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    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market

    ID: MRFR/A&D/9606-CR
    128 Pages
    Sejal Akre
    July 2024

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market Research Report By Type (Remotely Operated Vehicles [ROV], Autonomous Underwater Vehicles [AUV]), by Class (Man portable (10-20 Hours Endurance), Lightweight (20-40 Hours Endurance), Heavy-Weight (40-80 Hours Endurance) and Extra Large (More Than 80 Hours Endurance), by Depth Capacity (Depth Up to 100 Mts, Depth Up to 1000 Mts and More than 1000 Mts), by Speed (Less than 5 Knots and More than 5 Knots), By Power Source(Conventional Batteries and Fuel Cells), by Application ( Military & Defense/Secu...

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    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market Infographic
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    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market Summary

    The Global Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market is projected to grow significantly from 4.91 USD Billion in 2024 to 24.2 USD Billion by 2035.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Key Trends and Highlights

    • The market is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.59% from 2025 to 2035.
    • By 2035, the market valuation is anticipated to reach 24.2 USD Billion, indicating robust growth potential.
    • In 2024, the market is valued at 4.91 USD Billion, reflecting the increasing demand for unmanned underwater technologies.
    • Growing adoption of unmanned underwater vehicles due to advancements in marine exploration is a major market driver.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size 4.91 (USD Million)
    2035 Market Size 24.2 (USD Million)
    CAGR (2025-2035) 15.59%

    Major Players

    Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, Boeing, General Dynamics Corporation, exail Technologies, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Saab AB, Atlas Maridan, L3 Harris, International Submarine Engineering Limited, Boston Engineering, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII), HYDROMEA, Oceaneering International, Inc., Advanced Navigation

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market Trends

    INCREASE IN MODULARITY OF THE PRODUCT

    The expansion in measured quality of automated submerged vehicle (UUV) items addresses a huge progression in their plan and usefulness. Secluded UUV plans permit administrators to tailor vehicles for explicit missions by choosing and incorporating fitting sensors, instruments, and payloads. This adaptability improves flexibility across different applications, from logical exploration to safeguard tasks. Payload frameworks consider the mix of different sensors (e.g., sonars, cameras, natural sensors) and instruments custom-made to explicit mission goals, like planning, studying, or investigation undertakings. Battery packs and power board frameworks improve energy capacity limit and length.

    They enable quick battery swaps or support extended missions, minimizing downtime between operations. Situational awareness and operational control are improved by upgradeable communication systems and navigation modules. High level route sensors and situating advances further develop UUV independence and precision submerged. Expanded Reach with Novel Power Frameworks: MIT spinout Untamed Waterpower (OWP) fostered an aluminum-water power framework that furnishes UUVs with a ten times expansion in range contrasted with conventional lithium-particle batteries. These frameworks permit UUVs to investigate further sea areas, map the sea floor, and direct examination.

    Progressions in AUV Innovation: Independent Submerged Vehicles (AUVs) work autonomously with direct human info. They investigate our seas without being fastened to a boat, making them ideal for remote ocean research. AUVs come in different sizes, from a couple of kilograms to huge number of kilograms and can arrive at profundities of up to 6,000 meters or more.

    The increasing demand for unmanned underwater vehicles is driven by advancements in marine research, environmental monitoring, and national security applications, reflecting a broader trend towards automation in challenging underwater environments.

    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market Drivers

    Market Growth Projections

    The Global Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market Industry is projected to experience substantial growth over the coming years. With a market value of 4.91 USD Billion in 2024, the industry is expected to expand significantly, reaching 24.2 USD Billion by 2035. This growth trajectory indicates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.59% from 2025 to 2035. Such projections reflect the increasing adoption of UUVs across various sectors, including defense, marine research, and environmental monitoring. The anticipated growth underscores the importance of UUVs in addressing contemporary challenges in underwater exploration and resource management.

    Growing Military Applications

    The Global Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market Industry is significantly influenced by the growing military applications of UUVs. Defense organizations worldwide are increasingly adopting these vehicles for surveillance, reconnaissance, and mine detection operations. For instance, the U.S. Navy has integrated UUVs into its naval operations, enhancing its underwater capabilities. This trend is likely to continue as nations prioritize maritime security and invest in advanced technologies. The military sector's demand for UUVs is expected to contribute to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.59% from 2025 to 2035, reflecting the strategic importance of these vehicles in modern warfare.

    Technological Advancements in UUVs

    Technological advancements play a pivotal role in shaping the Global Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market Industry. Innovations in sensors, navigation systems, and communication technologies enhance the capabilities of UUVs, making them more efficient and versatile. For example, advancements in autonomous navigation allow UUVs to operate in complex underwater environments with minimal human intervention. Such improvements not only increase operational efficiency but also reduce costs associated with underwater missions. As these technologies continue to evolve, they are likely to attract investment and drive market growth, potentially leading to a market valuation of 24.2 USD Billion by 2035.

    Rising Demand for Marine Exploration

    The Global Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market Industry experiences a surge in demand driven by the increasing need for marine exploration. As nations seek to understand their marine resources better, the utilization of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) becomes essential. These vehicles facilitate the collection of data on oceanic conditions, marine life, and underwater geology. For instance, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration emphasizes the importance of UUVs in conducting oceanographic research. This growing interest in marine exploration is projected to contribute to the market's expansion, with the industry expected to reach 4.91 USD Billion in 2024.

    Environmental Monitoring and Conservation Efforts

    Environmental monitoring and conservation efforts significantly drive the Global Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market Industry. UUVs are increasingly employed in monitoring marine ecosystems, assessing the impact of climate change, and conducting biodiversity studies. Organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme advocate for the use of UUVs in marine conservation initiatives. By providing critical data on underwater habitats, UUVs facilitate informed decision-making for environmental protection. This growing emphasis on sustainability and conservation is expected to bolster market growth, as stakeholders recognize the value of UUVs in safeguarding marine environments.

    Increasing Investment in Research and Development

    Investment in research and development is a key driver of the Global Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market Industry. Governments and private entities are allocating substantial resources to enhance UUV technologies and expand their applications. For instance, various countries are funding initiatives aimed at developing next-generation UUVs capable of performing complex tasks autonomously. This focus on innovation not only improves the functionality of UUVs but also opens new avenues for their use in various sectors, including oil and gas exploration, scientific research, and environmental monitoring. As R&D efforts intensify, the market is poised for robust growth.

    Market Segment Insights

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Type Insights

    Based on type, the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market has been segmented into Remotely Operated Vehicles [ROV] and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicles accounted for the largest market share in 2023. ROVs are remotely operated underwater vehicles linked to a surface ship or platform. A tether is used to convey the necessary power, data, and commands. Human operators can, in this case, interface with the ROV to conduct activities ranging from inspection, maintenance, and repair activities to seafloor-mapping operations, among many others.

    The ROVs are usually equipped with cameras, manipulator arms, and several sensors to interact with the underwater environment and perform complex tasks. The tethered connection makes this possible, enabling the operator to directly control the movements and actions of the ROV—again, appropriate for situations where human surveillance and intervention must be real-time.

    FIGURE 2: UNMANNED UNDERWATER VEHICLE (UUV) MARKET, BY TYPE, 2023 VS 2032 (USD MILLION)

    Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database, and Analyst Review

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Class Insights

    Based on Class, the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market has been segmented into Man portable (10-20 Hours Endurance), Lightweight (20-40 Hours Endurance), Heavy-Weight (40-80 Hours Endurance) and Extra Large (More Than 80 Hours Endurance). In 2023, Man portable (10-20 Hours Endurance) accounted for the largest market share. The Small, light, and easily carried, man-portable UUVs are readily deployable and quickly run in a wide range of underwater environments. Being less than 100 lb in weight, these vehicles are taken and launched by a single person or small team.

    With an endurance of 10-20 hours, man-portable UUVs are optimum for coastal and harbor surveys, object detection and identification, and rapid response operations. They can reach areas other crafts cannot even think of due to their small size and good manoeuvrability; therefore, they are an excellent asset for the military, business, and even science.

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Depth Capacity

    Based on Depth Capacity, the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market has been segmented into Depth Up to 100 Mts, Depth Up to 1000 Mts and More than 1000 Mts. More than 1000 Mts accounted for the largest share in Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market in 2023. Unmanned Underwater Vehicle with a depth capacity surpassing 1000 meters are constructed for the most difficult and extreme underwater environments. These vehicles are designed to endure the high pressure and difficult conditions in the deep sea, frequently reaching depths of thousands of meters.

    Their specialized buoyancy systems, high-powered propulsion, and strong construction guarantee safe and reliable operation at significant depths. These unmanned underwater vehicles are commonly employed for activities like deep-sea investigation, recovering wrecks and artifacts, and conducting advanced scientific studies. Highly skilled operators and support teams are needed to ensure successful missions in the extreme depths of the ocean, often deploying from specialized research vessels or offshore platforms.

    Get more detailed insights about Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market Research Report — Global Forecast till 2032

    Regional Insights

    By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and South America. North America consists of the U.S, Canada, and Mexico. The United States is leading North America in gaining control of the unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) market, owing to top UUV manufacturers and large spending in marine defence and research. The region's UUV sector is expanding because to superior technology, a large defence budget, and a focus on marine security.

    The United States has an affluent UUV ecosystem that promotes innovation and collaboration, with key manufacturers like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics, and Teledyne Technologies. These businesses, known for their strong research and development capabilities and major market influence, are currently developing sophisticated UUVs for both defence and commercial applications.

    Europe region consists of UK, Germany, France, Rest of Europe for the study. The growth of the UUV market in Europe has been gaining momentum in recent times, driven in part by growing underwater exploration and defence and security applications coupled with environmental monitoring. Europe is also a significant hub in the development and deployment of UUVs since some of the leading manufacturers and several research institutions are based there. The key market leaders in this include the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. Such countries are leading heavy investors in the development of advanced technologies in UUVs.

    The Asia-Pacific region offers a growth opportunity market for unmanned underwater vehicles. With increasing defence budgets, heightened maritime security concerns, and reduced costs by the development of underwater technology, prospects for the UUV market in the Asia-Pacific region are looking bright across the forecast period. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia are making huge investments in developing and inducting UUVs for a variety of applications including oceanic exploration, marine research, and naval operations.

    FIGURE 3: UNMANNED UNDERWATER VEHICLE (UUV) MARKET SIZE BY REGION 2023 VS 2032

    UNMANNED UNDERWATER VEHICLE (UUV) MARKET SIZE BY REGION 2023 VS 2032

    Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database, and Analyst Review

    Further, the major countries studied in the market report are the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, and India.

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    The Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market is characterized by the presence of many global, regional, and local vendors. The regional market is highly competitive, with all the players continually competing to gain a larger market share. The vendors compete based on reliability, cost, product quality, and aftermarket services. Therefore, vendors must provide cost-effective and efficient products to survive and succeed in a competitive market environment.

    The growth of the vendors is dependent on market conditions, government support, and industrial development. Thus, the vendors should focus on expanding their presence and improving their services. According to MRFR analysis, the growth of the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market is dependent on market conditions.

    The key vendors in the market are Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, Boeing, General Dynamics Corporation, exail Technologies, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Saab AB, Atlas Maridan, L3 Harris, International Submarine Engineering Limited, Boston Engineering, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII), HYDROMEA, Oceaneering International, Inc., Advanced Navigation are some of the major players in the market. These players focus on expanding and enhancing their product portfolio and services to remain competitive and increase their customer base. Additionally, these players are focusing on partnerships & collaborations to expand their business and customer base to enhance their market position.

    Key Companies in the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market market include

    Industry Developments

    • Q2 2024: Thales and Cellula Robotics sign partnership to develop autonomous underwater vehicles Thales announced a strategic partnership with Cellula Robotics to jointly develop advanced autonomous underwater vehicles for defense and commercial applications, aiming to enhance underwater surveillance and mine countermeasure capabilities.
    • Q2 2024: Ocean Aero secures $20 million Series B funding to expand unmanned underwater vehicle production Ocean Aero raised $20 million in Series B funding to scale up manufacturing of its unmanned underwater vehicles, targeting increased demand from defense and energy sectors.
    • Q2 2024: Kongsberg Maritime wins contract to supply HUGIN autonomous underwater vehicles to Royal Australian Navy Kongsberg Maritime was awarded a contract to deliver multiple HUGIN autonomous underwater vehicles to the Royal Australian Navy, supporting their underwater surveillance and mine detection operations.
    • Q3 2024: Teledyne Marine launches new G3 autonomous underwater vehicle with extended battery life Teledyne Marine introduced its G3 autonomous underwater vehicle, featuring enhanced battery capacity and advanced navigation systems for long-duration oceanographic missions.
    • Q3 2024: Saab opens new underwater robotics facility in Gothenburg Saab inaugurated a new manufacturing and research facility in Gothenburg dedicated to the development and production of unmanned underwater vehicles for military and commercial use.
    • Q4 2024: L3Harris Technologies acquires Dive Technologies to expand unmanned underwater vehicle portfolio L3Harris Technologies completed the acquisition of Dive Technologies, strengthening its unmanned underwater vehicle offerings for defense and offshore energy customers.
    • Q4 2024: U.S. Navy awards $50 million contract to Boeing for Orca Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle program Boeing received a $50 million contract from the U.S. Navy to advance the Orca Extra Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle program, focusing on autonomous long-range missions.
    • Q1 2025: Hydromea announces partnership with TotalEnergies for subsea inspection using autonomous underwater drones Hydromea entered a partnership with TotalEnergies to deploy its autonomous underwater drones for subsea infrastructure inspection in offshore oil and gas fields.
    • Q1 2025: Bluefin Robotics secures $15 million investment to accelerate development of next-generation unmanned underwater vehicles Bluefin Robotics raised $15 million in new investment to support R&D and commercialization of its next-generation unmanned underwater vehicles for defense and scientific research.
    • Q2 2025: ECA Group wins contract to supply A18-M autonomous underwater vehicles to Indonesian Navy ECA Group was awarded a contract to deliver A18-M autonomous underwater vehicles to the Indonesian Navy, enhancing their underwater mine countermeasure capabilities.
    • Q2 2025: Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries unveils prototype unmanned underwater vehicle for deep-sea exploration Mitsubishi Heavy Industries revealed a prototype unmanned underwater vehicle designed for deep-sea exploration, targeting applications in resource mapping and environmental monitoring.
    • Q3 2025: Fugro launches new Blue Essence uncrewed surface vessel with integrated underwater drone capability Fugro launched the Blue Essence uncrewed surface vessel, equipped with integrated underwater drone technology for autonomous subsea inspection and data collection.

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Industry Developments

      • In April 2024, Kongsberg's HUGIN Endurance AUV, developed by Kongsberg Discovery, has completed factory acceptance testing, marking a breakthrough in underwater exploration. This long-range AUV boasts unmatched capabilities, with a 15-day operating time and 2,200 km range, enabling comprehensive surveys of vast underwater areas - a significant leap forward for oceanographic research, defense, and commercial applications.
      • In March 2024, Hydromea introduced EXRAY - an advanced underwater inspection ROV with proprietary LUMA wireless technology - at Oceanology International in London. The LUMA system enhances efficiency and speed for inspection and monitoring of submerged assets, transforming the landscape of underwater operations.

    Future Outlook

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market Future Outlook

    The Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market is poised for robust growth at 15.59% CAGR from 2024 to 2035, driven by advancements in technology, increased defense spending, and environmental monitoring needs.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Develop AI-driven autonomous navigation systems for enhanced operational efficiency.
    • Expand into renewable energy sector by providing underwater inspection services.
    • Leverage partnerships with research institutions for innovative underwater exploration technologies.

    By 2035, the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Market is expected to achieve substantial growth, solidifying its critical role in various sectors.

    Market Segmentation

    Depth Capacity Outlook

    • Depth Up to 100 Mts
    • Depth Up to 1000 Mts
    • More than 1000 Mts

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Type Outlook

    • Remotely Operated Vehicles [ROV]
    • Autonomous Underwater Vehicles [AUV]

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Class Outlook

    • Man portable (10-20 Hours Endurance)
    • Lightweight (20-40 Hours Endurance)
    • Heavy-Weight (40-80 Hours Endurance)
    • Extra Large (More Than 80 Hours Endurance)

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Speed Outlook

    • Less than 5 Knots
    • More than 5 Knots

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Regional Outlook

    North America
    • US
    • Canada
    • Mexico

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Application Outlook

    Military & Defense/Security
    • Border Security & Surveillance
    • Anti-Submarine Warfare
    • Illegal Monitoring
    • Mine Countermeasures

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Power Source Outlook

    • Conventional Batteries
    • Fuel Cells

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/Metric Details
    Market Size 2023 USD 4,351.0 million
    Market Size 2024 USD 4,912.2 million
    Market Size 2032 USD 15,656.6 million
    Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 15.6 % (2024-2032)
    Base Year 2023
    Market Forecast Period 2024-2032
    Historical Data 2019- 2022
    Market Forecast Units Value (USD Million)
    Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    Segments Covered Type, Class, Depth Capacity, Speed, Power Source, Application and Region
    Geographies Covered Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America
    Countries Covered US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, U.K., Italy, France, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa Brazil, Argentina, and Others.
    Key Companies Profiled Teledyne Technologies Incorporated.       Boeing  General Dynamics Corporation            exail Technologies          Lockheed Martin Corporation        Saab AB       Atlas Maridan          L3 Harris         International Submarine Engineering Limited            Boston Engineering            Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII)           HYDROMEA            Oceaneering International, Inc.      Advanced Navigation         Others
    Key Market Opportunities  Incorporation of advanced technologies in AUVs        Technical advancements in sensors and imaging systems
    Key Market Dynamics  Rising need for continuous surveillance of submerged ocean areas         Increasing demand for underwater robots from the military & defence verticals

    FAQs

    How much is the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market?

    The Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market size is expected to be valued at USD 4,351.0 Million in 2023.

    What is the growth rate of the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market?

    The global market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.6% during the forecast period, 2024-2032.

    Which region held the largest market share in the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market?

    North America had the largest share of the global market.

    Who are the key players in the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market?

    The key players in the market are Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, Boeing, General Dynamics Corporation, exail Technologies, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Saab AB, Atlas Maridan, L3 Harris, International Submarine Engineering Limited, Boston Engineering, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII), HYDROMEA, Oceaneering International, Inc., Advanced Navigation and Others.

    Which Type led the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market?

    The Remotely Operated Vehicles [ROV] type dominated the market in 2023.

    Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market Research Report — Global Forecast till 2032 Infographic
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