The global Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market size is predicted to grow from US$ 985 million in 2025 to US$ 1655 million in 2032; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2026 to 2032.

Low-light image intensifiers currently mainly refer to second- and third-generation image intensifier products.Second- and third-generation image intensifiers are photoelectric vacuum devices that enhance weak optical images into bright, visible images, forming the core of low-light night vision equipment. They utilize the photoelectric effect to convert weak light signals into visible light images, and are also known as image tubes. Core components include a photocathode, an electron lens (electrostatic focusing or magnetic focusing), and a fluorescent screen. The upstream of the second- and third-generation image intensifier industry chain involves the supply of raw materials and core components such as optical materials, semiconductor materials, special glass, and vacuum packaging components. The midstream involves the manufacturing of image intensifiers, including chip fabrication, component integration, vacuum packaging, and testing, which have extremely high technological barriers. The downstream covers military applications (such as night vision devices and aiming scopes), healthcare and biotechnology (such as high-end microscopic imaging), electronics and semiconductors (such as testing equipment), and other industrial applications. The entire industry chain is characterized by high technological barriers in upstream materials, high concentration in midstream manufacturing, and specialized downstream application requirements. In 2025, global sales of second- and third-generation image intensifiers reached 305,000 units, with an average selling price of $3,300 per unit.

Market drivers primarily include the following

The continued growth of the second- and third-generation image intensifier market stems mainly from the ever-increasing demands in the military and civilian sectors, as well as the inherent driving force of the technology itself.

In the military and security sectors, the continuous global demand for defense modernization constitutes the core driving force of the market. Low-light night vision technology, as a key to enhancing individual soldier combat capabilities and the all-weather combat effectiveness of weaponry, is undeniably important. Armies worldwide are actively procuring and upgrading night vision equipment, from individual helmets and handheld observation devices to vehicle-mounted and airborne targeting systems. These diverse application scenarios create a stable and broad market space for image intensifiers. Furthermore, in security fields such as border patrol and law enforcement surveillance, this technology also plays an indispensable role, further expanding its application boundaries.

Technological evolution and performance improvement are the endogenous driving forces behind market development. From the first generation to the third and fourth generations, the core goal of low-light image intensifiers has always been the pursuit of higher performance indicators. Manufacturers are committed to continuously improving the signal-to-noise ratio and resolution of their products through material innovation and structural optimization, ensuring clearer and more detailed images even in extremely low light conditions. Simultaneously, extending device lifespan, enhancing reliability and durability in complex environments, and optimizing design to make products smaller, lighter, and consume less power to meet the needs of portable devices are all concrete manifestations of technology driving market progress.

The continued penetration and expansion of the civilian market has injected new vitality into industry growth. With technological maturity and cost optimization, second- and third-generation image intensifiers are gradually moving beyond the single military application field, demonstrating enormous application potential in multiple civilian industries. In healthcare and biotechnology, they are used in high-end microscopes and bioimaging systems, aiding scientific research and clinical diagnosis. In the electronics and semiconductor field, they play a role in precision industrial inspection and automation equipment. Furthermore, second- and third-generation image intensifiers have found new applications in scientific research fields such as astronomical observation and ocean exploration, as well as in professional broadcasting and high-end video recording fields with stringent image quality requirements, indicating a broad market prospect for the future.

Infinity Market Research newest research report, the Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier Industry Forecast looks at past sales and reviews total world Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier sales in 2025, providing a comprehensive analysis by region and market sector of projected Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier sales for 2026 through 2032. With Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier sales broken down by region, market sector and sub-sector, this report provides a detailed analysis in US$ millions of the world Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier industry.

This Insight Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier landscape and highlights key trends related to product segmentation, company formation, revenue, and market share, latest development, and M&A activity. This report also analyzes the strategies of leading global companies with a focus on Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier portfolios and capabilities, market entry strategies, market positions, and geographic footprints, to better understand these firms unique position in an accelerating global Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market.

This Insight Report evaluates the key market trends, drivers, and affecting factors shaping the global outlook for Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier and breaks down the forecast by Type, by Application, geography, and market size to highlight emerging pockets of opportunity. With a transparent methodology based on hundreds of bottom-up qualitative and quantitative market inputs, this study forecast offers a highly nuanced view of the current state and future trajectory in the global Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier.

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market by product type, application, key manufacturers and key regions and countries.

Segmentation by Type:

    Generation 2/2+
    Generation 3
    Segmentation by Electro-optical Systems:
    Electrostatic Focusing System
    Electromagnetic Composite Focusing System
    Segmentation by Product Forms:
    Image Reversal Tube
    Proximity Focusing Tube

Segmentation by Application:

    Military Reconnaissance
    Security Monitoring
    Industrial Inspection
    Other

This report also splits the market by region:

    Americas
        United States
        Canada
        Mexico
        Brazil
    APAC
        China
        Japan
        Korea
        Southeast Asia
        India
        Australia
    Europe
        Germany
        France
        UK
        Italy
        Russia
    Middle East & Africa
        Egypt
        South Africa
        Israel
        Turkey
        GCC Countries

The below companies that are profiled have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts and analysing the companys coverage, product portfolio, its market penetration.

    L3 Harris
    Elbit Systems
    Exosens
    Katod
    Northern Night Vision
    Hamamatsu Photonics
    Intevac Photonics (EOTECH)
    Newcon Optik
    HARDER digital GmbH
    Photek
    Chenyun Technology
    Rongzhe Optoelectronics
    Armasight

Key Questions Addressed in this Report

What is the 10-year outlook for the global Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market?
What factors are driving Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market growth, globally and by region?
Which technologies are poised for the fastest growth by market and region?
How do Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier market opportunities vary by end market size?
How does Second and Third Generation Image Intensifier break out by Type, by Application?