Asia-Pacific SWIR Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

SWIR Market Size

• The Asia-Pacific SWIR Market size was valued at USD 515.63 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1241.55 Million by 2032, at a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period
• This growth is driven by rising demand for shortwave infrared cameras in machine vision applications and growing adoption of night vision technologies.

SWIR Market Analysis

• Short-wave infrared (SWIR) is typically defined as light in the 0.9–1.7μm wavelength range, or can also be in range of 0.7–2.5μm. Short-wave Infrared imaging (SWIR) refers to an advanced technique which is used for producing images based on radiation in the region of the electromagnetic spectrum invisible to the naked eye. SWIR imaging requires unique optical and electronic components capable of performing in the specific SWIR range.
• A large number of applications that are difficult or impossible to perform using visible light are possible using SWIR. When imaging in SWIR, water vapor, fog, other environment constraints and certain materials such as silicon are transparent. SWIR imagers are used in a large number of applications such as silicon inspection, laser beam profiling, hyperspectral imaging, chemical and plastics sensing, machine vision imaging, agricultural sensing, surveillance systems, and medical imaging. They are also intended for use in mobile phone facial recognition sensors, and autonomous vehicle imaging though obscured environments.
• China dominates the Asia-Pacific SWIR market owing to the owing to factors such as presence of large number of SWIR suppliers and providers and increasing adoption of automation for business processes.
• The hardware segment is projected to hold the largest share of approximately 48.75% in 2025. This leadership is attributed to the high demand for robust SWIR sensors, detectors, and camera systems in industrial automation, quality inspection, and biomedical imaging applications.

Report Scope and SWIR Market Segmentation         

SWIR Market Trends

“Expansion of Machine Vision Applications Driving SWIR Camera Demand in Asia-Pacific”

• The accelerating adoption of machine vision systems across various Asia-Pacifican industries is significantly contributing to the demand for short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging solutions.
• SWIR cameras are uniquely suited to detect defects, perform material classification, and support non-destructive inspection, making them indispensable in sectors like semiconductor manufacturing, electronics assembly, and food processing.

 For Instance,

• In December 2024, a prominent semiconductor fabrication facility based in South Korea implemented advanced SWIR imaging technology into its wafer inspection lines. The integration aims to enhance detection of sub-surface defects and contamination during high-precision semiconductor processing, significantly improving yield rates and quality assurance across critical production stages.

• This trend is expected to continue as manufacturers in the region increasingly prioritize automation and precision-driven inspection tools.

SWIR Market Dynamics

Driver

“Heightened Use of SWIR Technology in Night Vision and Surveillance Systems”

• Another key growth driver in the Asia-Pacifican SWIR market is the growing emphasis on national security and defense readiness, which is prompting greater investment in night vision and surveillance technologies.
• SWIR cameras provide the ability to capture high-resolution images even in low-light or obscured environments—such as through fog, smoke, or camouflage—making them ideal for both military and civilian security applications.

For instance,

• In October 2024, the Indian Ministry of Defence initiated a military modernization initiative that incorporates the deployment of SWIR-enabled night vision scopes and helmet-mounted displays. These advanced optical systems are designed to support special reconnaissance units operating in dense forests and low-light environments, enhancing situational awareness and tactical precision during night-time missions.

• This rising need for enhanced situational awareness and perimeter monitoring continues to fuel the market for SWIR-based imaging solutions in Asia-Pacific.

Opportunity

“Miniaturization of SWIR Sensors Unlocking New Applications”

• Technological advancements in sensor miniaturization are opening up new avenues for SWIR deployment in emerging industries such as consumer electronics, healthcare wearables, and smart agriculture.
• Smaller, lightweight SWIR sensors are now being designed to fit into compact devices such as augmented reality (AR) glasses, drones, and medical imaging tools, offering real-time imaging capabilities in unconventional environments.

For instance,

• In January 2025, a Japan-based photonics firm partnered with a South Korean wearable technology startup to integrate miniaturized SWIR sensors into next-generation smart glasses. These smart glasses are designed for use in industrial environments, enabling real-time monitoring of temperature gradients, fluid levels, and material inconsistencies, thereby improving operational safety and maintenance efficiency in sectors like manufacturing and energy.

• This innovation is paving the way for SWIR to move beyond traditional industrial uses into high-growth consumer and medical technology markets.

Restraint/Challenge

“Persistent Challenges in Cost and Sensor Efficiency Limit Broader Adoption”

• A significant obstacle facing the Asia-Pacifican SWIR market is the high cost of production and limited performance scalability of Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs)-based sensors, which are central to most SWIR imaging systems.
• While InGaAs sensors provide excellent sensitivity in the SWIR band, their expensive fabrication process, dependence on specialized materials, and limited pixel density present barriers for integration into mainstream, cost-sensitive applications.

For instance,

• In November 2024, a collaborative research consortium in Japan and Singapore initiated a pilot program focused on developing cost-effective alternatives to InGaAs for SWIR imaging applications. The project explores the use of colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) and other novel semiconductor materials to reduce production costs and improve accessibility for commercial imaging and industrial inspection. While still in early R&D phases, this initiative reflects the region's growing commitment to next-generation SWIR technology innovation.

• Unless these challenges are addressed, the full potential of SWIR imaging in sectors like agriculture, consumer electronics, and autonomous vehicles may remain untapped in the near term.

SWIR Market Scope

Asia-Pacific SWIR market is segmented on the basis of scanning type, detector type, chemical composition, application, component and industry.

In 2025, the security & surveillance segment is projected to dominate the Asia-Pacific SWIR Market in the application category

The security & surveillance segment is expected to command the largest market share of approximately 34.45% in 2025. This dominance is driven by the increasing integration of SWIR imaging technologies into defense and homeland security operations across Asia-Pacific. Enhanced capabilities such as facial recognition in low-light environments, detection through fog and smoke, and covert surveillance have made SWIR cameras indispensable tools for military and law enforcement agencies. Additionally, rising geopolitical tensions and growing government investments in border control and critical infrastructure protection are accelerating the deployment of advanced surveillance systems equipped with SWIR imaging.

In 2025, the hardware segment is anticipated to lead the Asia-Pacific SWIR Market within the component segment

The hardware segment is projected to hold the largest share of approximately 48.75% in 2025. This leadership is attributed to the high demand for robust SWIR sensors, detectors, and camera systems in industrial automation, quality inspection, and biomedical imaging applications. With ongoing advancements in sensor miniaturization and performance optimization, hardware components continue to be the backbone of SWIR systems across the region. The presence of key Asia-Pacifican manufacturers investing in high-performance optical hardware and integrated systems further supports the strong position of this segment in the market.

SWIR Market Regional Analysis

“China Holds the Largest Share and fastest growing in the SWIR Market”

• China is projected to lead the Asia-Pacific SWIR market, driven by its expanding high-tech manufacturing base, increasing investments in research and development (R&D), and growing adoption of advanced imaging technologies across multiple sectors. The country has emerged as a major hub for electronics, photonics, and semiconductor innovation, with strong government backing for emerging technologies through initiatives like "Made in China 2025."
• Additionally, China’s robust defense, industrial automation, and consumer electronics industries are increasingly integrating SWIR technology for enhanced surveillance, machine vision, and quality inspection applications. Local companies and regional branches of global SWIR component manufacturers are contributing to rapid product innovation and cost-effective system integration.
• With accelerating demand from automotive, security, and manufacturing sectors, combined with strategic investments in photonics and quantum materials, China is positioned as both the largest and fastest-growing market for SWIR imaging technologies in the Asia-Pacific region.

SWIR Market Share

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, Asia-Pacific presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

The Major Market Leaders Operating in the Market Are:

• Teledyne Technologies Incorporated(United States)
• Xenics nv(Belgium)
• Lynred  (France)
• Allied Vision Technologies GmbH(Germany)
• Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.(Japan)
• NIT (New Imaging Technologies)(France)
• Raptor Photonics(United Kingdom)
• InfraTec GmbH (Germany)
• TTP plc. (United Kingdom)
• Photonic Science and Engineering Limited(United Kingdom)
• Edmund Optics Inc.(United States)
• Atik Cameras Limited (Subsidiary of SDI Group)(United Kingdom)
• Silent Sentinel  (United Kingdom)

Latest Developments in Asia-Pacific SWIR Market

• In July 2024: onsemi (Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC) finalized its acquisition of SWIR Vision Systems, a leading company known for its innovative use of colloidal quantum dots (CQD) in SWIR imaging. This acquisition is aimed at bolstering onsemi’s SWIR sensor portfolio, allowing them to enhance their offerings in automotive, industrial, and healthcare applications, particularly in machine vision and surveillance solutions.
• In August 2024: Teledyne FLIR IIS, a division of Teledyne Technologies, introduced the Forge® 1GigE SWIR camera series, powered by the Sony SenSWIR IMX990 1.3 MP InGaAs sensor. This advanced camera captures both visible and SWIR light (400nm to 1700nm), making it ideal for applications such as semiconductor inspection, food quality control, recycling, and precision agriculture.
• In September 2024: Quantum Solutions partnered with TOPODRONE to launch the Q.Fly—a quantum dot SWIR camera compatible with DJI drones. Designed for UAV applications, it offers real-time video streaming and high-speed spectral imaging (220 Hz), making it perfect for use in industries like agriculture, security, industrial inspection, and fire safety.
• In January 2024: Emberion unveiled its enhanced VS20 vis-SWIR camera series at Photonics West 2024. The upgraded models deliver frame rates of up to 400 fps at VGA resolution, catering to high-speed inspection needs. A newly released compact version, weighing just 450g, is perfect for integration into UAVs and other mobile platforms. 

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