Tactical Optics Market By Product Type (Riflescopes, Red Dot Sights, Thermal Imaging Devices, Night Vision Devices, Laser Rangefinders, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes); By Technology (Thermal Imaging, Infrared [IR] Optics, Laser-Based Optics, Electro-Optics, Analog Optics); By Application (Military & Defense, Law Enforcement, Hunting & Shooting Sports, Surveillance, Others [Rescue Operations, Navigation]); By End-User (Armed Forces, Police & Security Agencies, Commercial/Civilian [Hunters, Recreational Shooters], Special Forces); By Geography, Segment revenue estimation, Forecast, 2024-2032.

The tactical optics market was worth USD 5.2 billion in 2023 and will be worth USD 9.27 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period.

 

The growing need for better surveillance and targeting equipment, including more precise firearms for military and police operations, and the growing popularity of precision shooting sports for civilians, drive the demand for tactical optics. Globally, the defense budget for 2022 was more than $2 trillion, and a major part of it was dedicated to enhancing soldier systems such as night vision, thermal imaging, and rangefinders. For instance, in 2023, the United States Army procured more Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binoculars (ENVG-B) for its troops to be used in night vision optics with higher visibility of targets at night.  Additionally, advancements in lightweight, high-precision optics for hunting and competitive shooting have increased consumer demand for tactical optics in the civilian market, further driving the market's growth. These developments highlight the importance of optics in modern warfare and civilian use.

 

The tactical optics market promises substantial potential because industrially developed. Countries require high-performance, lightweight optical systems for both military and civilian applications. The small arms market is anticipated to post over 6 percent annual growth worldwide – spurring high-performance optotypes including red dot sights, thermal scopes, and night vision devices. Changes such as the 2023 release of the ‘Razor HD Gen III series by Vortex Optics that has both accuracy and shield for use by the military and in competitions are examples of growth this industry could depict. Also, increased border security issues and the advancements in military forces in countries like India and China provide newer opportunities for using tactical optics in law enforcement and military use. These and the rising recreational shooting activities provide market opportunity for the increasing tactical optics market.

 

 

Market Segmentation

By Product Type:

• Riflescopes

• Red Dot Sights

• Thermal Imaging Devices

• Night Vision Devices

• Laser Rangefinders

• Binoculars

• Spotting Scopes

 

By Technology:

• Thermal Imaging

• Infrared (IR) Optics

• Laser-Based Optics

• Electro-Optics

• Analog Optics

 

By Application:

• Military & Defense

• Law Enforcement

• Hunting & Shooting Sports

• Surveillance

• Others (Rescue Operations, Navigation)

 

By End-User:

• Armed Forces

• Police & Security Agencies

• Commercial/Civilian (Hunters, Recreational Shooters)

• Special Forces

 

By Region

North America

• US

• Mexico

• Canada

• Rest of North America

 

Europe

• Switzerland

• Russia

• France

• Germany

• U.K

• Finland

• Turkey

• Netherlands

• Belgium

• Spain

• Italy

• Rest of Europe

 

Asia Pacific

• India

• China

• South Korea

• Japan

• Singapore

• Thailand

• Indonesia

• Malaysia

• Philippines

• Australia

• Rest of Asia-Pacific

 

LAMEA

• Brazil

• Argentina

• Uruguay

• Saudi Arabia

• Rest of LAMEA

 

Segment Analysis for the Tactical Optics Market

By Product Type:

Leading Segment: Riflescopes

Riflescopes dominate the tactical optics market, holding over 35% of the market share. These optics are widely used in military, law enforcement, & hunting applications due to their precision & long-range targeting capabilities. Major manufacturers like Leupold & Stevens and Trijicon supply riflescopes for military contracts and commercial users. The segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% due to increasing demand for long-range precision shooting in both defense and civilian applications.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Thermal Imaging Devices

Thermal imaging devices are experiencing the highest growth, with a CAGR of 12%. These optics provide superior visibility in low-light & challenging conditions, making them crucial for military, surveillance & law enforcement. Countries like the U.S. & China are heavily investing in thermal imaging solutions for border security & counter-terrorism efforts. Companies such as FLIR Systems are leading the innovation in this space.

 

By Technology:

Leading Segment: Infrared (IR) Optics

Infrared optics hold the largest market share at around 40%, driven by their integration in night vision devices & surveillance equipment. The demand is primarily fueled by defense agencies upgrading night-fighting capabilities. For instance, the U.S. Army has invested in advanced IR optics for soldier equipment modernization programs.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging technology is expanding rapidly at a CAGR of 13.2%, as it is increasingly adopted in both military & civilian applications. The surge in demand for border security, search & rescue operations, and hunting applications has boosted this segment. Companies like ATN Corp & Pulsar are at the forefront of developing high-performance thermal optics.

 

By Application:

Leading Segment: Military & Defense

The military & defense sector accounts for over 50% of the tactical optics market, as modern armies are integrating advanced optics for improved battlefield situational awareness. Countries like the U.S., Russia, and India are ramping up spending on optics for infantry and armored vehicles. The U.S. Army’s Next-Generation Squad Weapon Fire Control (NGSW-FC) program exemplifies the demand for enhanced targeting optics.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Surveillance

The surveillance sector is growing at a CAGR of 10.5%, driven by rising security concerns & law enforcement modernization efforts. Governments are deploying advanced surveillance optics for border patrol, critical infrastructure protection & urban security. The demand for AI-integrated optics with real-time data transmission is further propelling growth in this segment.

 

By End-User:

Leading Segment: Armed Forces

Armed forces represent the largest end-user group, accounting for over 45% of the market. Military modernization programs across NATO and Asian nations have significantly boosted the demand for riflescopes, night vision devices, and laser rangefinders. For example, the Indian Army recently acquired 100,000 night vision monoculars to enhance nighttime combat capabilities.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Police & Security Agencies

This segment is growing at a CAGR of 11%, as law enforcement agencies globally invest in tactical optics for riot control, anti-terrorism & public safety missions. The increased adoption of body-worn infrared optics & long-range surveillance devices by police units is fueling demand.

 

By Region:

Leading Region: North America

North America holds the largest share, accounting for over 40% of the market. The presence of key manufacturers like Trijicon, Leupold & Stevens, and FLIR Systems, along with heavy military and law enforcement spending, drives regional dominance. The U.S. Department of Defense continues to invest in night vision and thermal optics to enhance battlefield effectiveness.

Fastest-Growing Region: Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, with a CAGR of 12.8%, fueled by increasing defense budgets in China, India & Japan. Border tensions and security concerns have led governments to procure advanced tactical optics for their armed forces. For example, China’s People’s Liberation Army has integrated AI-powered optics into its next-generation soldier systems.

 

Key Players

• Leupold & Stevens, Inc.

• Trijicon, Inc.

• Vortex Optics

• EOTECH

• FLIR Systems, Inc.

• ATN Corporation

• Bushnell Corporation

• Schmidt & Bender GmbH

• Nightforce Optics

• Aimpoint AB

 

Tactical Optics Market Report Coverage

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2023 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2023	USD 5.2 billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 9.27 billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 7.5%
Base Year for Estimation	2022
Historical Data	2017 – 2021
Unit	USD Billion, CAGR (2023 - 2030)
Segmentation	By Product Type, By Technology, By Application, By End-User, By Region
By Product Type	Riflescopes, Red Dot Sights, Thermal Imaging Devices, Night Vision Devices, Laser Rangefinders, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes
By Technology	Thermal Imaging, Infrared (IR) Optics, Laser-Based Optics, Electro-Optics, Analog Optics
By Application	Military & Defense, Law Enforcement, Hunting & Shooting Sports, Surveillance, Others (Rescue Operations, Navigation)
By End-User	Armed Forces, Police & Security Agencies, Commercial/Civilian (Hunters, Recreational Shooters), Special Forces
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, LAMEA
Country Scope	US, Mexico, Canada, Germany, UK, France, China, Japan, India, etc.
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs.