Hmmmm, evolution dates back to WWII Germany.
US and Brits also toyed with them, IIRC.
Germans actually fielded them on their operational aircraft and tanks in WWII. Not sure about the allies – I think pretty much post-WWII for them, IIRC, at least operationally.
Some data on-line – Wikipedia for NATO and Soviet vehicles and capabilities.
Tank thermal ranges during most of the Cold War (up to about early to mid-1980s) seem to be limited to about 1,500m range, or so.
US M-1 tanks significantly improved that capability (M60A3 too).
speculates about post-Innsmouth gaming.
