Infrared thermal wave imaging detection technology has the advantages such as high efficiency, large detection area, and non-contact operation, making it widely used in the field of damage detection and evaluation of new materials in aviation and aerospace. This study introduces the principle, implementation approach and applicable conditions of typical infrared thermal wave imaging detection technology, covering various typical infrared thermal wave detection techniques such as pulse infrared thermal imaging, phase-locked infrared thermal imaging, frequency modulation thermal wave imaging, ultrasound assisted infrared thermal wave imaging, eddy current excitation infrared thermal wave imaging, and infrared thermal wave tomography imaging. In addition, the article also explores the current development status of infrared thermal wave non-destructive testing technology in the aerospace field, and lists practical application cases. Finally, this paper analyzes the main challenges faced by infrared thermal wave nondestructive testing technology and outlines its future development trends. The technology is evolving toward diversified excitation sources, intelligent detection, and deeper information integration: excitation sources will develop from single photothermal excitation to multi-physics collaborative excitation incorporating ultrasound, laser and electromagnetic methods; the detection process will integrate novel imaging technologies with artificial intelligence algorithms to achieve precise identification of subtle defects; information processing will leverage multi-source heterogeneous data fusion to overcome the limitations of single-technique approaches and enhance capabilities for quantitative defect detection and three-dimensional reconstruction.