Image Intensifier (I2) Tube Market Size, Share, Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2022-2027

Market Highlights

An image intensifier tube (I2T) captures the existing environmental light through its objective lens and increases the brightness of low-light images to a level that is visible to the naked eye or is detectable by the digital image sensors. These tubes source the light either from the environment or from infrared illuminators. It is an integral element of a night vision device (NVD), which has become an indispensable component in a soldier system for anti-militant and counter-terrorism missions that occur during the night hours or in poor visibility conditions, as they aid in effectively tracking, identifying, and targeting the hostile forces. As a result, the production and procurement of I2 tubes have rapidly been gaining momentum over the years as they multiply the capabilities of armed troops.

The market for I2 tubes is primarily influenced by the rising border disputes, the growing threat of terrorism, and increasing political stalemates, across the globe. Therefore, there have been several investments directed to the I2 tubes by the defense authorities in recent years, which has substantially influenced the market dynamics. Some of them are:

• In April 2020, L3Harris Technologies, Inc. signed an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract worth US$ 93 million with the US Air Force to provide the green and white image intensifier tubes. These tubes would provide the flight crew with high-quality visual details for target acquisition.

• Likewise, in June 2019, Photonis signed a multi-year contract with the Spanish Armed Forces for the delivery of up to 5,000 image intensifier tubes for the monocular night vision devices, which would enable the armed troops to effectively locate and engage threats and to operate in all night conditions.

• Such developments coupled with the rising military expenditure significantly fuel the market growth. Therefore, the overall image intensifier tube market is likely to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period to reach a value of US$ 673.9 Million in 2027.

Image Intensifier Tube Market - Snapshot

• Forecast Period: 2022-2027
• Market size in 2027: US$ 673.9 Million
• CAGR: 4.3%
• Major Product Type: Night Vision Goggle
• Major Generation Type: I-III I2 Tubes
• Major Phosphor Type: Green Phosphor Screen
• Major Platform Type: Ground-Based Platform
• Region with the highest demand: North America
• Key Players: L3Harris Technologies, Inc., PHOTONIS, Elbit Systems Ltd., Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL), Teledyne FLIR LLC.

Market Segments' Analysis

Based on product type, the market is bifurcated as weapon night sight and night vision goggle. The night vision goggle segment holds the dominant market share and is further broken down into helmet-mounted display and handheld goggle with the sole aim to provide a panoramic view of the industry. These goggles are used in large volumes as they are deployed across every armed troop, who are engaged in a military operation. They enable personnel to see through dark or no-light environments and are also capable to penetrate through mist, fog, rain, and smoke. As a result, the night vision goggles form the major demand generator across the globe.

Based on the generation type, the market is segmented into generation I-III and generation IV tubes. Currently, all night vision devices have generation I-III I2 tubes. Generation IV I2 tubes are under R&D and are expected to come into the market in another 2-3 years. Among the available I2 tubes, the generation III I2 tubes provide the finest, brightest, and clearest pictures with high reliability and an optimal low-light performance. Therefore, at present, the generation I-III I2 tubes dominate the market.

Based on the phosphor type, the market is classified as green phosphor screen and white phosphor screen. The green phosphor screen accounts for the dominant share currently as it is a popular choice especially for military applications, due to its wider visible spectrum. Whereas white phosphor screen results in causing lesser eye fatigue and allows faster recognition as compared to the green phosphor screen. Therefore, it is estimated that they would eventually replace the green phosphor screen in the years to come.

Similarly, in terms of platform type, the market is segmented as ground-based, air-based, and naval-based platforms. Among these platform types, the ground-based platform is likely to remain as the major demand generator for I2 tubes in the coming years as these tubes are mostly fit in the night vision devices that are generally used by dismounted soldiers for several ground-based operations.

In terms of regions, North America is likely to remain in dominance in the I2 tubes market over the forecast period. The region accounts for more than 40% of the global military expenditure and is home to a some of the market leading companies such as L3Harris Technologies, Inc. and Elbit Systems of America, among others. These companies are also among the market leaders in the night vision devices and are the trusted contractors for the production of I2 tubes for the US Department of Defense.

Similarly, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest market growth during the forecast period. The major factor responsible for the rapid regional growth, apart from the swift rise in the overall military expenses, is the increasing penetration of the regional market players such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and TAK Technologies Private Limited, among others.

Key Players

The market for image intensifier tubes is highly consolidated, with the top companies holding a mammoth share. There are a handful of manufacturers for I2 tubes, which compete in terms of product quality, technology, cost, and geographic coverage. In addition, there have been some mergers and acquisitions in the defense industry in recent years, which has greatly influenced the competitive landscape. For example:

• In September 2019, Elbit Systems of America, LLC acquired the night vision business of Harris Corporation (now L3Harris Technologies, Inc.) at US$ 350 million.

• Similarly, in June 2019, L3 Technologies merged with Harris Corporation to form L3Harris Technologies, Inc. The merger would nullify the competition between the top two suppliers of the military-grade image intensifier tubes in the USA.

The entire market scenario has been significantly affected as a result of these mergers and acquisitions. The following are some of the major players in the image intensifier tube market:

• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
• PHOTONIS
• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL)
• Teledyne FLIR LLC

Research Methodology

This strategic assessment report, from Stratview Research, provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today's image intensifier tube market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period of 2022 to 2027. The report segments and analyses the market in the most detailed manner in order to provide a panoramic view of the market. The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for the market participants as well as investors in the identification of the low-hanging fruits available in the market as well as to formulate the growth strategies to expedite their growth process.

This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research's internal database and statistical tools. More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data. We conducted more than 15 detailed primary interviews with the market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights.

Report Features

This report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into the market dynamics and will enable strategic decision making for the existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report:

• Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis.

• Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter's five forces analysis, SWOT analysis.

• Market trend and forecast analysis.

• Market segment trend and forecast.

• Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, Technology portfolio, New Technology Launches, etc.

• Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities.

• Emerging trends.

• Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players.

• Key success factors.

The Image intensifier tube market is segmented into the following categories:

Image Intensifier Tube Market, by Product Type

• Weapon Night Sight (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Night Vision Goggle (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Helmet-Mounted Display Goggle (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Handheld Goggle (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

Image Intensifier Tube Market, by Generation Type

• Gen I-III I2 Tube (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Gen IV I2 Tube (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

Image Intensifier Tube Market, by Phosphor Screen Type

• Green Phosphor Screen (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• White Phosphor Screen (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

Image Intensifier Tube Market, by Platform Type

• Ground-based Platform (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Airborne Platform (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)
• Naval-based Platform (Regional Analysis: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World)

Image Intensifier Tube Market, by Region

• North America (Country Analysis: The USA, Canada, and Mexico)
• Europe (Country Analysis: Germany, France, The UK, Russia, and Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: China, Japan, India, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific)
• Rest of the World (Country Analysis: Brazil, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Others)