An image intensifier tube (IIT) is a vacuum tube used across military, healthcare, and research applications. IIT increases the intensity of light for any image passing through its lens into an optical system. One of the major factors catalyzing the demand for image intensifier tubes is the growing procurement and production of imaging systems such as night vision systems, countermeasure systems, airborne early warning systems, and threat detection systems. For example, in November 2022, L3Harris Technologies announced that it had delivered its 10,000th night vision goggle to the US army. Moreover, it had secured an additional order for providing its enhanced night vision goggle–binocular (ENVG-B) to the armed forces. Most defense forces are procuring night vision systems, which generates demand for new IITs. Apart from night vision goggles, IITs are also increasingly being used in high-speed imaging systems, low-light imaging, missile warning systems, security detection systems, threat detection systems, etc.
Canon Electron Tubes & Devices Co Ltd, Elbit Systems Ltd.; L3Harris Technologies Inc., Photek Ltd, Photonis Technologies SAS are the Prominent Market Participants in the Image Intensifier Tube Market
Image intensifier tubes are also integrated into military aircraft and surveillance helicopters. The tension between different countries such as the US–Russia, Russia–Taiwan, India–China, India–Pakistan, and China–Taiwan is generating more awareness among the armed forces for advancing their operations. Several countries are allocating high amounts in their budgets for the reinforcement of their defense forces. Thus, the rising military expenditure is encouraging the large-scale procurement and delivery of military aircraft and helicopters. In addition, the demand for surveillance systems, missile warning systems, multi-level light imaging applications, and other imaging and warfare systems is growing with these efforts from governments. Therefore, the sales of image intensifier tubes are growing with the rising procurement of military aircraft and helicopters, and the deployment of high-speed imaging systems, along with other systems such as missile warning systems.
Canon; Elbit Systems Ltd.; L3Harris, Inc.; Photek; Photonis Technologies SAS are the prominent market participants in the image intensifier tube market. The listing of key players is derived by considering multiple factors such as overall revenue, current image intensifier tube product portfolio, geographical reach, new product launches, market initiatives, and investment in technology up-gradation, partnerships, and other market-related activities. In addition to these players, there are several other important players operating in the image intensifier tube market ecosystems which were studies analyzed during this market research study, such as Bel Optronics Devices Ltd, ASELSAN AS, Harder Digital Ingenieur-und Industriegesellschaft mbH, Newcon International Ltd, and Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. (Hakuto Taiwan Ltd).
Most of the market initiatives were observed in North America region, which have a high potential of market-related products, solutions, and services. Few of the important market initiatives from the industry are mentioned below:
| Year | Development | Region |
| 2021 | Photek adds to Tibidabo’s portfolio of scientific imaging solutions, and grants the company access to complementary markets; its products support applications in high-energy physics, defence, chemistry, bioluminescence, space science, and biological inspection. Ninety percent of Photek’s sales are made to customers abroad. | North America |
| 2021 | The company releases the iNocturn, a superior intensified camera that combines the strengths of a sensitive low-light camera with an image intensifier tube. By providing consumers with a special combination of ultra-sensitivity, high framerate, high-QE photodetectors, and nano second gating, Photonis which solves the issues in industrial monitoring, machine vision, and scientific sectors with the iNocturn. | North America |
| 2020 | The U.S. Air Force has offered L3Harris Technologies a $93 million indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract to supply its green and white image intensifier tubes with a high Figure of Merit (FOM). Following the urgent operational requirement for the HH-60 Night Vision goggles update for combat search and rescue operators, the L3Harris tubes will be fielded to the U.S. Air Force. | North America |
