Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market
By End User;
Defense & Military, Healthcare & Research, Automotive and OthersBy Product;
SWIR Area Camera and SWIR Linear CameraBy Type;
Thermal Imaging, Spectral Imaging and Hyperspectral ImagingBy Application;
Thermal Imaging, Machine Vision, Security & Surveillance, Hyperspectral Imaging and OthersBy Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market Overview
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market (USD Million)
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market was valued at USD 292.08 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 583.82 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.4%.
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market
*Market size in USD million
CAGR 10.4 %
| Study Period | 2025 - 2031 |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2024 |
| CAGR (%) | 10.4 % |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 292.08 Million |
| Market Size (2031) | USD 583.82 Million |
| Market Concentration | Low |
| Report Pages | 382 |
Major Players
- FLIR Systems, Inc.
- Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
- Allied Vision Technologies GmbH
- Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
- Xenics NV
- Princeton Infrared Technologies, Inc.
- Sensors Unlimited (part of Collins Aerospace)
- Raptor Photonics Ltd.
- New Imaging Technologies (NIT)
- Sofradir Group
Market Concentration
Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market
Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market is gaining traction due to the rising emphasis on high-resolution, low-light imaging technologies. These cameras are being rapidly adopted in areas where visible light imaging is insufficient, with over 62% of industries prioritizing SWIR systems for advanced inspection tasks. This rise in adoption presents opportunities for product innovation and strategic collaboration to meet the evolving demand for enhanced visibility in various conditions.
Innovation Driving Market Growth
Ongoing technological advancements are transforming the capabilities of SWIR cameras, making them more compact, cost-efficient, and sensitive. More than 54% of newly developed SWIR camera systems now integrate sensor miniaturization and enhanced cooling techniques, boosting their reliability across applications. These improvements create significant growth opportunities for companies pursuing partnerships and innovation-centric strategies.
Industrial Expansion and Strategic Integration
Industries such as semiconductor inspection, surveillance, and industrial monitoring are increasingly relying on SWIR cameras for precision imaging, driving the market's expansion. Around 58% of industrial automation firms are integrating SWIR cameras into their systems to achieve better process control and quality assurance. This has led to an uptick in mergers and collaborative efforts, allowing stakeholders to scale operational effectiveness.
Future Outlook and Strategic Potential
With over 65% of research initiatives focused on broadening spectral sensitivity and AI integration, the future of the SWIR Camera Market looks highly promising. The continued push toward automated vision systems and intelligent imaging solutions is shaping long-term growth strategies. Investments in cross-industry collaboration and strategic R&D will be critical in unlocking the next wave of technological advancement and market expansion.
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market Key Takeaways
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Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market is expanding rapidly as industries adopt high-sensitivity imaging solutions for applications requiring visibility beyond the limitations of visible light, including low-light, high-glare and adverse weather conditions.
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Increasing demand from defense, security and surveillance sectors is a major growth driver, with SWIR cameras enabling enhanced target identification, night operations and covert monitoring in complex environments.
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Industrial adoption is rising due to the ability of SWIR imaging to support quality inspection, semiconductor wafer analysis and material sorting, where traditional visible imaging techniques fall short.
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Technological advances such as InGaAs sensor improvements, uncooled SWIR detectors and higher-resolution arrays are reducing system costs and broadening accessibility across commercial sectors.
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Growth in hyperspectral and machine-vision applications is driving demand for SWIR cameras in agriculture, pharmaceuticals and food processing, enabling precision inspection and defect detection.
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Integration of SWIR cameras with AI-based analytics, edge computing and advanced optics is enhancing real-time decision-making and improving system performance across autonomous systems and robotics.
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Opportunities are strengthening in renewable energy, automotive sensing and scientific research as SWIR imaging enables advanced diagnostics, monitoring and process optimization in emerging high-tech industries.
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market Recent Developments
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In February 2022, Emberion, based in Espoo, Finland, secured EUR 6 million in funding to advance its VIS-SWIR (Visible/Short Wave Infrared) camera technology for the machine vision and surveillance markets. The company aims to bridge the gap in the SWIR camera segment by offering broad-spectrum, wide dynamic range imaging at a more accessible cost compared to existing solutions.
mberionstrives to bridge the gap in the market for [short-wave infrared] SWIR cameras with no sensors covering such a wide spectral range and the high cost of existing cameras. -
In January 2022, UCID Vision Labs, Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of industrial vision cameras, introduced its latest Atlas SWIR IP67-rated cameras in 1.3 MP and 0.3 MP variants. Featuring GigE PoE+ connectivity and Sony SenSWIR IMX990 (1.3 MP) and IMX991 (0.3 MP) InGaAs sensors, the cameras deliver wide-band, high-sensitivity imaging across visible and invisible light spectrums with a miniaturized 5μm pixel size.
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market Segment Analysis
In this report, Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market has been segmented by End User, Product, Type, Application and Geography. The analysis emphasizes detector sensitivity, cooling architectures, pixel pitch and on-sensor processing that influence adoption, alongside integration partnerships, export compliance and lifecycle support. Where aligned market split figures as percentages are limited, we note evidence constraints and focus on directionally consistent shifts toward higher resolution, lower power and software-defined imaging with measurable percentage gains in reliability and usability.
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market, Segmentation by End User
The End User axis spans Defense & Military, Healthcare & Research, Automotive and Others. Procurement decisions weigh range performance, low-light detection, through-smoke/through-haze penetration and integration with analytics. Publicly harmonized percentages by end user vary; directionally, multi-domain sensing and AI workflows lift attachment by single- to double-digit percentages in programs prioritizing all-weather visibility.
Defense & MilitaryMission profiles prioritize long-range identification, laser spot tracking and covert illumination with ruggedized housings. Buyers emphasize MTBF, SWaP and secure interfaces, achieving availability improvements in low double-digit percentages through hardened optics and continuous calibration. Integrated SWIR layers enhance detection probability by meaningful percentages in degraded visual environments.
Healthcare & ResearchUse cases span tissue imaging, fluorescence and material spectroscopy where sensitivity and SNR dominate. Laboratories report workflow gains in single-digit percentages via automated registration and spectral libraries, while cooling and uniformity upgrades lower noise floors by comparable percentages, supporting reproducible results across cohorts.
AutomotiveEarly deployments focus on driver assistance, pedestrian/animal detection and glare-robust sensing under challenging lighting. Tier-1 evaluations indicate false-negative reductions by single-digit percentages when SWIR fuses with RGB and LiDAR, with ruggedization improving uptime by additional low single-digit percentages across temperature extremes.
OthersIncludes industrial inspection, agriculture and security where moisture mapping, product sorting and perimeter awareness benefit from SWIR contrast. Inline analytics can raise defect detection by double-digit percentages, while lens/filter standardization trims changeover time by single-digit percentages in multi-SKU lines.
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market, Segmentation by Product
The Product view covers SWIR Area Camera and SWIR Linear Camera. Selection hinges on field-of-view, scan mechanics, frame/line rates and illumination strategies. Public share percentages differ by vertical; trends favor area sensors in mobile/robotic platforms, while linear sensors retain a material percentage share in high-speed web inspection and sorting lines.
SWIR Area CameraSupports wide FOV capture for surveillance, robotics and lab imaging with rising resolutions and compact uncooled packages. Integrating ISP and edge AI can cut latency by single-digit percentages and lift detection precision by comparable percentages in dynamic scenes.
SWIR Linear CameraOptimized for line-scan applications at elevated speeds, enabling uniform illumination and spectral filters across moving webs. Manufacturers cite throughput increases in double-digit percentages and scrap reduction by single-digit percentages with calibrated illumination and synchronized encoders.
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market, Segmentation by Type
The Type axis includes Thermal Imaging, Spectral Imaging and Hyperspectral Imaging. Buyers evaluate bandwidth coverage, spectral resolution, calibration stability and compute overhead. Percentage splits are inconsistently published; directionally, richer spectral stacks expand addressable use cases by double-digit percentages where classification accuracy benefits from multi-band features.
Thermal ImagingShortwave-sensitive “thermal-assisted” modes exploit reflected/emit components to enhance contrast through mist and smoke, complementing MWIR/LWIR. Fusion approaches can lift detection confidence by single-digit percentages, while optimized optics improve transmission by comparable percentages in humid conditions.
Spectral ImagingApplies selected bands for material discrimination, enabling robust classification with modest compute. Libraries tuned to application context raise accuracy by single- to low double-digit percentages, with calibration workflows reducing drift by further single-digit percentages.
Hyperspectral ImagingDelivers dense spectral cubes for research and premium inspection where subtle signatures matter. Although compute-intensive, model compression can shrink processing time by single-digit percentages, while band selection preserves most accuracy within a small percentage of full-cube baselines.
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market, Segmentation by Application
The Application split spans Thermal Imaging, Machine Vision, Security & Surveillance, Hyperspectral Imaging and Others. Integrators balance range, throughput and analytics maturity to raise ROI by measurable percentages. Publicly convergent percentages across applications vary; steady gains arise from illumination control and domain-specific AI that reduce false alarms and rework.
Thermal ImagingEnhances situational awareness under obscurants and mixed lighting where SWIR adds reflective contrast. Multi-sensor fusion routinely cuts false positives by single-digit percentages, preserving detection under glare and atmospheric scatter.
Machine VisionTargets moisture/contaminant detection, polymer sorting and print/adhesive inspection, with calibrated line-scan raising yield by double-digit percentages. Recipe libraries and closed-loop tuning add single-digit percentage improvements in OEE across packaging lines.
Security & SurveillanceBenefits from covert illumination and glare-robust identification for perimeter and urban scenes. Analytics hardening reduces nuisance alarms by single-digit percentages, while ruggedized optics extend uptime by comparable percentages across harsh environments.
Hyperspectral ImagingServes precision agriculture, mineralogy and medical research where spectral richness drives classification. Band selection and model adaptation retain accuracy within a small percentage of full spectral sets while trimming compute budgets by single-digit percentages.
OthersCovers pharmaceutical QA, art conservation and forensics leveraging unique SWIR contrasts. Standardized workflows can improve repeatability by single-digit percentages, with portable form factors expanding field deployments by additional percentages.
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market, Segmentation by Geography
Regional performance reflects defense procurement cycles, industrial automation intensity, research funding and integrator density across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America. Vendors differentiate via local certification, after-sales service and ecosystem partnerships. Where region-level percentages are not consistently published, commentary highlights adoption tempo, channel breadth and software attachment driving single- to double-digit percentage uplifts in usable performance.
Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report
Defense and security programs anchor demand, with research universities accelerating hyperspectral pilots. Software attachment and service coverage raise effective performance by single-digit percentages, while ruggedization policies lift uptime by similar percentages.
EuropeIndustrial and lab deployments emphasize metrology, quality and sustainability reporting. Standardized validation can cut false rejects by single-digit percentages, and collaborative projects increase technology diffusion by comparable percentages across member states.
Asia PacificHigh-volume manufacturing and agriculture drive SWIR adoption, with integrators scaling machine-vision rollouts. Line-scan solutions commonly deliver yield gains in double-digit percentages, while local supply chains reduce lead times by single-digit percentages.
Middle East & AfricaSecurity and infrastructure monitoring lead use cases under challenging atmospherics. Hardened optics and calibrated illumination improve mission availability by single-digit percentages, with public procurements pacing broader ecosystem growth.
Latin AmericaEmerging adoption in agri-tech and industrial inspection emphasizes cost-effective area sensors. Integrator training and standardized workflows can raise consistency by single-digit percentages, supporting gradual expansion across priority corridors.
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market Forces
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
Comprehensive Market Impact Matrix
This matrix outlines how core market forces Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities affect key business dimensions including Growth, Competition, Customer Behavior, Regulation and Innovation.
| Market Forces ↓ / Impact Areas → | Market Growth Rate | Competitive Landscape | Customer Behavior | Regulatory Influence | Innovation Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivers | High impact (e.g., tech adoption, rising demand) | Encourages new entrants and fosters expansion | Increases usage and enhances demand elasticity | Often aligns with progressive policy trends | Fuels R&D initiatives and product development |
| Restraints | Slows growth (e.g., high costs, supply chain issues) | Raises entry barriers and may drive market consolidation | Deters consumption due to friction or low awareness | Introduces compliance hurdles and regulatory risks | Limits innovation appetite and risk tolerance |
| Opportunities | Unlocks new segments or untapped geographies | Creates white space for innovation and M&A | Opens new use cases and shifts consumer preferences | Policy shifts may offer strategic advantages | Sparks disruptive innovation and strategic alliances |
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity
Drivers:
- Increasing Demand for Security & Surveillance
- Growth in Industrial Automation
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Expanding Applications in Life Sciences - The expanding applications of Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) cameras in life sciences represent a burgeoning frontier driven by their unique imaging capabilities. SWIR cameras are increasingly utilized in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics due to their ability to capture detailed images beyond the visible spectrum. In biomedical imaging, SWIR cameras enable researchers to study biological tissues with high resolution and sensitivity, facilitating advancements in areas such as cancer detection, tissue characterization, and drug development. Their capability to penetrate biological samples and differentiate molecular structures enhances the precision and depth of analysis in biological studies, offering new insights into cellular functions and disease mechanisms.
SWIR cameras play a pivotal role in non-invasive imaging techniques such as fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy. By detecting fluorescence signals emitted from molecular probes, SWIR cameras enable real-time visualization of biological processes at a cellular level. This capability is instrumental in studying biomolecular interactions, monitoring disease progression, and assessing treatment efficacy in preclinical and clinical settings. The integration of SWIR imaging with other modalities, such as near-infrared and fluorescence imaging, enhances the versatility and comprehensiveness of diagnostic and research tools in life sciences, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to address complex biological questions.
Beyond research applications, SWIR cameras find utility in medical diagnostics and healthcare technologies. They support advancements in imaging modalities for surgical guidance, endoscopic procedures, and intraoperative monitoring, offering enhanced visualization capabilities that aid in accurate tissue identification and surgical precision. The growing adoption of SWIR technology in medical devices and diagnostic tools underscores its potential to improve patient outcomes, streamline clinical workflows, and drive innovation in personalized medicine. As technological advancements continue to refine SWIR imaging capabilities and expand its applications, the integration of SWIR cameras into life sciences is poised to accelerate discoveries, improve healthcare diagnostics, and transform the landscape of biomedical research and clinical practice globally.
Restraints:
- High Cost of SWIR Cameras
- Complex Integration Requirements
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Limited Awareness & Adoption - Limited awareness and adoption pose significant challenges to the widespread deployment of Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) cameras across various industries and applications. Despite their advanced capabilities and distinct advantages over traditional imaging technologies, SWIR cameras often face barriers related to awareness among potential users and decision-makers. Many industries, particularly smaller enterprises or those operating in less technologically intensive sectors, may not fully grasp the benefits and operational efficiencies that SWIR cameras can offer.
One key factor contributing to limited awareness is the specialized nature of SWIR technology and its technical complexities. Understanding the specific applications, operational requirements, and integration processes of SWIR cameras requires specialized knowledge and expertise, which may not be readily available or accessible to all potential users. This knowledge gap can deter organizations from exploring SWIR solutions, opting instead for familiar and less costly alternatives, even if they may not offer the same level of performance or versatility.
Addressing limited awareness and adoption of SWIR cameras requires concerted efforts from industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, and industry associations, to educate and demonstrate the value proposition of SWIR technology. Promoting successful case studies, showcasing real-world applications, and providing technical training and support can help bridge the knowledge gap and build confidence among potential users. Furthermore, initiatives to lower entry barriers, such as offering leasing options or bundled solutions that include training and support services, can make SWIR technology more accessible and attractive to a broader range of industries and applications. As awareness grows and barriers are addressed, the potential for SWIR cameras to transform industries through enhanced imaging capabilities and operational efficiencies becomes increasingly tangible, driving broader adoption and market growth worldwide.
Opportunities:
- Advancements in Sensor Technology
- Diverse Application Scope
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Strategic Partnerships - Strategic partnerships play a crucial role in the development and expansion of Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) camera technology across various industries and applications. These partnerships involve collaborations between SWIR camera manufacturers, technology integrators, research institutions, and end-users to leverage complementary expertise, resources, and market access. By forming strategic alliances, stakeholders can enhance product development capabilities, accelerate innovation, and address complex technological challenges more effectively.
One common form of strategic partnership in the SWIR camera market involves collaborations between manufacturers and technology integrators. Manufacturers of SWIR cameras often collaborate with integrators specializing in specific industries or applications to customize solutions that meet unique customer requirements. These partnerships enable integrators to incorporate SWIR cameras into comprehensive systems or platforms, integrating them seamlessly with other technologies such as sensors, software, and data analytics tools. Such integrated solutions enhance the value proposition of SWIR technology by offering turnkey solutions that address specific industry needs, from industrial automation and quality control to defense and surveillance applications.
Research institutions and academic organizations also play a pivotal role in forming strategic partnerships within the SWIR camera market. Collaborations between industry players and research institutions facilitate the advancement of SWIR camera technology through joint research projects, knowledge sharing, and access to cutting-edge scientific expertise. These partnerships drive innovation by exploring new applications, improving sensor performance, and developing advanced imaging techniques that expand the capabilities and market potential of SWIR cameras in fields such as biomedical imaging, environmental monitoring, and scientific research.
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market Competitive Landscape Analysis
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market has witnessed a significant transformation, driven by rising demand across various industries. Companies are adopting strategies focusing on technological advancements and partnerships to enhance their market presence. The growth of the SWIR camera market is propelled by increasing industrial and military applications, offering significant potential for innovation and expansion.
Market Structure and Concentration
Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market is characterized by moderate concentration, with several key players leading the competition. Merger and acquisition activities have been instrumental in driving market consolidation. The strategic collaborations between major players and technological advancements are shaping the market’s overall structure and increasing growth potential.
Brand and Channel Strategies
Key players in the SWIR camera market are focusing on expanding their distribution channels to enhance reach. Many brands are leveraging partnerships and direct sales strategies to access diverse customer segments. Their focus remains on improving technological offerings and customer service, ensuring long-term growth and market penetration.
Innovation Drivers and Technological Advancements
Innovation is a critical driver of growth in the SWIR camera market. Companies are investing in cutting-edge technologies to develop cameras with higher sensitivity, enhanced imaging capabilities, and improved resolution. These technological advancements are expected to propel the market forward, creating new avenues for growth in industrial, defense, and medical sectors.
Regional Momentum and Expansion
Regional momentum in the SWIR camera market is strong, with rapid adoption in North America and Europe. Expansion into emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific, is becoming increasingly significant. Companies are focusing on regional partnerships and strategic investments to capitalize on the growth potential in these areas.
Future Outlook
The future outlook for the Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market remains positive, driven by continuous innovation and market demand. As new applications emerge across sectors like defense and healthcare, the market is poised for continued growth, supported by advanced technologies and strategic collaborations among market players.
Key players in Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market include:
- Teledyne FLIR
- Leonardo DRS
- Collins Aerospace
- Allied Vision Technologies GmbH
- Corning Incorporated
- Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
- Xenics NV
- New Imaging Technologies (NIT)
- Raptor Photonics
- Princeton Infrared Technologies
- Lynred
- IRCameras LLC
- FluxData, Inc.
- Photonic Science
- Axiom Optics
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Market Share Analysis
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By End User
- Market Snapshot, By Product
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market Forces
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Increasing Demand for Security & Surveillance
- Growth in Industrial Automation
- Expanding Applications in Life Sciences
- Restraints
- High Cost of SWIR Cameras
- Complex Integration Requirements
- Limited Awareness & Adoption
- Opportunities
- Advancements in Sensor Technology
- Diverse Application Scope
- Strategic Partnerships
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market, By End User, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Defense & Military
- Healthcare & Research
- Automotive
- Others
- Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market, By Product, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- SWIR Area Camera
- SWIR Linear Camera
- Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Thermal Imaging
- Spectral Imaging
- Hyperspectral Imaging
- Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Thermal Imaging
- Machine Vision
- Security & Surveillance
- Hyperspectral Imaging
- Others
- Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Camera Market, By End User, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Teledyne FLIR
- Leonardo DRS
- Collins Aerospace
- Allied Vision Technologies GmbH
- Corning Incorporated
- Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
- Xenics NV
- New Imaging Technologies (NIT)
- Raptor Photonics
- Princeton Infrared Technologies
- Lynred
- IRCameras LLC
- FluxData, Inc.
- Photonic Science
- Axiom Optics
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market

