What Clear Align does

Clear Align is a privately held optical engineering and systems integration company founded in 2003 that designs and manufactures AI-enabled Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems and integrated C5ISR solutions for U.S. defense and security customers. The company's product portfolio spans multi-band infrared cameras (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) and visible-spectrum payloads, stabilized gimbal systems, pan-tilt-zoom positioners, precision lenses including the INSPIRE SWIR and Featherweight NIR/SWIR families, and integrated systems such as the VZ-1200 series MWIR wide-area surveillance system (launched 2022) and the Mamba autonomous surveillance platform (launched 2024). At the system level, the Tactical Security System (TSS) combines infrared cameras, radar, AI, ground sensors, thermal imaging, command and control, and secure communications into a modular, deployable architecture for base and perimeter security. All optical components are produced in-house via a vertically integrated manufacturing footprint spanning Pennsylvania and Nashua, NH, with AS9100(D) certification supporting design, fabrication, and integration of EO/IR payloads for military ground, naval, and air defense operations.

The company generates revenue primarily through multi-year sole-source and competitive contracts with U.S. defense agencies — including the Air Force Security Forces Center, U.S. Army, and Department of Homeland Security — and through subsystem and component sales to defense prime contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Honeywell, and L3 Communications. Distribution is direct enterprise field sales with no retail or consumer channel, and more than 30,000 Clear Align systems have been fielded worldwide across 27+ countries. Major contract milestones include a $199 million seven-year sole-source Air Force TSS contract awarded in 2025, an eight-figure ground vehicle EO/IR imaging optics contract also awarded in 2025, and an ongoing follow-on airborne EO/IR gimbal payload development program. The company is led by founder, Chairman, and CEO Angelique X. Irvin, who has held the role since inception and testified before the House Committee on Small Business in 2007 on small-business innovation in defense.

Name

Clear Align

Legal name

Clear Align LLC

Website

https://clearalign.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Clear Align is a privately held defense technology company founded in 2003 that designs and manufactures AI-enabled electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems, multi-band infrared cameras, and integrated C5ISR surveillance solutions for the U.S. Air Force, Army, Department of Homeland Security, and major defense prime contractors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors & Targeting Systems (IMABAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD), Optical & Light Sensors (Photodiodes/ALS/Color/UV) (HDAHALAE), Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination) (IMAGAFAB)

Keywords

• Defense electro-optical systems
• Infrared imaging cameras
• C5ISR surveillance solutions
• Precision optical manufacturing
• Counter-UAS sensors

Headquarters

HQ city

Eagleville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Defense Hardware Sales: Sale of EO/IR systems, cameras, sensors, and integrated C5ISR solutions to U.S. defense agencies and defense prime contractors. Revenue is project-based with multi-year contract structures for development and production programs.
2. Government Defense Contracts: Multi-year sole-source and competitive contracts with U.S. Air Force, Army, and Department of Homeland Security for surveillance systems, perimeter security, and border monitoring. Includes the $199M seven-year TSS contract and eight-figure ground vehicle EO/IR contracts.
3. Follow-on Development Contracts: Follow-on contracts for continued development and production of specialized EO/IR systems for airborne, ground, and maritime platforms, demonstrating land-and-expand dynamics within defense programs.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Clear Align designs, manufactures, and integrates AI-enabled Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems, thermal imaging cameras, stabilized gimbal payloads, and C5ISR solutions for U.S. defense and aerospace customers. The company combines visible, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR sensor bands with embedded AI and sensor fusion across air, land, maritime, and space domains, and also offers vertically integrated precision optical design, fabrication, and contract manufacturing services.

Product overview

Clear Align is a defense technology company offering a vertically integrated portfolio of AI-enabled EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) systems and C5ISR solutions. The core product lines include C5ISR systems and EOIR systems, supported by specialized cameras (MWIR thermal imaging cameras, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, stabilized gimbal payloads), positioners, laser products, lenses, and accessories. Notable product families include the VZ-1200 series MWIR wide-area surveillance systems (launched 2022) for long-range persistent surveillance, and the Mamba autonomous surveillance system (launched 2024) for portable, cost-effective perimeter security. The TSS (Tactical Security System) provides a modular, rapidly deployable integrated sensor package for base and perimeter security. The company also offers a full spectrum of design and manufacturing services including systems engineering, optical design, optics manufacturing (aspheres, spheres, domes, prisms, mirrors, flats/windows, free-form/custom, multi-element), build-to-print, metrology, and thin film coating — all vertically integrated from optical fabrication through AI-enabled sensor integration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• C5ISR Systems Scalable, adaptable Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems integrating EO/IR payloads, radar, communications, and embedded AI for defense architectures across air, land, maritime, and space domains. For U.S. defense agencies and prime contractors.
• EOIR Systems Electro-Optical/Infrared systems combining visible, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR payloads with AI for multi-band infrared surveillance, detection, tracking, and classification of objects (drones, vehicles, personnel) in all visibility conditions. For defense and aerospace customers.
• Tactical Security System (TSS) Modular, scalable, rapidly deployable ground-based tactical security and surveillance system integrating infrared cameras, radar, AI, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, thermal imaging, ground sensors, fence sensors, command and control, portable operations centers, secure radio/data/satellite links, and rapid-deployment kits. For U.S. Air Force Security Forces and similar base/perimeter security operators.
• Mamba Autonomous Surveillance System Portable border and perimeter security system consisting of autonomous command and control, cameras, AI, radar, and other sensors with autonomous identification and tracking of targets. A more cost-effective alternative to the VZ-1200 series for modular, rapidly deployable ground-based tactical security. For border and perimeter security operators.
• VZ-1200 Series MWIR Surveillance System Medium-wave infrared (MWIR) multimodal wide-area surveillance system for long-range persistent-surveillance applications including perimeter security and border control. Features advances in MWIR camera design, material science, optical coatings, optical component fabrication precision, and mechanical design for detection, recognition, and identification at long ranges. For defense and homeland security customers.
• INSPIRE High-Performance SWIR Lenses Pre-engineered, ultra-lightweight SWIR lenses with F-numbers as low as 1.0, athermalized performance from -20°C to +60°C, and proprietary coatings. Designed for night vision, search and rescue, infrared tracking, and man-portable/UAV applications. For defense, aerospace, and commercial imaging integrators.
• Featherweight NIR/SWIR Lenses Ultralight near-infrared and short-wavelength infrared optics designed for man-portable and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications. For defense, aerospace, and UAV integrators.
• MWIR Thermal Imaging Cameras High-definition medium-wave infrared thermal imaging cameras providing exceptional image clarity and low-latency performance for border surveillance, counter-UAS, ground vehicle targeting, airborne ISR, and space imaging applications. For defense agencies and prime contractors.
• Positioners Precision pan-tilt-zoom positioners and stabilized gimbal platforms for mounting EO/IR cameras on ground vehicles, aircraft, and maritime platforms, enabling multi-axis stabilization and fluid motion control. For defense and aerospace platform integrators.
• Laser Products Laser-based optical systems and components for defense and aerospace applications, complementing the company's EO/IR sensor portfolio.
• Lenses Precision optical lenses spanning UV, visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR portions of the spectrum for defense, medical, and commercial applications from terrestrial to space-grade hardware.
• Optics Manufacturing In-house precision optical fabrication services including aspheres, spheres, domes, prisms, mirrors, flats and windows, free-form and custom optics, and multi-element assemblies. Vertically integrated from optical design to manufacturing for supply chain assurance and consistent quality. For defense, aerospace, medical, and commercial customers.
• Build-to-Print Manufacturing Custom build-to-print manufacturing services for optical and electro-optical components produced to customer specifications. For defense primes and aerospace integrators.
• Systems Engineering Systems engineering services including opto-mechanical, electro-optical, FPGA, and software design capabilities for integrated defense sensor solutions. For defense and aerospace customers.
• Optical Design In-house optical design services for custom lens systems from initial concept through final qualification, leveraging expertise across UV, visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR spectra. For defense, aerospace, medical, and commercial customers.
• Thin Film Coating In-house thin film optical coating services for lenses and optical components, providing high transmission coatings and environmental protection. For defense, aerospace, and commercial optics customers.
• Metrology Precision metrology services for optical component inspection and quality assurance in support of manufacturing operations. For defense, aerospace, and commercial optics customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 30,000 systems fielded worldwide for ISR and security applications
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• MSI Defense SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 September 2023Clear Align was selected to provide high-definition MWIR thermal imaging cameras (VZ 600) to MSI Defense Systems for integration into the TERRAHAWK PALADIN counter-UAS mobile air defense system. The partnership enables seamless integration with MSI-DS's C2 system and SATOS director for multi-role defense capabilities against UAS and air targets.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Teledyne FLIR: Teledyne FLIR is a leading manufacturer of thermal imaging cameras, EO/IR sensors, and integrated surveillance solutions for defense, security, and industrial markets. Its Star SAFIRE, Recon, and airborne/ground EO/IR product lines directly compete with Clear Align's MWIR cameras, VZ-1200, and gimbal payloads across counter-UAS, ISR, and perimeter security programs.
• Leonardo DRS: Leonardo DRS produces advanced EO/IR sensors, infrared imaging modules, and integrated surveillance systems for U.S. military ground, naval, and air platforms. Its sensor and target-acquisition business competes directly with Clear Align's EO/IR and C5ISR portfolio in ground-vehicle targeting and defense surveillance applications.
• Elbit Systems: Elbit Systems is a global defense electronics company with strong EO/IR product lines including the Bright Arrow and Coral family of thermal imagers, gimbals, and counter-UAS payloads. It is a direct international peer in airborne gimbals, ground-vehicle targeting, and integrated surveillance.
• HENSOLDT: HENSOLDT is a European defense sensor house producing radar, EO/IR, and electronic warfare systems for military and security customers. Its SERO, EuroFLIR, and ground-based EO/IR lines are highly comparable to Clear Align's MWIR/SWIR payloads, perimeter security, and airborne ISR product lines.
• Exosens (formerly Photonis Defense): Exosens is a specialist in image intensifier tubes, SWIR/MWIR/LWIR detectors, and EO/IR components for defense and security applications. It is a direct peer in infrared sensor components and subsystems that compete with Clear Align's vertically integrated optics-and-sensor stack.
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems: Rafael is an Israeli defense company with a strong EO/IR portfolio including the Litening and Reccelite airborne pods, Spotlite ground surveillance, and Trophy counter-UAS technologies. It is a direct peer in EO/IR targeting, ISR, and counter-drone applications.
• CONTROP Precision Technologies (IAI): CONTROP, part of Israel Aerospace Industries, produces stabilized EO/IR gimbal cameras (e.g., SPEED, MEOS) for airborne, maritime, and ground surveillance applications. It is a direct peer in EO/IR gimbals and integrated surveillance solutions that compete with Clear Align's airborne EO/IR camera payloads and perimeter security product lines.

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a large defense prime with extensive EO/IR, ISR, and integrated vision system offerings (WESCAM MX-series airborne gimbals, integrated mission systems). It is a much larger incumbent that competes with Clear Align on airborne EO/IR and C5ISR programs while also being part of the broader defense prime supplier ecosystem Clear Align serves.
• BAE Systems Electronic Systems: BAE Systems Electronic Systems segment develops advanced electronics, EO/IR sensors, and integrated defense systems for U.S. and allied military customers. It is a broader incumbent that competes with Clear Align across multiple defense EO/IR and surveillance programs.
• Thales: Thales is a global defense electronics company with significant EO/IR and ISR capabilities (Catherine thermal cameras, airborne optronics). It is a broad incumbent serving perimeter security, airborne ISR, and ground-vehicle targeting markets that overlap with Clear Align's portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/clear-align

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Clear Align