Optex Systems

What Optex Systems does

Optex Systems Holdings, Inc. is a vertically integrated U.S. defense optics manufacturer that designs, develops, and produces precision optical sighting systems, periscopes, laser protection filters, and opto-mechanical assemblies primarily for the U.S. Department of Defense and defense prime contractors. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, the company operates through its Applied Optics Center (AOC) division in Dallas, with thin-film coating and precision assembly co-located across a 93,000 sq. ft. secure manufacturing campus that includes a ~44,000 sq. ft. coating facility housing 12 advanced coating chambers. Core products include armored vehicle periscopes for Abrams, Bradley, Stryker, AMPV, and M10 Booker platforms; M22/M24 military binoculars (300,000+ units delivered since 2002); over 1 million laser filter units fielded globally; and Diamond-Like Carbon coatings produced via Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition.

The company's underlying technology stack combines Ion-Beam Assisted Vapor Deposition for thin-film optical coatings, sub-micron precision optical alignment using active alignment and interferometric feedback, glass-to-glass and glass-to-metal bonding, and chrome-based ballistic reticle manufacturing. Optex generates revenue through negotiated government contracts, firm fixed-price purchase orders, and IDIQ contract vehicles awarded by Army Contracting Command and the Defense Logistics Agency, with FY2025 revenue of $41.3M (+21.6% YoY) and FY2026 guidance of $43–$45M. End customers include U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, DLA, and approved-supplier relationships with General Dynamics, BAE Systems, L3Harris, and Lockheed Martin; international customers include Chile, Israel, and Canada (via General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada).

The company monetizes primarily through defense hardware sales under long procurement cycles, with a small consumer/commercial segment via its Optex Outdoors brand (REACH-R Prism, Speedtracker chronograph radar). Its go-to-market is enterprise field sales tied to defense procurement, complemented by industry events such as SHOT Show and an active investor relations program. Recent strategic priorities include expansion into next-generation missile defense and space-based programs (Golden Dome), growth in night vision goggle-related optical assemblies, and selective entry into commercial/consumer optics.

Name

Optex Systems

Legal name

Optex Systems Holdings, Inc.

Website

https://optexsys.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Optex Systems is a vertically integrated U.S. defense optics manufacturer founded in 1987, producing periscopes, laser filters, and thin-film coatings for the U.S. Armed Forces and defense primes, with 300,000+ binoculars and 1M+ laser filter units fielded.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Optics and Military Optical Systems

NAICS

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

SIC

Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)

akta.pro primary industry

Optoelectronic Components (LEDs, photodiodes, optocouplers, optical sensors) (IMAGAJAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Machine Vision & Optical Sensing (Cameras, 3D vision, LiDAR, illumination) (IMAGAFAB), Optoelectronic Receivers & Transceivers (Photodetectors/Optical Modules) (HDAHALAM)

Keywords

• Defense optics manufacturing
• Precision optical systems
• Military sighting systems
• Thin-film optical coatings
• Laser protection filters

Headquarters

HQ city

Richardson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Defense Optical Sighting Systems and Assemblies: Optex generates revenue primarily through the manufacture and delivery of precision optical sighting systems, periscopes, laser protection filters, optical assemblies, and night vision components to U.S. military services and defense prime contractors. Revenue is contract and order-driven, with multi-year IDIQ contracts and firm fixed-price purchase orders. Q2 FY2026 revenue was $9.6M (10.3% YoY decline), with full-year guidance of $43–45M. FY2025 revenue was $41.3M, up 21.6% from $34.0M in FY2024.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Optex Systems manufactures precision optical sighting systems and assemblies for U.S. Department of Defense applications, including armored vehicle periscopes (Abrams, Bradley, Stryker, AMPV, M10 Booker), military binoculars (M22/M24), laser filter units, laser interference filters, and advanced thin-film optical coatings. All manufacturing is conducted at the company's 93,000 sq. ft. secure manufacturing campus in Richardson, Texas, with thin-film coating and precision optical assembly performed under one roof at the Applied Optics Center (AOC) in Dallas. The company also markets consumer/commercial optics through the Optex Outdoors brand.

Product overview

Optex Systems is a vertically integrated defense optics manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of precision optical sighting systems and assemblies primarily for U.S. military applications. The company's core products include armored vehicle periscopes (for Abrams, Bradley, Stryker, AMPV, M10 Booker), military binoculars (M22/M24), laser interference filters and Laser Filter Units (LFUs), and advanced thin-film optical coatings including Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings. Additional offerings encompass ballistic reticles, opto-mechanical assemblies, targeting systems, and specialized products for naval, airborne, and space applications including the Golden Dome missile defense program. The company also offers consumer products through its Optex Outdoors division including the REACH-R Prism for competitive shooting and Speedtracker chronograph radar. All manufacturing is conducted at the company's 93,000 sq. ft. secure manufacturing campus in Richardson, Texas, with thin-film coating and precision assembly performed under one roof at the Applied Optics Center (AOC) facility.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Optex Outdoors: International/consumer products division supporting customers abroad through established export processes and ITAR-compliant controls

Products and services

• Armored Vehicle Periscopes Precision optical periscopes and vision blocks for armored military vehicles including Abrams, Bradley, Stryker, AMPV, and M10 Booker platforms, featuring laser protection and sensor compatibility.
• Military Binoculars (M22/M24) Military-grade binocular systems including M22 (7x50) and M24 (7x28) configurations. Optex serves as prime contractor with over 300,000 units fielded since 2002.
• Laser Filter Units (LFUs) Laser filter units designed for external integration on weapon sights and spotting scopes, available in configurations ranging from 24mm to 60mm. Over 1 million units fielded globally.
• Laser Interference Filters Multi-layer laser interference filters for ENVG and next-generation sensor protection, with custom wavelength rejection for directed-energy threats, protecting human vision, CMOS/CCD sensors, and IR systems.
• Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coatings Carbon-based thin film coatings applied via Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) providing extreme surface hardness, superior abrasion resistance, hydrophobic and chemical resistance, reduced reflectivity, and enhanced infrared transmission for 3–5µm and 8–12µm IR bands.
• Advanced Optical Coatings Thin-film optical coatings including multiple-frequency laser blocking filters, anti-reflective coatings, mirrors, partial reflectors, beam splitters, and 3–5µm and 8–12µm IR coatings applied at the Applied Optics Center facility.
• Ballistic Reticles Precision ballistic reticles manufactured domestically, including chrome deposition, chrome with etched-and-filled combinations, illuminated reticles with bonded cover windows, and diffraction grating reticles.
• Opto-Mechanical Assemblies Fully integrated opto-mechanical assemblies including glass-to-glass bonding, glass-to-metal bonding, precision mechanical alignment, optical alignment and calibration, eyepiece assemblies, objective lens sets, and internal focus units.
• Muzzle Reference Sensors (MRS) Precision sensors for military targeting systems that provide muzzle reference data for enhanced accuracy.
• REACH-R Prism Precision optic for competitive marksmen that mounts directly to the scope bell, designed for .22 caliber long-range shooters to hit targets at extreme distances.
• Speedtracker Chronograph Radar Compact, portable chronograph radar that attaches to rifles and works with the Applied Ballistics app to provide shot speed, distance, and ballistic coefficients.
• Commander's Weapon Sighting System Weapon sighting systems for military vehicle commanders providing enhanced targeting capability.
• DDAN/M36 Military Sight Systems Advanced targeting and sighting systems supporting DDAN/M36 military sight configurations.
• Ship Binocular Mark III Mod 5 (BIG EYE) Naval-qualified binocular systems for maritime optical dominance, providing long-range visibility for naval ships.
• Infrared Coatings for Military Helicopter Survivability Advanced infrared coatings optimized for airborne platforms and military helicopter survivability systems.
• Advanced Infrared Optics for Military Targeting High-precision infrared optical systems for military targeting applications.
• Golden Dome Precision Optics Advanced optical assemblies, thin-film coatings, laser protection filters, and ruggedized sub-systems for next-generation missile defense architectures including space-based surveillance and targeting.
• Aiming Circle Precision aiming devices for land navigation and targeting applications.
• Precision Optical Alignment and Bonding Services Sub-micron positioning precision optical alignment with advanced alignment techniques including active alignment and interferometric feedback, combined with controlled bonding processes for thermal and mechanical stress resistance.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50,000+ periscopes delivered with 0% warranty claims
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• General DynamicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGeneral Dynamics is a major defense prime contractor and a key customer/supplier relationship. Optex supplies optical sighting systems and assemblies for General Dynamics programs including Abrams and Stryker vehicle platforms. The relationship is long-term and multi-program.
• Lockheed MartincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLockheed Martin is listed as an approved supplier and partner. Lionel Liebman, Director of Optical Engineering at Optex, previously held senior roles at Lockheed Martin including Senior Manager of Strategy and Business Development and EO design staff research engineer.
• BAE SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBAE Systems is listed as an approved supplier to major defense primes. Optex's optical components and assemblies are incorporated into BAE Systems defense programs.
• L3Harris TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerL3Harris is listed as an approved supplier to major defense primes. Optex supplies optical systems incorporated into L3Harris defense and security solutions.
• Raytheon (RTX Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRaytheon is both a key technology partner and talent source. Lionel Liebman (Director of Optical Engineering) and Brian Bushnell (Director of Optical Coatings Technology) were recruited from senior roles at Raytheon. Bill Bates, GM of Applied Optics Center, also has prior experience at L-3 Communications (now L3Harris).
• University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) LaboratoriesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOptex is collaborating with UTD laboratories to develop full in-house reticle manufacturing processes, part of a three-pronged strategy to establish domestic U.S. supply sources for chrome and chrome/etched reticle plates.
• U.S. Department of Defense / U.S. GovernmentcoreOthersPrimary customer and partner. Optex operates as a defense contractor holding IDIQ contracts and receiving direct awards from Army Contracting Command and Defense Logistics Agency. Products support U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and defense-wide programs. U.S. Government shutdowns and procurement delays have been cited as factors affecting revenue timing.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris manufactures night vision devices, optical assemblies, and laser protection systems for U.S. and allied militaries. As an approved customer/supplier partner of Optex and a producer of competing Enhanced Night Vision Goggle platforms, it is a direct peer in defense electro-optics.
• Leonardo DRS: Leonardo DRS supplies electro-optical and infrared sensing systems, vehicle-mounted sights, and defense electronics to U.S. and allied customers. CEO Chad George's prior role as VP of Operations at Leonardo DRS makes it a particularly relevant direct peer in military sighting systems.
• Teledyne FLIR: Teledyne FLIR manufactures thermal imaging, night vision, and optical sensor systems for military and commercial applications. Its EO/IR camera and sighting product lines compete directly with Optex in vehicle-mounted and dismounted soldier optics.
• Optics Balzers: Optics Balzers is a specialty manufacturer of thin-film optical coatings and components serving defense, laser, and sensor applications. Its coating-focused product line directly competes with Optex's Applied Optics Center offerings.

Broad incumbents

• RTX Corporation (Raytheon): Raytheon manufactures high-energy laser systems, EO/IR sensors, and precision optical components for defense applications. It is a key talent source for Optex (Liebman, Bushnell) and a broader incumbent with overlapping capabilities in laser protection and targeting optics.
• BAE Systems: BAE Systems is a major defense prime that integrates optical assemblies into vehicle and ground combat platforms. As an approved Optex customer/supplier partner and a producer of competing sighting and survivability subsystems, it is a broad incumbent peer.
• Lockheed Martin: Lockheed Martin produces EO/IR systems, missile defense sensors, and targeting optics across multiple platforms. As both a customer of Optex and a competing supplier of optical subsystems, it is a broad incumbent in the defense optics value chain.
• General Dynamics Mission Systems: General Dynamics integrates optical sighting systems into Abrams, Stryker, and LAV platforms and is both a key Optex customer and a competing integrator of vehicle-mounted optics. It is a broad incumbent across ground combat electro-optics.
• Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman manufactures precision optics, laser systems, and sensor payloads across space, missile defense, and ground combat domains. It is a broad incumbent peer with overlapping capabilities in advanced optical coatings and EO/IR assemblies.
• Coherent Corp: Coherent Corp manufactures advanced optical materials, IR optics, and laser components used in defense, aerospace, and industrial sensing. It is a broader incumbent serving many of the same defense and laser system integrators as Optex.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/optex-systems-inc.

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors

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 Optex Systems