DOSSIER Geopolitical Issues of Optics: A Strategic Industry

Optics, in the broad sense, is a technical and scientific field, which implies that it is a sector with major geopolitical stakes. From the manufacture of corrective lenses to the design of cutting-edge equipment for aerospace and defense, it relies on rare materials, advanced technological know-how and complex supply chains. At a time of trade tensions between major powers, mastery of optics is also becoming a key lever in global industrial and military competition.

Geopolitical Issues of Optics: an industry dependent on critical materials

The optical industry relies on specific raw materials, some of which are classified as strategic by the major powers . Rare earths and critical metals, such as yttrium, lanthanum (which increases the refractive index and reduces chromatic aberration) or praseodymium which, combined with neodymium, allows the lenses of sunglasses to be colored , are essential for the manufacture of high-index lenses, lasers and advanced optical sensors.

However, 70% of the world's production of these resources is in the hands of a single country , China, which poses supply risks in the event of trade tensions. Ultra-pure silica, essential for the manufacture of optical lenses and optical fibers, is mainly produced in the United States and Japan, increasing dependence on other industrial players.

In addition, synthetic sapphire and some special glasses play a central role in the design of high-precision optical equipment, such as military binoculars or night vision cameras. The production of these materials relies on complex processes, mastered by a few companies in Europe, the United States and Asia.

Tensions over these resources are reminiscent of those related to semiconductors. An excessive concentration of production in a few countries can become a tool of economic and strategic pressure , inciting other States to relocate certain value chains or to secure their supplies through bilateral agreements.

Optics and defense: a sector at the heart of security issues

Optics is not limited to eyeglasses and scientific instruments. It plays a key role in weaponry, intelligence, and surveillance . Modern armed forces rely on a wide range of optical technologies, from thermal binoculars and infrared cameras to high-precision sensors used for target tracking and surveillance in conflict zones.

In the space domain, spy satellites are equipped with sophisticated optical systems that allow detailed observation of enemy territory. These devices offer a crucial strategic advantage by providing real-time data on military movements, sensitive infrastructure and potential points of conflict.

Another area where optics is proving decisive is directed energy weapons . The United States, China and Russia are investing heavily in the development of military lasers capable of neutralizing missiles, drones or satellites. These advances, which rely on cutting-edge optical innovations, could redefine defense strategies in the decades to come.

Faced with these challenges, several countries are seeking to limit their dependence on foreign suppliers by favoring national champions in defense optics. In France, Thales plays a central role in the design of optical equipment for the army. In the United States, companies such as L3Harris dominate the market for advanced vision technologies. In China, the rise of companies specializing in facial recognition and surveillance demonstrates a desire for technological sovereignty.

The optical industry between globalization and industrial sovereignty

As with semiconductors or energy, several countries have become aware of their dependence on globalized supply chains in optics.

In Europe and the United States, initiatives have been put in place to encourage the relocation of certain strategic productions or the development of laboratories aimed at strengthening autonomy, this is particularly the case of EssilorLuxottica in France.

Trade tensions between major powers also have a direct impact on the optical industry. The United States has imposed restrictions on some Chinese companies specializing in military optics and facial recognition, such as Hikvision, due to alleged risks to national security. For its part, China is seeking to develop domestic alternatives to circumvent these sanctions and strengthen its technological autonomy.

At the same time, the race for innovation is transforming the sector. The miniaturization of optical sensors, the rise of connected lenses and augmented vision technologies are attracting growing interest from tech giants. Apple, Google and Huawei are investing massively in these areas, aware of the strategic potential of optics in future generations of smart devices.

The future of optics: challenges and perspectives

Optics is proving to be a key sector from a geopolitical point of view, particularly through the rise of China and Asia. Beijing is clearly displaying its ambition to become the world leader in precision optics. Massive investments are being made in photonic technologies and optical semiconductors, with the aim of reducing the country's dependence on Western suppliers.

Space exploration also presents many challenges for optics. The next generation of telescopes and interplanetary missions require major innovations in lenses, sensors and optical correction systems. Competition between space agencies and private companies is therefore likely to intensify, each seeking to push the boundaries of observation and visual analysis capabilities.

Far from being a niche sector, optics is therefore establishing itself as a strategic area for States. Between tensions over raw materials, the race for innovation and military issues, its role in international power relations is set to strengthen.

Behind an industry often perceived as purely technical, optics is proving to be a strategic lever for major powers. From the manufacture of corrective lenses to the design of cutting-edge military technologies, this sector influences the economy as well as technological sovereignty and defense. Europe, the United States and China are seeking to secure a competitive advantage in this field, which could redraw the industrial and technological balances of the coming decades.