Image Intensifier Tube Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The market for image intensifier tubes is projected to expand from US$ 1,010.94 million in 2022 to US$ 1,387.54 million by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% during this period.

Image intensifier tubes are crucial components in x-ray machines, as they transform transmitted x-rays into enhanced, visible light images. Manufacturers of x-ray machines are increasingly concentrating on the innovation of sophisticated x-ray scanning systems tailored for healthcare, medical, and security sectors. Below are some notable advancements made by x-ray machine manufacturers:

• In December 2020, Arcoma AB introduced its latest Omnera 500A x-ray system to the US market. This system features intelligent automation capabilities designed to enhance workflow and efficiency while maintaining high standards of patient care.
• In March 2021, Fujifilm India Pvt Ltd unveiled a new mobile radiology system aimed at healthcare applications, which provides high-resolution imaging with reduced x-ray exposure.

The increasing acquisition of imaging devices is anticipated to sustain the demand for image intensifier tubes, thereby propelling the overall image intensifier tube market growth.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the MEA Image Intensifier Tube Market

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is home to several key manufacturers of image intensifier tube systems, such as Elbit Systems Ltd in Israel and ASELSAN AS in Turkey, which are driving the growth of the image intensifier tube market in this area. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions in the distribution of image intensifier tube systems across the region. The pandemic had a profound impact on global health systems, leading to a downturn in the image intensifier tube market due to reduced imaging usage. In 2020, the total imaging volume was recorded at 159,107, which represented a decrease of 46,698 units compared to 2019. There was a marked decline in various imaging modalities, including ultrasound, nuclear medicine, mammography, MRI, and radiology, as a direct consequence of the pandemic. This decline varied based on location, imaging type, and the timing of lockdowns.

As lockdown measures began to lift in 2021, companies within the MEA image intensifier tube market experienced a resurgence in demand for IITs and related equipment from various end users, including military, healthcare, and research sectors throughout the region.

Despite the downturn in the image intensifier tube market, some companies secured contracts for military products, which contributed positively to market growth. For example, in September 2020, Elbit Systems Ltd received a contract worth US$ 445 million from the US Army for the supply of Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular (ENVG-B) systems.

The MEA region is divided into several key markets, including Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE, and the Rest of MEA.

The region is witnessing rapid advancements in the defense sector, driven by government initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on imported defense equipment and promoting local sourcing. These initiatives are part of broader efforts by government entities to stimulate economic growth and enhance their defense capabilities, allowing them to compete on a global scale.

In 2021, the Rest of MEA accounted for the largest share of the image intensifier tube market, while the UAE is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR. The Rest of MEA includes countries such as Israel, Turkey, Oman, and Egypt, all of which have significantly increased their military expenditures in recent years. For instance, military spending in Israel, Iran, and Egypt rose by 10.37%, 35.64%, and 12.78%, respectively, in 2021 compared to 2020. This surge in military spending is directed towards acquiring advanced weaponry, vehicles, and equipment to bolster military capabilities. Additionally, rising political and border tensions are further driving military expenditures and the procurement of advanced technologies. These factors are likely to stimulate growth in the Rest of MEA image intensifier tube market. Furthermore, government initiatives aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure across Middle Eastern nations are expected to increase the demand for image intensifier tubes among medical equipment manufacturers in the region.

The UAE has seen a substantial rise in military spending over the past three years. According to SIPRI, the military expenditures for the UAE were US$ 5,700.0 million in 2019, US$ 19,800.0 million in 2020, and US$ 30,000.0 million in 2021. The UAE government is enhancing its military budget to achieve strategic autonomy and incorporate advanced technologies into its equipment and weaponry. The country has also increased its procurement of surveillance aircraft, fighter jets, and military helicopters. Additionally, the military forces are increasingly operating at night to ensure security, which has led to a heightened demand for night vision devices, including image intensifier tubes. These developments are expected to positively influence the growth of the UAE image intensifier tube market.

Key players in the image intensifier tube market include Bel Optronics Devices Ltd, ASELSAN AS, Harder Digital Ingenieur-und Industriegesellschaft mbH, Canon Electron Tubes & Devices Co Ltd, L3Harris Technologies Inc, Newcon International Ltd, Photek Ltd, Photonis Technologies SAS, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. (Hakuto Taiwan Ltd), and Elbit Systems Ltd.

The overall analysis of the image intensifier tube market has been conducted using both primary and secondary research methods. The initial phase involved extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the image intensifier tube market. This process also aimed to provide an overview and forecast of market growth across all segments. Additionally, multiple primary interviews with industry stakeholders and experts were conducted to validate the findings and gain deeper analytical insights. Participants in this research included industry professionals such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, national sales managers, and external consultants, including valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the image intensifier tube market.