How India is advancing its EO/IR tech for multi-domain surveillance

India is set to boost its Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) tech to counter multi-domain threats, drive self-reliance, and transform its defence surveillance systems.

In brief

• Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) surveillance systems are critical to India's defence strategy, enabling persistent monitoring across land, air, sea and space domains.
• Domestic innovation and global partnerships are driving growth in advanced EO/IR technologies, including AI-based vision, hyperspectral imaging and MWIR systems.
• Strengthening EO/IR capabilities aligns with the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and positions India as a future hub for integrated, multi-domain surveillance solutions.

As India prepares to counter increasingly complex threats across land, sea, air and space, the strategic relevance of Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) surveillance systems has never been greater. These technologies are now central to building persistent, multi-domain situational awareness essential for national security.

The report, Eyes across the spectrum: Advancing India’s EO/IR capabilities, presents an in-depth analysis of India’s EO/IR surveillance ecosystem highlighting operational imperatives and unlocking pathways for industrial growth.

Key highlights from the report include:

EO/IR market growth: The EO/IR systems market is valued at US$11.09 billion in 2025 and expected to reach US$13.15 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 2.46%. ¹Demand is being fueled by the need for advanced surveillance, targeting and threat detection across defence and internal security sectors.

Domain-wise applications: EO/IR systems are playing a crucial role across terrestrial (border, battlefield), aerial (UAVs, AEW&CS), maritime (sonobuoys, ISR pods) and space-based platforms (LEO/MEO satellites). Their integration into systems like IACCS and ICUAS significantly enhances India’s air defence posture.

Technology trends: Innovation is being driven by developments in uncooled thermal cameras, hyperspectral imaging, multi-sensor fusion, AI-powered video analytics and long-range MWIR systems. New applications are also emerging in CBRN detection and directed energy weapon systems.

Advancing EO/IR capabilities in India: India’s domestic industry is making progress in technologies such as cooled/uncooled infrared sensors, integrated weapon sights and AI-based vision systems. Public-private programs are helping build a collaborative defence innovation ecosystem.

Strategic collaborations: Joint ventures and technology partnerships are playing a critical role in areas like underwater sensing, maritime surveillance and advanced electro-optics. India is actively engaging with global leaders to co-develop and localize key EO/IR capabilities.

Future of multi-domain surveillance: Aligned with the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, EO/IR systems will be pivotal in shaping India’s future ISR architecture, supporting integrated air defence, and enabling AI-driven battlefield intelligence. As the operational landscape continues to evolve, India’s EO/IR investments are set to redefine surveillance capabilities, enhance industrial collaboration, and position the country as a hub for next-gen defence technology.