PortolanBearings Network · Free
Bearings Network — free public participation layer

Electro-Optical / Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors

Sensor Technology

EO/IR sensors capture imagery in the visible and infrared spectrum for detection, tracking, and identification of targets by their thermal or optical signature.

OVERVIEW

Electro-optical/infrared sensors are the workhorse imaging systems for military ISR, targeting, and situational awareness. Visible-band sensors provide daylight imagery; infrared sensors capture thermal signatures through darkness, smoke, and camouflage. Modern EO/IR turrets (MX-15, MX-25, MTS-A/B) combine multiple bands with laser rangefinders and designators. EO/IR is central to counter-UAS custody-tracking after RF or radar detection, to strike targeting, and to humanitarian missions. The industrial base spans L3Harris WESCAM, Raytheon, FLIR (Teledyne), Elbit, and a specialist tail supplying commercial UAS-sized sensors.

AT A GLANCE
Category
Sensor
Maturity
Operational
Missions
3
Programs
3
Domains: Air · Land · Sea · Space
Functions: Imaging · Detection · Targeting
Last reviewed 2026-07-23
ORGANIZATIONS USING THIS TECHNOLOGY
See all in directory →
The Bearings Network organizations directory can be filtered by technology. Follow the link above to browse verified and public-record organizations that reference electro-optical / infrared (eo/ir) sensors in their capabilities or facilities.
RELATED PROGRAMS
RELATED TECHNOLOGIES
REFERENCES
Government + academic + industry public sources
Last reviewed 2026-07-23
Bearings Network content is compiled from publicly available government, academic, and industry sources and is intended as a factual reference. Analysis, forecasts, and proprietary insights are available through Bearings.