PUBLISHER: Aviation & Defense Market Reports (A&D) | PRODUCT CODE: 1727196
PUBLISHER: Aviation & Defense Market Reports (A&D) | PRODUCT CODE: 1727196
The Global Periscope market is estimated at USD 1.35 billion in 2025, projected to grow to USD 2.47 billion by 2035 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.23% over the forecast period 2025-2035.
Introduction to Periscope Market
Periscopes remain a vital optical system within the defense sector, particularly in armored vehicles and submarines, where they enable safe, concealed observation of the surrounding environment. In ground vehicles like tanks, periscopes provide the crew with a field of view outside the heavily protected hull without exposing themselves to external threats. In submarines, these systems are essential for visual reconnaissance and targeting while maintaining a submerged position, preserving stealth. Over the decades, the role of the periscope has evolved from a basic optical device to a sophisticated multisensor suite incorporating digital imaging, thermal detection, and laser range-finding. Their contribution to battlefield awareness and navigation continues to be significant, especially in conditions where direct line-of-sight is compromised. Modern combat increasingly demands precision, situational awareness, and operational security-functions that well-designed periscope systems directly support. These devices are also used in surveillance towers, reconnaissance platforms, and forward observation systems, extending their utility beyond traditional vehicles. Their integration with other sensor and communication systems further enhances their value by allowing real-time data transmission to command units. As defense platforms continue to evolve, periscopes remain a dependable and adaptable tool for observation, targeting, and maintaining a tactical edge across various operational environments.
Advancements in optics, digital processing, and sensor fusion have significantly transformed periscope systems in modern defense applications. Traditional mechanical periscopes, which relied solely on mirrors and prisms for optical transmission, have largely been replaced or augmented by electronically enhanced models that integrate multiple imaging channels. Contemporary systems often include low-light, thermal, and high-definition digital cameras, enabling superior visibility under all lighting and weather conditions. These technologies have expanded the functional scope of periscopes, allowing operators to detect, identify, and track targets with greater precision from protected positions. Real-time video feeds, image stabilization, and data overlays provide enhanced situational understanding, while modular designs make integration with digital fire control systems and remote weapon stations more seamless. Many periscopes are now capable of transmitting imagery and telemetry to command centers, facilitating coordinated tactical decisions. Additionally, improvements in compact design and ruggedization have made them more durable and adaptable to various vehicle types. Some advanced systems are even transitioning toward panoramic periscopes, offering a broader and more continuous field of view. These technological leaps have elevated periscopes from simple viewing tools to essential battlefield sensors, reinforcing their place in both legacy upgrades and next-generation defense platforms.
Several strategic and operational factors are driving continued investment in periscope technologies within defense sectors worldwide. One of the key motivations is the need to enhance crew survivability by allowing observation and targeting from within armored protection or submerged environments. As threats become more unpredictable and engagements more complex, maintaining visibility without compromising position is critical. Another driving factor is the modernization of aging military fleets, where periscope systems are being upgraded to align with newer surveillance and targeting technologies. Enhanced periscopes help bridge the capability gap between older platforms and modern combat demands without requiring complete vehicle overhauls. Additionally, the push for all-weather, day-night operability has made it essential to incorporate sensors like thermal imagers and low-light cameras directly into viewing systems. Periscopes also serve as key components in surveillance and reconnaissance roles, making them valuable not only in combat but also in border monitoring and intelligence gathering. The demand for interoperability and data sharing across military units further increases the relevance of digitally enhanced periscopes that can transmit visual intelligence in real time. Ultimately, the emphasis on force protection, situational awareness, and platform efficiency continues to make advanced periscope systems a priority in global defense planning.
Regional trends in defense periscope adoption and development vary depending on military doctrine, industrial capabilities, and platform modernization needs. In North America, particularly the United States, defense manufacturers focus on integrating periscopes with advanced targeting systems and digital battlefield networks, supporting both armored and naval applications. European nations emphasize modularity and interoperability, especially in line with NATO standards, allowing periscopes to be seamlessly integrated into multinational operations and diverse vehicle types. In Asia-Pacific, growing investments in armored forces and indigenous manufacturing capabilities have spurred the development of customized periscope solutions tailored to regional terrains and mission profiles. Countries like South Korea and India are focusing on locally produced systems that balance cost with advanced imaging features. The Middle East, with its challenging environmental conditions and high demand for both border security and armored capability, is adopting rugged, sensor-rich periscopes that support day-night operations. In contrast, African and Latin American nations are incorporating periscopes through upgrade programs and foreign defense collaborations, focusing on essential visibility and durability over high-end features. Across all regions, the shared emphasis lies in enhancing operational awareness, integrating with modern vehicle systems, and ensuring reliable performance under demanding conditions.
HENSOLDT, a leading provider of sensor solutions, has secured a $43.6 million contract from the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency to upgrade the aging "Ula" class submarines with state-of-the-art periscopes and optronic mast systems. The modernization effort aims to significantly enhance the submarines' visual capabilities and maintain their operational effectiveness well into the future. As part of the life-extension program for the over 30-year-old vessels, HENSOLDT will replace the existing periscopes and optronic systems with advanced technology. These upgrades will improve situational awareness and strengthen the submarines' overall mission capabilities.
periscope market Report Definition
periscope market Segmentation
By Region
By Components
By Technology
By Application
periscope market Analysis for next 10 Years
The 10-year periscope market analysis would give a detailed overview of periscope market growth, changing dynamics, technology adoption overviews and the overall market attractiveness is covered in this chapter.
This segment covers the top 10 technologies that is expected to impact this market and the possible implications these technologies would have on the overall market.
Global periscope market Forecast
The 10-year periscope market forecast of this market is covered in detailed across the segments which are mentioned above.
Regional periscope market Trends & Forecast
The regional periscope market trends, drivers, restraints and Challenges of this market, the Political, Economic, Social and Technology aspects are covered in this segment. The market forecast and scenario analysis across regions are also covered in detailed in this segment. The last part of the regional analysis includes profiling of the key companies, supplier landscape and company benchmarking. The current market size is estimated based on the normal scenario.
North America
Drivers, Restraints and Challenges
PEST
Key Companies
Supplier Tier Landscape
Company Benchmarking
Europe
Middle East
APAC
South America
This chapter deals with the key defense programs in this market, it also covers the latest news and patents which have been filed in this market. Country level 10 year market forecast and scenario analysis are also covered in this chapter.
US
Defense Programs
Latest News
Patents
Current levels of technology maturation in this market
Canada
Italy
France
Germany
Netherlands
Belgium
Spain
Sweden
Greece
Australia
South Africa
India
China
Russia
South Korea
Japan
Malaysia
Singapore
Brazil
Opportunity Matrix for periscope market
The opportunity matrix helps the readers understand the high opportunity segments in this market.
Expert Opinions on periscope market Report
Hear from our experts their opinion of the possible analysis for this market.