Europe SWIR Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

SWIR Market Size

• The Europe SWIR Market size was valued at USD 325.43 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 771.86 Million by 2032, at a CAGR of 11.4% 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.
• Germany dominates the Europe SWIR market due to increasing research and development activities along with prevalence of majority of manufacturers.
• 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 Europe”

• The accelerating adoption of machine vision systems across various European 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 leading German semiconductor manufacturer integrated advanced SWIR imaging systems into its inspection lines to detect subsurface contamination and wafer-level irregularities, boosting both efficiency and quality assurance.

• 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 European 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 French Ministry of Armed Forces launched a defense modernization program that includes the deployment of SWIR-enabled night vision scopes and helmet-mounted displays for reconnaissance teams operating in low-visibility terrains.

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

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 UK-based photonics company collaborated with a wearable tech startup to embed miniature SWIR sensors into smart glasses, enabling users to monitor temperature gradients and fluid levels in industrial settings in real time.

• 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 European 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 consortium of Belgian and Dutch optics research institutions launched a pilot initiative to develop lower-cost alternatives to InGaAs using colloidal quantum dots and other emerging materials. Although promising, these technologies remain in the early stages of development.

• 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

Europe 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 Europe SWIR Market in the application category

The security & surveillance segment is expected to command the largest market share of approximately 34.68% in 2025. This dominance is driven by the increasing integration of SWIR imaging technologies into defense and homeland security operations across Europe. 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 Europe SWIR Market within the component segment

The hardware segment is projected to hold the largest share of approximately 48.32% 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 European 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

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

• Germany is expected to dominate the Europe SWIR market, primarily due to its robust ecosystem of high-tech industries, strong focus on research and development (R&D), and the presence of several key SWIR component manufacturers and system integrators. The country has long been a hub for innovation in photonics, optical engineering, and advanced imaging technologies, supported by world-class academic institutions and government-funded R&D initiatives.
• Moreover, Germany’s well-established automotive, industrial automation, and defense sectors are increasingly integrating SWIR technology for quality inspection, machine vision, and surveillance applications. Companies such as InfraTec GmbH and other precision optics firms headquartered in Germany contribute significantly to technological advancements and product innovation in the region. The government's emphasis on industrial digitalization through initiatives like “Industry 4.0” is further driving the adoption of SWIR imaging systems in smart manufacturing environments.
• This combination of manufacturing excellence, technological innovation, and strong application demand positions Germany as a key growth engine for the SWIR market in Europe.

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, Europe 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)
• Sensors Unlimited (A subsidiary of Collins Aerospace), (United States)

Latest Developments in Europe 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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