Introduction: Navigating the Competitive Waters of the Submarine-Launched Missile Market
The submarine-fired missile market is experiencing a time of unprecedented competition, as technological developments and changes in defence strategy are driving competition in the market. In the market, the key players are the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the defence contractors and the new AI start-ups. They are deploying the latest technological developments in the form of advanced data analytics, automation and the integration of IoT. The OEMs are focused on increasing the precision and reliability of their missiles, while the IT companies are concentrating on improving the operational efficiency of the command and control systems. The trend towards greener defence solutions is also driving the operators of the infrastructure to invest in new sustainable solutions. The increasing tensions in the world are creating opportunities for growth in the regional markets, especially in Asia-Pacific and Europe, where strategic deployments are expected to increase significantly in the next two years. Strategic decision-makers need to understand these market drivers in order to respond to the challenges of the market.
Competitive Positioning
Full-Suite Integrators
These vendors offer comprehensive solutions encompassing design, development, and integration of submarine-launched missile systems.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| General Dynamics |
Robust defense capabilities and innovation |
Integrated missile systems |
North America, Europe |
| Boeing |
Advanced aerospace technology expertise |
Missile systems and platforms |
Global |
| Lockheed Martin |
Leading in defense technology and systems |
Missile defense systems |
North America, Europe, Asia |
| Northrop Grumman |
Innovative solutions in defense and aerospace |
Advanced missile systems |
North America, Europe |
Specialized Technology Vendors
These vendors focus on specific technologies or components critical to submarine-launched missile systems.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Kongsberg Gruppen |
Expertise in maritime technology |
Guidance and control systems |
Europe, Asia |
| Rafael Advanced Defense Systems |
Cutting-edge defense technology |
Missile systems and technologies |
Middle East, Europe |
| MBDA |
Strong European defense collaboration |
Missile systems and solutions |
Europe, Asia |
| Raytheon Technologies |
Leading in missile technology and systems |
Defense and missile systems |
Global |
Infrastructure & Equipment Providers
These vendors supply the necessary infrastructure and equipment to support submarine-launched missile operations.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Huntington Ingalls Industries |
Expertise in shipbuilding and defense |
Submarine construction and maintenance |
North America |
| Thales Group |
Strong focus on defense and security |
Naval systems and equipment |
Global |
| L3Harris Technologies |
Innovative communication and electronic systems |
Defense communication systems |
North America, Europe |
| Navantia |
Expertise in naval shipbuilding |
Submarine and naval systems |
Europe, Latin America |
| ABBMT Group |
Advanced maritime technology solutions |
Marine systems and equipment |
Global |
| Saab |
Innovative defense and security solutions |
Submarine systems and technologies |
Europe, Asia |
Emerging Players & Regional Champions
- Kongsberg Industrie (Norway): Specializes in advanced missile systems such as the NSM and the JSM. Recently won a contract from the Royal Norwegian Navy for improved submarine capabilities, and is challenging established suppliers such as Raytheon and Lockheed Martin with its cost-effective, technologically advanced solutions.
- Navantia (Spain) — This company specializes in the development of submarine-launched missiles, particularly the submarine-launched anti-ship missile (SLASM). It has recently entered into several projects with the Spanish Navy for modernization. It complements the established players by offering the local knowledge and the tailored solution.
- It has been in the forefront of the development of the Brahmos missile, a submarine-launched missile, and it has recently launched the Brahmos-2, which has further enhanced India’s strategic deterrence.
- The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, a government-owned enterprise in India, has developed indigenous submarine-launched missiles. It has signed agreements with the Indian Navy for next-generation missile systems. It is competing with the established foreign players in this field, and has been successful in its bid for a number of Indian Navy projects.
Regional Trends: By 2023, the trend was toward a notable increase in regional self-sufficiency in submarine-based ballistic missiles, especially in Europe and Asia. In other words, a growing number of countries were investing in indigenous technology to reduce their dependence on foreign suppliers. Furthermore, the integration of advanced technology such as artificial intelligence and hypersonics into missile systems was resulting in a diversification of products and increased competition among emerging players.
Collaborations & M&A Movements
- Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems entered into a partnership to develop next-generation submarine-launched missile systems, aiming to enhance their competitive positioning in the defense sector amidst increasing global military spending.
- Northrop Grumman acquired Orbital ATK's missile division in 2023 to strengthen its portfolio in submarine-launched missile technologies, thereby increasing its market share in the defense industry.
- Raytheon Technologies and General Dynamics collaborated to create advanced missile guidance systems for submarine-launched platforms, focusing on improving accuracy and effectiveness in response to evolving military threats.
Competitive Summary Table
| Capability | Leading Players | Remarks |
|---|
| Guidance Systems |
Lockheed Martin, Raytheon |
The guidance system of the Trident II is the most advanced of its kind, and its accuracy and reliability have been proven by a series of successful test firings. The fusion of the technology of the Global Positioning System and the inertial guidance systems developed by Raytheon has given the Trident II a precise and highly accurate guidance system. Moreover, there are continuous improvements being made to this system. |
| Payload Versatility |
Northrop Grumman, Boeing |
Northrop Grumman’s missile systems are designed to carry a variety of warheads, both conventional and atomic, which allows them to be employed for strategic purposes. Their development of the AGM-86C/D cruise missile demonstrates the adaptability of the payloads to various mission profiles. |
| Stealth Technology |
General Dynamics, Thales Group |
General Dynamics has incorporated advanced stealth features in its submarine-launched missiles, which greatly reduce their radar cross-section. This is confirmed by successful stealth operations. The innovations in low-observability of Thales improve the resistance of these systems against modern detection systems. |
| Launch Platform Integration |
Naval Group, Huntington Ingalls Industries |
Naval Group’s submarines are designed for perfect integration with all types of missile systems, thereby ensuring operational readiness. Huntington Ingalls Industries has developed a system of standardized and easily upgradable modules. |
| Cybersecurity Measures |
L3Harris Technologies, SAIC |
L3 - Encryption and threat detection in the missile systems. SAIC's focus on communication security and data integrity has been verified in military exercises which have demonstrated resistance to cyber threats. |
Conclusion: Navigating Competitive Waters in 2023
Submarine-Launched Missile Market 2023 is characterized by intense competition and significant fragmentation. Both the old and new players compete strategically. The main regional trends are towards enhanced capabilities in the areas of AI, automation and self-sufficiency, as the countries are looking for advanced technologies to strengthen their defense systems. The old players are relying on their experience and the existing production system, while the new entrants are focusing on flexible and adaptable solutions that can be easily adapted to changing geopolitical conditions. The ability to integrate advanced technology is a key factor for those players who want to take the lead in the market. In order to be able to effectively manage the complexities of the market, it is important to allocate resources to these capabilities.
