Industry Insights
The U.S. night vision device market size was estimated at USD 3.74 billion in 2017. It is expected to reach USD 4.39 billion by 2025. Night vision devices are less expensive than thermal imagining devices, as a result, their demand is higher for a variety of applications. These devices are used by army for performing night operations and during the time of war. It is also used for performing preventive maintenance in plants, energy distribution units, and building diagnostics by construction companies.
U.S. night vision device market revenue split, by type, 2017 (% share)
Night vision devices (NVDs) are cheaper than thermal imagining equipment. With growing prices of thermal imagining equipment, end-users are likely to show a paradigm shift from thermal devices to night vision equipment. Higher cost effectiveness of NVDs as compared to its substitutes is anticipated to work in favor of the market in the country during the forthcoming years.
Graphene is utilized for manufacturing these devices as it helps in reducing device weight and cutting down manufacturing cost. Graphene is an ultra-flexible, ultra-strong, ultra-thin, and ultra-light material that is used in manufacturing many electronic devices. These new technology-based thermal sensors are used in cryogenic cooling systems and are just one atom thick. It helps to identify heat patterns from a long distance.
High cost involved in manufacturing NVDs is poised to limit the U.S. night vision device market from realizing its utmost potential. Nevertheless, increasing concerns regarding nation security and growing adoption of night vision devices in the military & defence sectors are projected to trigger the growth of the market.
NVDs enable users to see clear image even in low intensity lights. Tremendous developments have taken place in the electronics and optics manufacturing industry over the past few years. NVDs play crucial role in the field of defence or military operations. This equipment provides assistance to soldiers at places where light is low.
NVDs find their applications in broad categories comprising of surveillance, security, rescue, and search fields. Before the development of these devices, defence and other industries were using vision enhancing devices. After further developments, thermal imagining devices and substrate wafer night vision cameras were introduced in the market. However, launch of night vision devices covered most of the market owing to cost-effectiveness and wide number of features its offers. Industry manufacturers are aiming at developing new products and devices that augment clarity of images and improve visibility in unfavourable environment conditions.
Segmentation by Type, 2015 - 2025 (USD Billion)
• Infrared systems
• Light amplification systems
Based on type, the U.S. night vision device market is bifurcated into infrared systems and light amplification systems. These devices are used in military and civil sectors. Rapid modernization of military programs and rising conflicts between countries are translating into a greater demand for advanced equipment to fight with the opponents.
NVDs are demanded by special forces in large quantity as these devices help soldiers in carrying numerous activities such as hostage rescues, counter-terrorism, high-value targets, covert ops, and person hunting. Furthermore, military units make use of NVDs to trace suspicious movements of enemies in their area or country.
These devices are available in the form of night vision googles, cameras, monocular, binoculars, scopes, and others. Applications of NVDs include surveillance, security, military, hidden object detection, hunting, paranormal research, navigation, and others. Components consist of front lens, eyepiece, micro channel plates, photo cathode, image intensifier tubes and phosphor screen.
Competitive Landscape
The U.S. night vision equipment market is characterized by existence of players that are predominant and well established in the thermal imaging and night vision optics market. Some of the leading players in the market are Harris Corporation; ASU, Inc.; Ball Aerospace; Leonardo DRS; and General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. The market holds immense potential and is therefore, expected to attract a large number of new players in the coming years.
