What HGH Infrared Systems does

HGH Infrared Systems is a French electro-optics company founded in 1982, headquartered in the Paris-Saclay technology cluster and operating across three divisions: Wide Area Surveillance, Electro-Optical Test Equipment, and Industrial Thermography. Its Wide Area Surveillance line centers on the SPYNEL family of 360-degree thermal imaging cameras paired with CYCLOPE video analytics software and the newer GAIA AI platform, which incorporates three patent-pending neuronal networks for automated threat detection across visible and infrared spectra. The Electro-Optical Test division supplies blackbody calibration sources, collimators, and complete test benches — including vacuum-compatible variants for space sensor simulation — while the Industrial Thermography line provides process-monitoring cameras for energy and industrial operators.

The company sells into defense, security, space, energy, and research end markets, with named customers including the French Armed Forces and DGA, defense primes (MBDA, Atlas Elektronik, BAE Systems), energy majors (TotalEnergies, Shell, Technip), and space/research institutions (ESA, JPL, ONERA, Fraunhofer). Distribution reaches 100+ countries via representatives in 50+ countries. Approximately 45% of staff are engineers across optics, mechanics, electronics, and software, and HGH reinvests 20% of revenue in R&D. Revenue has grown at more than 15% annually. Since Carlyle Group's 2018 investment, the company has scaled production at its Igny site, opened a UAE office (2022), appointed Vincent Leboucher as President (2021), and launched the GAIA AI platform to layer recurring software value on top of its installed hardware base.

Name

HGH Infrared Systems

Legal name

HGH

Website

https://hgh-infrared.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

HGH Infrared Systems is a French electro-optics company founded in 1982 that designs panoramic infrared surveillance cameras, AI-based threat detection software, and precision EO test/calibration equipment for defense, security, space, energy, and research customers in 100+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems

NAICS

Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515), Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing (334517)

SIC

Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), X-Ray Apparatus & Tubes & Related Irradiation Apparatus (3844)

akta.pro primary industry

Optical & Light Sensors (Photodiodes/ALS/Color/UV) (HDAHALAE)

Keywords

• Infrared thermal imaging
• Electro-optical test equipment
• Wide area surveillance
• Blackbody calibration sources
• Optical collimators

Headquarters

HQ city

Igny

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Wide Area Surveillance Systems: Sale of SPYNEL panoramic thermal cameras and CYCLOPE/GAIA software for defense, security and critical infrastructure protection applications. Includes hardware (cameras) and software licensing/support.
2. Electro-Optical Test Equipment: Sale of blackbody calibration sources, collimators, test benches and INFRATEST software for camera manufacturers, research labs and test centers worldwide.
3. Industrial Thermography Products: Thermal scanners and cameras for monitoring high-temperature industrial processes including cement, steel, waste-to-energy applications.
4. Maintenance and Support Services: Technical assistance, training, software updates/upgrades, and warranty extension services for installed base.
5. Laboratory Services: Calibration and measurement services including IR source calibration, EO system qualification testing (MRTD, NETD, MTF, distortion, EFL, TOD).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

HGH designs, develops and manufactures electro-optical and infrared technology products across three divisions: Wide Area Surveillance (panoramic thermal cameras like SPYNEL with CYCLOPE software and GAIA AI for threat detection), Electro-Optical Test (blackbody calibration sources, optical collimators, and test benches for IR sensor and camera testing), and Industrial Thermography (thermal scanners for monitoring high-temperature processes). Products are designed, developed and manufactured in-house at French facilities for defense, security, industrial, and research customers worldwide.

Product overview

HGH Infrared Systems is a provider of electro-optical systems organized into three business divisions: Wide Area Surveillance (WAS), Electro-Optical Test (EOT), and Industrial Thermography (ITH). The WAS division centers on the SPYNEL camera family (SPYNEL-X, SPYNEL-S, SPYNEL-U, SPYNEL-M, SPYNEL-F) combined with CYCLOPE software for threat detection and GAIA AI for classification, all manageable through CYCLOPE HYPERVISOR for multi-site operations. The EOT division provides blackbody calibration sources (DCN1000, TwiN1000, PCN, CN-37, RCN, ECN100 series including vacuum-compatible variants), optical collimators (IRCOL, OPAL, OPALIN), test benches (NV-2500, BIRD Test Bench), integrating sphere sources (ISV series), precision test targets, and INFRATEST software for automated electro-optical testing. The ITH division offers KILNSCAN and PYROSCAN thermal monitoring solutions for industrial processes. The company operates as a single unified platform with specialized product lines serving defense, security, industrial, and research markets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SPYNEL: Panoramic thermal cameras for wide area surveillance (SPYNEL-X, SPYNEL-S, SPYNEL-U, SPYNEL-M, SPYNEL-F)
• CYCLOPE
• GAIA
• KILNSCAN
• PYROSCAN
• INFRATEST
• DCN Series
• ECN Series
• RCN Series
• IRCOL
• OPAL
• OPALIN

Products and services

• SPYNEL-X 360-degree panoramic thermal camera with MWIR Megapixel FPA sensor delivering up to 120 MPixels resolution. InfraRed Search & Track (IRST) system for military and civil surveillance with detection range up to 12.5 km for vehicles and 9 km for humans.
• SPYNEL-S 360-degree panoramic thermal camera with MWIR 640x512 FPA sensor providing up to 30 MPixels resolution. Infrared Search & Track system for wide-area surveillance with detection capabilities up to 6 km for humans and 10 km for vehicles.
• SPYNEL-U Visible and infrared panoramic surveillance camera combining uncooled LWIR FPA with visible sensor. Dual-mode imaging for day and night operations with 360-degree coverage, offering up to 100 MPixels visible and 10 MPixels infrared resolution.
• SPYNEL-M Compact and portable panoramic thermal camera weighing 1.8 kg. 360-degree coverage updated every second with low power consumption (5W), designed for rapid deployment and mobile surveillance operations.
• SPYNEL-F Lightweight situational awareness thermal camera with 180-degree field of view and continuous staring capability. 10 Hz video frame rate with integrated digital stabilization, designed for USV collision avoidance and maritime surveillance.
• CYCLOPE Advanced image processing software analyzing panoramic images from SPYNEL cameras in real-time. Provides automatic intrusion detection, tracking and classification of unlimited ground/air/maritime threats with ultra-low False Alarm Rate.
• GAIA AI Module Artificial intelligence module for automatic threat classification using three patent-pending neuronal networks for maritime, land and air surveillance. Integrated into SPYNEL solutions for enhanced detection and real-time classification of various target types.
• DCN1000 High-performance low-temperature blackbody source for infrared sensor calibration. Temperature range from -40 to +200°C with extended emissive areas up to 300x300mm, featuring fastest temperature regulation on the market.
• TwiN1000 Dual-surface infrared blackbody with two independently controlled emissive surfaces for precise calibration. Enables fast temperature transitions in one second, ideal for production testing environments requiring dynamic thermal testing.
• RCN Series High-temperature cavity blackbody series with temperatures up to 1350°C. Features CoolSpeed technology for reduced cooling times and high spatial uniformity for calibrating thermal imagers, pyrometers, and SWIR to LWIR cameras.
• ECN100 High-temperature blackbody source operating from ambient +5°C up to +600°C with large emissive areas up to 1000x1000mm. Features micro-grooved surface for high emissivity.
• IRCOL Collimators Mirror-based optical collimators for characterization and performance validation of electro-optical systems. Compatible with visible to FIR cameras, night vision devices, thermal imagers, and laser rangefinders with large aperture without central obstruction.
• OPAL Collimator Portable precision collimator for maintenance of military electro-optical devices. Clear aperture 100mm with field of view greater than 2.2 degrees, featuring differential operating mode for range measurement.
• OPALIN Portable test bench for precise maintenance of weapon sights, thermal imagers, combined rifle scopes and missile seekers. Compact and rugged design for laboratory and field applications with integrated infrared and visible sources.
• NV-2500 Automated test system for night vision devices including monocular and binocular goggles. Performs all standard JVN tests with best-in-class repeatability and automated MTF measurements.
• INFRATEST Turnkey electro-optical software for measuring optical performances of visible to IR cameras, laser rangefinders and multi-axis sighting systems. Controls all HGH test equipment for automated testing.
• Test Targets Precision targets for infrared and visible systems testing including MRTD, USAF1951, 4-bar, knife-edge, distortion, and harmonization patterns for optical alignment and spatial resolution measurement.
• ISV Integrating Sphere Sources Integrating sphere-based sources for visible, NIR, and SWIR calibration. Adjustable luminance/radiance with ultra-high stability, real-time monitoring, and calibration traceable to international primary standards.
• Laboratory Calibration & Measurement Services Calibration and measurement services including IR source calibration, EO system qualification testing (MRTD, NETD, MTF, distortion, EFL, TOD) for camera manufacturers, research labs and test centers worldwide.
• KILNSCAN Industrial thermal scanner for monitoring rotary kilns in cement, lime, and minerals processing. Provides continuous temperature monitoring for predictive maintenance and process optimization.
• PYROSCAN Industrial thermal scanning camera for high-temperature process monitoring in cement production, steel, and waste-to-energy applications including rotary kiln and clinker cooler monitoring.

Quantifiable outcome

• SPYNEL-X replaces up to 90 HD MWIR cameras with single 360-degree panoramic camera achieving 120 Megapixel resolution
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

AI capability5 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• GICAN (Groupement des Industries Françaises de Défense et de Sécurité Terrestres et Navales)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench land defense and security industry association. HGH membership reflects commitment to the defense sector and enables collaboration with major French defense contractors.
• GICAT (French Land Defence & Security Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench land defense and security association. HGH participates in GICAT's CSR commission for sharing and contributing to collective improvement of practices.
• Institut Optique Graduate SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrestigious French graduate school in optics and photonics. University partnership program supports training of future professionals and reinforces relationship between company and scientific community.
• Photonics FranceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational photonics industry association in France.
• Systematic Paris-RegionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean competitiveness cluster for digital, software, and systems engineering based in Paris-Saclay region.
• LYNREDcoreTechnology or IntegrationLeading French infrared detector manufacturer. Strategic technology partnership for infrared sensors used in HGH surveillance cameras.
• ONVIFcoreTechnology or IntegrationOpen Network Video Interface Forum. HGH SPYNEL cameras are ONVIF compliant for effective communication with other IP sensors and security systems.
• IndigoVisionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVideo management system integration partner.
• Edge GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUAE-based defense and security company. Electro-Optics Centre of Excellence (EOCE) providing specialized vibration testing.
• Milkor Pty LtdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African defense manufacturer for potential distribution in African markets.
• ENS (École Normale Supérieure)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerElite French higher education institution. University partnership supporting research collaboration and future talent development in electro-optics.
• Université Paris-SaclaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor French university with strong physics and engineering programs. HGH R&D center is located in the Paris-Saclay area enabling close collaboration.
• Région Île-de-FranceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional government of Greater Paris area supporting technology companies and innovation.
• Business FranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFrench agency supporting international business development and export promotion.
• DGA (Direction Générale de l'Armement)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench defense procurement agency and major customer for test equipment and surveillance systems.
• Electro Optical Industries (EOI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany acquired by HGH in 2016, expanding capabilities in electro-optical test solutions.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves13 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Excelitas Technologies: Excelitas is a photonics and sensor technology company offering infrared detectors, electro-optical test equipment, and imaging systems. It directly overlaps with HGH's electro-optical test business (blackbodies, calibration) and infrared sensing component supply.
• Axis Communications: Axis Communications is a global leader in network security cameras and video surveillance for the security and critical infrastructure market. It competes with HGH for perimeter security, airport, port, and critical infrastructure programs, though primarily in visible-light rather than thermal imaging.
• Jenoptik: Jenoptik is a German photonics and optical systems company serving industrial, semiconductor, and defense markets. It is comparable in optical test equipment and infrared imaging components, with overlapping customer profiles in industrial metrology and research labs.
• CONTROP Precision Technologies: CONTROP is an Israeli defense electro-optics specialist offering panoramic thermal cameras and IRST solutions for homeland security and military applications. It directly competes with HGH's SPYNEL product line for naval, coastal, and perimeter surveillance contracts globally.
• Teledyne FLIR: Teledyne FLIR is the dominant thermal imaging vendor globally across defense, security, industrial, and government segments. It is the most direct competitor to HGH's SPYNEL panoramic MWIR cameras in the wide-area surveillance and perimeter security market, and competes across HGH's full product portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a large US defense prime with significant electro-optical, infrared, and surveillance capabilities across military and homeland security. It is a broad incumbent competing with HGH for defense EO contracts, particularly in the US and allied markets.
• Thales: Thales is a major French defense and aerospace prime with a broad electro-optics portfolio spanning IRST, optronics, and surveillance systems. While it serves overlapping defense customers, Thales operates at much larger scale and competes for end-to-end programs rather than HGH's niche panoramic focus.
• Leonardo: Leonardo is a global defense and aerospace prime offering electro-optical sensors, IRST systems, and surveillance solutions across land, naval, and air domains. It is a broad incumbent competing with HGH for defense EO programs, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.
• Safran Electronics & Defense: Safran is a major French defense electronics and optics provider with electro-optical and infrared surveillance capabilities. It is a broad incumbent and a key French defense competitor for both surveillance programs and the test/metrology equipment domain.

Emerging players

• Tonbo Imaging: Tonbo Imaging is an Indian defense imaging company specializing in thermal imaging, night vision, and surveillance systems for military applications. It is an emerging player in the same thermal imaging defense category as HGH, with growing international presence in Asia-Pacific markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HGHInfraredSyst
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hgh-infrared-systems
• Facebookfacebook.com/HGHInfrared

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 HGH Infrared Systems