Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Component (Electro-Optical Sensor (EOS), Command and Control Unit (CCU), Pointing System, and Others), By Platform (Helicopter, Turboprop Aircraft, Small and Medium Aircraft, Large Aircraft, UAVs, and Commercial Aviation), By Type (Decoy Bomb, Jammers, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Directed Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) are systems used to defend aircraft from infrared-guided missiles by detecting and tracking the incoming missile and then directing a modulated infrared laser beam to confuse or disrupt the missile’s guidance system. DIRCM systems are typically mounted on aircraft and work by sensing the heat signature of an incoming missile and then tracking it with a high aped tracking system.

Key Market Insights

The efforts to provide more sophisticated countermeasure systems to enhance the security of military aircraft and increase the use of UAVs are expected to propel the growth of the DIRCM market. Rising defense spending by militaries across the globe to strengthen the defense sector either by procuring or by indigenously developing advanced countermeasure systems and associated technological developments are also predicted to drive market growth. Additionally, increasing terrorist threats and related activities have compelled militaries globally to strengthen the safety of sophisticated aircraft.

The rise in VVIP and world leaders’ global movement also demand enhanced countermeasure equipment for their security. This has increased the use of modern countermeasure systems in non-military aircraft like private jets. Moreover, stringent regulations for airspace security are also anticipated to drive the growth of the directed infrared countermeasure market.

The deployment costs for DIRCM systems are significantly high, especially for unmanned aircraft that require highly sophisticated I.R. countermeasure systems with complex designs, which increases the equipment price and the deployment cost. Therefore, high deployment costs can be a restraining factor for the DIRCM market.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) Market

The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a crucial challenge for Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) market. The global supply chain disruptions restricted the availability of raw materials and other essential components required to manufacture DIRCM systems, reducing the production of countermeasure systems significantly. The pandemic also brought a sudden halt to innovation and further research and development projects, affecting the defense industry significantly. Furthermore, the COVID-19 relief fund and other expenditures to strengthen healthcare in the country reduced defense spending substantially for a few years.

The Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) market is segmented by component, Electro-Optical Sensor (EOS), Command and Control Unit (CCU), pointing system, and others. By platform, helicopter, turboprop, aircraft, small and medium aircraft, large aircraft, UAVs, and commercial aviation. By type, decoy bomb, jammers, and others. By geography, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

Key Insights

The report will include the following key insights:

• The report analyzes a detailed industry overview, including qualitative and quantitative information.


• The report analyzes an overview and forecast of the Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) market based on various segments.


• The report also analyzes comprehensive PEST analysis for all five regions, i.e., North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Rest of the World, after evaluating economic, social, political, and technological factors affecting the impact of the Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) market in these regions.

Regional Analysis

North America is expected to lead the Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) market during the forecast period. The market dominance is attributed to the high demand for infrared-based countermeasure systems and the presence of several key players dealing in Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) systems. The region also has the highest defense budget in the world, and a growing fleet of defense and private aircraft is also a region behind the market domination. Asia Pacific is predicted to grow significantly due to increased defense expenditure to strengthen the defense sector and rising indigenous developments. The number of VVIPs also contributes to the demand for private jets, increasing the demand for DIRCM systems.

Key Players Covered

The report covers the profiles of key players such as Rockwell Collins, Thales, WaveLink Inc., SAAB, Leonardo S.p.A., Lockheed Martin Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, BAE Systems, Elbit Systems Ltd, and others

Segmentation

Key Industry Development

In January 2023, Israel-based Elbit Systems entered a five-year in-service contract with NATO support and NSPA. The agreement includes establishing a service center to provide support and logistics for Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) systems.

• In February 2023, U.K.-based BAE Systems collaborated with Leonardo to develop an advanced military aircraft survivability solution consisting of BAE System’s common missile warning systems (CMWS) and Leonardo’s Miysis Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) System.


• In July 2022, Elbit Systems collaborated with Diehl Defense to integrate DIRCM into German Airbus A400M Atlas to make it immune to MANPADs. As per the contract, the aircraft must be equipped with three SJ-MUSIC to protect it from all directions.