MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA -- Though the night vision device market continues to innovate, budget cuts are stifling research and development (R&D), and procurement of advanced image intensification (I2), infrared (IR)/thermal, and fused night vision technologies. The completion of large procurement programs and only a few significant new start programs will cause the funding for night vision devices to decline by a compound annual growth rate of 8.20 percent between 2013 and 2018.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan's US DoD Night Vision Devices Market finds the market earned revenue of$1.06 billion in 2013 and estimates this to decrease to$0.69 billion in 2018. The study segments DoD night vision devices into airborne, fixed, ground mobile, man portable, maritime, and miscellaneous categories.
Owing to the reduction in funds, the night vision device market has been striving to identify the segments that warrant the highest focus with respect to sensor upgrades and technological advances.
"It is likely that future warfare will be conducted with fewer dismounted troops and more unmanned air and ground vehicles," said Frost & Sullivan Aerospace & Defense Senior Industry AnalystMichael Blades (@MikeSBlades
Size, weight and power usage (SWaP) has been driving innovation and attracting investments. Participants have been making significant efforts to decrease SWaP, as they consider it necessary to remain competitive in a shrinking market. Companies that are willing to invest in their own SWaP R&D as well as diversify into commercial markets are likely to become technology and market leaders.
Considering the current growth levels, it is unlikely that new U.S. companies will compete in the DoD night vision device market. Moreover, the advanced technology for manufacturing IR camera cores (cooled and uncooled), I2 tubes, and the associated optics, is not conducive to market entrants.
"Intensifying competition from foreign companies that do not need to comply with the U.S.'s self-imposed International Trade in Arms Regulations restrictions could also hinder U.S. companies' global expansion plans," noted Blades. "Therefore, in this complicated landscape, participants are expected to increasingly collaborate with foreign players to benefit from synergies."
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