NEWTOWN, Conn., Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Military demand for electro-optical systems is tipped to remain high through 2022, accounting for $13.5 billion in development and production spending.
According to market analysis firm Forecast International, 296,036 units of major electro-optical systems will be produced by manufacturers over the next 10 years. The period of 2013 through 2017 will account for about 156,561 units.
"The next several years should see steady production of the Raytheon-produced VAS-5 Driver's Vision Enhancer," the company said in its report, "The Market for Land and Sea-Based Electro-Optical Systems." "This production will be spread among other services in the U.S. military, including the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Special Operations Command.
"Raytheon is also at work completing a $25.4 million contract for the Foreign Military Sale of the DVE to the Saudi Arabian National Guard.
"Night Vision devices will also continue to see high demand in the years ahead. Driven by ongoing demand by the U.S. Army for a wide range of advanced surveillance systems, the PSQ-20 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle will be produced in relatively steady numbers through the rest of the decade."
Producers of sea-based electro-optical system will see high demand through 2022 as navies increase emphasis on surveillance and defense against small sea-based threats – such as small boat swarms, the report said.
