In the high-stakes world of modern aerial warfare, where stealth technology reigns supreme, the ability to detect and track enemies without giving away your position is a game-changer. Enter Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems – passive sensors that detect heat signatures from aircraft, missiles, and other threats. Unlike radar, which can be jammed or detected, IRST operates silently, making it indispensable for fighter jets facing advanced adversaries. As geopolitical tensions rise and nations pour billions into defense upgrades, the fighter IRST market is booming. This blog dives into the current state, key players, recent advancements, and future trends shaping this critical sector.
Understanding IRST in Fighter Aircraft
IRST systems have been around since the Cold War era, but their role has evolved dramatically. Originally used for basic air-to-air detection, today’s IRST integrates with fighter avionics for long-range tracking, missile cueing, and even ground target identification. In fighters like the F-35 or Su-57, IRST enhances situational awareness in contested environments, where radar might betray the jet’s location. The technology relies on infrared sensors to pick up thermal emissions – think engine exhaust or friction-heated airframes – allowing pilots to “see” stealthy foes that radar struggles with.
The appeal is clear: in a dogfight against low-observable aircraft, IRST provides a stealthy edge. Russian jets like the Su-35 have long emphasized IRST, viewing it as superior for passive operations. Meanwhile, Western forces are catching up, retrofitting older platforms and designing new ones with advanced IRST from the ground up. This shift is driven by threats like China’s J-20 stealth fighter, which demands countermeasures beyond traditional radar.
What’s driving this growth? First, escalating global conflicts – from Ukraine to the South China Sea – are pushing nations to bolster air superiority. The U.S. alone plans massive investments in next-gen fighters, while Europe and Asia follow suit. Second, the proliferation of stealth technology necessitates passive sensors like IRST for detection without emissions. Third, technological convergence with AI and multispectral imaging is making IRST more capable and affordable.
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing, driven by China’s advancements and India’s Tejas upgrades. Europe, with programs like the Eurofighter Typhoon’s PIRATE IRST, holds steady at mid-single-digit growth.
Challenges persist, though. High development costs and integration complexities can slow adoption, especially for legacy fleets. Supply chain disruptions from geopolitical events add another layer of uncertainty.
Key Players and Their Innovations
The fighter IRST arena is dominated by a handful of defense giants, each bringing unique expertise.
Lockheed Martin stands out, particularly with its work on the F-35’s Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), which incorporates IRST capabilities. In 2025, Lockheed secured a $270 million contract to integrate a next-gen distributed IRST on the F-22 Raptor, enhancing threat detection across multiple sensors. This “TacIRST” system uses embedded sensors for 360-degree coverage, a leap from pod-based designs.
Northrop Grumman, a close rival, provides IRST for the F/A-18 Super Hornet via its Block III pod, despite ongoing troubleshooting for reliability in harsh environments. Their tech focuses on long-range missile detection, crucial for Pacific operations against Chinese threats.
European players like Leonardo and Thales are powerhouses too. Leonardo’s Skyward IRST equips the Eurofighter, while Thales’ OSF system arms the Rafale. In a novel twist, Leonardo collaborated with Top Aces in 2024 to integrate IRST on privately owned F-16 aggressors for training, blending commercial and military worlds.
Other notables include Safran (France) and Raytheon Technologies (RTX), which supply components for various platforms. Russia’s KRET and Israel’s Elbit also compete, though export restrictions limit their global reach. These companies are increasingly partnering – like Leonardo with Northrop – to accelerate innovation and share costs.
Recent Advancements: Pushing the Boundaries
2025 has been a pivotal year for IRST tech. The F-22’s upgrade package includes viability enhancements like advanced IRST to counter emerging threats, ensuring the jet remains relevant until the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program matures. Distributed apertures, where sensors are spread across the airframe, reduce vulnerability and improve resolution.
AI integration is another breakthrough. Modern IRST uses machine learning to distinguish between decoys, birds, and real threats, boosting accuracy in cluttered skies. For instance, the U.S. Navy’s Super Hornet IRST pod now incorporates AI for better target discrimination, addressing earlier glitches.
Multispectral sensors, combining IR with visible light, are gaining traction, as seen in the F-35’s international exercises in 2025, where allied interoperability highlighted IRST’s role in coalition ops. Russia maintains a lead in raw IRST tech, with systems on the Su-57 offering superior passive tracking.
Broader aerospace trends like additive manufacturing and IoT are influencing IRST, enabling lighter, more durable sensors. Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programs, like the U.S. Air Force’s YFQ-42A, envision drones with IRST for teaming with manned fighters.
Future Trends: Toward Autonomous and Integrated Systems
Looking ahead, the fighter IRST market will be defined by integration and autonomy. Expect deeper fusion with radar and electronic warfare systems for “sensor fusion” cockpits, where IRST data feeds AI-driven decisions. Quantum sensors could revolutionize detection ranges, spotting threats hundreds of miles away.
Sustainability and ESG factors will play a role, with greener manufacturing processes gaining priority. The rise of hypersonic threats will demand faster IRST response times, while export markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia expand opportunities.
By 2030, IRST could become standard on all new fighters, with retrofits accelerating for fourth-gen jets. As stealth evolves, so will countermeasures – IRST ensures fighters stay one step ahead.