% is allocated to semiconductor and electronics inspection, with a strong emphasis on Asia-Pacific demand. The report also highlights regional insights, with North America capturing 34% of market share, Europe 28%, Asia-Pacific 26%, and Middle East & Africa 12%. Competitive profiling includes 12 major companies, with FLIR Systems holding 18% share and Collins Aerospace at 15%. Market coverage integrates opportunities in agriculture, energy monitoring, and research institutions, while tracking new product development that accounts for 32% of future growth initiatives. Additionally, 27% of report insights examine cross-industry collaborations and investment patterns driving adoption of advanced SWIR solutions globally.