PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1754196
PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1754196
The global EO/IR gimbal market size reached USD 884.3 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 1,878.3 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 8.29% during 2025-2033. The growing use of drones for military-based activities, increasing focus on security and surveillance, and the rising geopolitical tensions and defense spendings are primarily driving the market's growth.
Rising Demand for Unmanned Vehicles
The growing adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for surveillance, reconnaissance, and military operations is driving the market's growth. For instance, according to IMARC, India's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market size is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 13.20% during 2024-2032. EO/IR gimbals are essential for providing high-quality, stabilized imaging, and targeting capabilities on these platforms. These factors are expected to propel the EO/IR gimbal market in the coming years.
Increased Defense Spending
Governments worldwide are investing heavily in defense technology, including EO/IR systems for surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting. For instance, in July 2024, the Ministry of Defense approved INR 300 crore through its Technology Development Fund to improve capacities in cutting-edge technology and promote 'Aatmanirbharta' in defense. The government planned to increase India's yearly defense manufacturing. These systems are essential for modern military operations and homeland security. These factors further positively influence the EO/IR gimbal market forecast.
Technological Advancements
Improvements in sensor technology, image processing, and stabilization systems have enhanced the performance and capabilities of EO/IR gimbals. For instance, in July 2024, UAVOS launched the Gimbal 155, a new gimbaled camera designed specifically for the UAS Survey Mission program. The GOS-155 two-axial gimbal is an EO/IR system. It consists of a 30x optical zoom HD (1280X720) visible camera and a fixed focal length, uncooled thermal LWIR (1280X1024) camera. This allows users to capture intricate pictures in both the visible and infrared spectrums, thus boosting mission success. This technological progress makes these systems more attractive for a wide range of applications, thereby boosting the EO/IR gimbal market revenue.
According to the EO/IR gimbal market outlook, 2-axis gimbals are often used in applications where cost constraints are a significant factor, such as in certain commercial drones or entry-level surveillance systems. They provide stabilization in pitch and roll axes, which is sufficient for many applications where full 3D stabilization is not necessary. While 3-axis gimbals offer stabilization across all three axes (pitch, roll, and yaw), making them ideal for high-precision applications requiring optimal image clarity and stability. They are widely used in military drones, high-end surveillance systems, and professional-grade imaging platforms where superior stabilization is crucial.
According to the EO/IR gimbal market overview, EO/IR gimbals are critical for UAV/UAS used in surveillance and reconnaissance missions, providing high-resolution imagery and thermal sensing. Moreover, drones equipped with EO/IR gimbals are used for industrial inspections, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. Furthermore, EO/IR gimbals are essential for military operations, providing high-precision surveillance, target acquisition, and night vision capabilities. Apart from this, EO/IR gimbals are used on naval vessels for maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, and protection against threats.
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa.
According to the EO/IR gimbal market statistics, North America is a major player in defense spending, with extensive investments in advanced surveillance and reconnaissance systems, including EO/IR gimbals. The ongoing modernization of military assets and the use of UAVs for various defense applications drive the significant demand. Moreover, European countries are modernizing their defense systems and investing in advanced surveillance technologies. The need for border security, counterterrorism, and maritime patrols drives demand for EO/IR gimbals. Apart from this, rapid defense modernization programs, across Asia Pacific countries like China and India, are driving demand for advanced EO/IR gimbals for military and surveillance purposes.
The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major market companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include: