The company will showcase its full range of microbolometer solutions for drones and anti-drone systems at the Eurosatory 2026 trade show,
June 15-19 (Booth C155) 

Grenoble, June 10, 2026 - As nations accelerate their defense capabilities and combat doctrine continue to evolve, demand for infrared detectors is growing exponentially. This poses a real challenge for companies in the infrared sector: ramping-up production on a large scale. To address these challenges, LYNRED is expanding its operations with its new “CAMPUS”, and bringing its production capacity to one million bolometers. 

LYNRED already offers a wide product range that meet the needs of the drone market, including the ATTO640 sensors and the ATI640 cores, which are already available in large quantities. 

In addition, in 2026, LYNRED launched YOCTO1024, its 8.5-micron pixel pitch microbolometer, optimized for SwaP applications, and delivering high-quality imagery for enhanced DRI performance.

LYNRED is also working on a solution to improve the detection and tracking of fast-moving targets, without compromising image quality or detail. 

LYNRED will showcase its full range of drone and counter-drone microbolometer solutions at Eurosatory 2026, taking place from June 15 to 19 in Paris (Hall 5A – Booth C155).

A strategic industrial investment to support growing demand

To sustain this growing demand, LYNRED has recently upgraded its industrial capabilities through the CAMPUS project, representing an investment of €100 million.

The company has doubled the size of its state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities, expanding from 4,000 to 8,000 square meters, creating a unique industrial site in Europe dedicated to infrared technologies.

“Thanks to Campus, we are able to meet this global demand by producing competitively in large volumes, while remaining at the forefront of technological advancements toward smaller pixel pitches and high resolution,” said Hervé Bouaziz, Executive President of LYNRED.

A rapidly expanding market driven by new drone applications

According to the Military UAS Sector Study released by Teal Group, the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) market is projected to grow from USD 13 billion in 2026 to USD 30 billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) close to 10%. 

As a result, operational requirements are evolving rapidly. Armed forces are seeking lighter, more compact systems capable of operating in all conditions (including night, fog, and low visibility) while maintaining long-range detection capabilities and high image quality.

To address these needs, ATI640 modules are currently ramping up for large-scale production for drone applications and are already generating strong interest among drone manufacturers worldwide. 

ATI640 is a ready-to-use thermal imaging core designed to simplify and accelerate integration into optronic systems. Featuring an embedded MIPI interface for mobile platforms (with an optional USB interface available) the module is delivered with a dedicated SDK compatible with both Windows and Linux environments, enabling seamless integration into customer systems. 

Based on LYNRED’s best-in-class 640x480, 12µm pixel pitch sensor, ATI640 combines high performance with an optimized SWaP-C design (small Size, low Weight, low Power consumption, low Cost). Weighing only 15 grams in its core version without optics and measuring just 24 x 24 mm, the module is particularly well suited for compact drone applications. 

Available with or without optics, ATI640 offers three lens options, including a 33° HFOV optic specifically adapted for C-UAV applications. Calibrated for shutterless operation, the module ensures uninterrupted video streaming while advanced image processing algorithms deliver excellent image quality without compromising SWaP-C requirements. Its 60Hz frame rate enables smooth video footage and efficient tracking of fast-moving targets. 

Faster sensors to track moving threats

Given the widespread use of drones and the variety of applications (small drones, tactical drones, or loitering munitions), the requirements for detection and interception systems have also evolved: stakeholders are seeking faster and more cost-effective equipment. The same applies to missile requirements, where production costs can be disproportionate to their mission.

In this context, LYNRED is currently developing a new version of its ATTO1280 (12 µm) microbolometer detector featuring a pixel with a reduced thermal time constant (halved, from 12ms to 5ms). 

This fast response enables the detection and tracking of fast-moving objects while maintaining a higher level of detail and blur-free thermal imaging (compared to a standard pixel). 

The low thermal constant detector’s ability to generate more detailed and contrasted images of moving objects increases the confidence score (approximately +30% in preliminary tests) when using embedded AI. Sharper images enhance AI performance and improve the reliability of its interpretation scores. By providing more accurate data, they enable better automatic target detection, faster decision-making, and support the development of more autonomous systems.

This type of application is particularly relevant for UAV or counter-UAV (C-UAV) use cases but also paves the way for new applications: helmet-mounted systems for soldiers combining IR fusion and intensifiers, threat detection systems, driver’s assistance, machine vision and thermography.

“Through these innovations, LYNRED positions itself as a key partner for drone manufacturers by offering a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to their diverse applications. We are also strengthening the connection between artificial intelligence and our sensors to remain at the forefront of these technologies and continue delivering sovereign solutions designed and manufactured in Europe.” - Nadia Souhami, Director of LYNRED’s Bolometer Products Division. 

About LYNRED

LYNRED, alongside its subsidiaries LYNRED USA and New Imaging Technologies (NIT), is a global leader in designing and manufacturing high quality infrared technologies for aerospace, defense and commercial markets. It has a vast portfolio of infrared sensors that covers the entire electromagnetic spectrum from near to very far infrared. Its products are at the center of multiple military programs and applications and are key components in many top brands in commercial thermal imaging equipment sold across Europe, Asia and North America. LYNRED is the leading European manufacturer for IR detectors deployed in space.   

www.lynred.com 

Press contact

Virginie Raison - Oxygen

+33 6 65 27 33 52

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