Fiber lasers and amplifiers are widely used in intelligent manufacturing, life and health, new generation of information technology, national defense, and military fields. In addition, active optical fibers are key materials for fiber lasers and amplifiers. This study reviews the research progress of key active optical fibers in the infrared band (including near infrared 1.0 μm, 1.3–1.5 μm, and mid infrared 2.0–3.0 μm) and analyzes the research status and development trend of active optical fibers both in China and abroad from the perspectives of gain coefficient, gain bandwidth, and application of special fibers. Moreover, it explores the problems faced by China in this field, including a low localization rate of production equipment and lack of high-end industrialized products, and puts forward the key development strategies, directions, and goals of key active optical fibers in China. Furthermore, we propose several suggestions from the aspects of basic theoretical innovation, sustainable industrial development, policy system construction, high-tech products, circular development of the entire industry chain, and personnel training, thereby promoting the high-quality and rapid development of key active optical fibers in China.