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Submarine Market Analysis

ID: MRFR//3152-CR | 140 Pages | Author: Sejal Akre| February 2023

The submarine market is a volatile and advanced sector, which works artfully with geopolitical, technological and economic cases to give a unique and interested moment to all of the parties. Submarines, at their basis, are much sought-after because they are very important in the protection of a country as well as in national is security. Among nations, the underwater capabilities gain a growing importance that allows rival countries to keep their strategic superiority on the global cusp of submarine deep-sea advances.

The market of submarine technology is driven by many factors, such as the depth of spending on the acquisition of these items. The current trend now is for many governments to earmark substantial funds to develop in-house docking capabilities for their naval forces and to increase the war behaviour capabilities of the seabed. The market pursues different customer's needs by launching submarines that have various attributes like a nuclear-powered submarines, ballistic missile submarines, etc.

The geopolitical tensions and demand for the sea control existent among the queried countries can entail the investment of maximum resources in the submarine fleets. The geo-economic movements are affected due to territorial conflicts, maritime security problems, and general geopolitical situation. For example, the countries from the region of Asia-Pacific are presently working on their submarine capabilities in the face of territorial disputes at the same time some of the European countries are devoted to establishing a strong defensive position in the Atlantic and Mediterranean sea. The unremitting need for seaward deterrence includes the demand of fast and high-tech submarines which causes the supply to be rather deficient from a quantitative point of view.

Technology, that is, the specific innovations and applications built by engineers and researchers, are the key factors responsible for the movement of the submarine market. Being the main entities in the field of defense, the defense industries remain at the forefront of development and submarines are seen using the latest tech which include, but are not limited to, advanced sonar systems, stealth technologies, and improved propulsion systems. AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) and UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles) which have also been developed lately has led to new ways of operating surveillance and reconnaissance missions which in turn have influenced the market trends. The integration of artificial intelligence and modern communication technologies increases the characteristics of the submarines in the function.

Other causes of the market reason are not only economic, but also some economic factors as well. It is expensive to create and operate navy-submarine fleet, and the countries must expend their budgets on defense to shift allocation money among branches of the armed forces 'budget within a limited budget. Nowadays, much more often than not due to the a need to share the costs and experience regarding the technologies, the countries are showing a tendency to have a joint submarine operations program. Consequently, Production procurement decisions, including the study of native manufacturing capabilities further depend on economic factors of either cost or financial support.

Additionally, the submarine market is not only about new procurement but also that of the yet sizable aftermarket for upkeep, modernization, and retrofits. As the submarines wear out, the middle life overhauls and the upgrades are inevitable to retain the performance standard of the defence fleet intact. Such arrangements tend to create opportunities for the def'se contractors and the maintenance providers to offer their services and contribute to the actors within submarine market's dynamics.

Covered Aspects:

Report Attribute/Metric Details
Segment Outlook Product Type, Operating Platforms, and Region

Global Submarine Market Overview

Submarine Market Size was valued at USD 23.5 billion in 2022. The Submarine market industry is projected to grow from USD 24.252 Billion in 2023 to USD 29.2971 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.20% during the forecast period (2023 - 2030). Increasing use of UUVs in military operations and 3D printing technology facilitates the design and creation of objects are the key market drivers enhancing market growth.Submarine Market OverviewSource: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review


Submarine Market Trends


Growing use of UUVs in military operations to boost the market growth

For naval intelligence, mine countermeasures (MCM) operations, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roles, as well as anti-submarine warfare missions, there is a steadily increasing demand for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Over the forecast period, the market is anticipated to grow due to the growing use of UUVs in military operations, such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). ROVs join the surface n. Utilizing computerized numerical control cutting, 3D printing technology helps users create and design objects in novel ways. Complex parts like missile fins, submarine parts, and guidance systems can all be printed using this technology. Its benefits include cost-effectiveness, quick design, quick internal feature changes, and just-in-time part manufacturing.


Governments worldwide are investing more in submarines to increase the capacity of their local shipyards and fill gaps in the Navy's underwater war force. Submarines come in various forms, including nuclear-powered, ballistic missiles, and others, to meet various needs. The military sector is one of the major consumers of submarines. Additionally, the demand for submarines is rising in the commercial sector, which is expected to support the market CAGR.


Additionally, American military spending is the highest in the world. With the introduction of new surface ships and submarines, the US Department of Defense is working to strengthen its naval capabilities in response to the growing threat from Russia and China. The Navy announced its long-term shipbuilding program in 2021, as part of which it would acquire two SSN submarines each year for 30 years, bringing its fleet of SSNs up to 72 submarines. Additionally, the Navy receives significant funding from the federal government. The proposed US budget for FY 2022 calls for allocating USD 6.95 billion and USD 5.03 billion, respectively, for purchasing ballistic missile submarines of the Columbia class and Virginia class. Furthermore, as part of the NextGeneration Attack Submarine (SSN(X)) project, the US Navy intends to buy new nuclear-powered submarines in 2031. Under the FY2022 budget, the Navy requested approximately USD 98 million in funding for the SSN(X) program. During the forecast period, such solid procurement strategies are anticipated to fuel market expansion in the region has enhanced the submarine market revenue across the globe in recent years.


Figure: Military spending in US (in USD billion)Military spending in USSource: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review


Submarine Market Segment Insights


Submarine Type Insights


The Submarine market segmentation is based on type nuclear powered submarine, diesel electric submarine, and ballistic missile submarine. The nuclear-powered submarine segment held the majority share in 2022 concerning the submarine market revenue. The main benefit of nuclear submarines over conventional ones is sustained high speed (for instance, more than 20 knots, or 37 km/hour). This makes it possible for the nuclear submarine to travel between locations much more quickly than traditional boats.


Submarine Application Insights


The Submarine market segmentation is based on Application; the market is segmented into Surveillance, Combat, Scientific Research, Detection of Oil Resources, Marine Environmental Monitoring, and Others. The Surveillance segment dominated the market in 2022. This is due to protect against ambushes or attacks; submarines are frequently used for surveillance. Furthermore, it is predicted that submarine demand will increase given the escalating terror threats and border disputes; these positively impact market growth.


Submarine Platform Insights


Based on platform, the submarine market data has been segmented into military and commercial. The Military segment dominated the market in 2022. The Navy is investing $21 billion over 20 years to upgrade its infrastructure. Additionally, a $21 billion, 20-year plan to upgrade the US Navy's defense infrastructure is currently in progress. Defense news reports that there are 68 submarines active in the US Navy right now. Additionally, until about 2035, the US Navy plans to begin building two to three Virginia-class attack submarines annually and roughly one Columbia-class submarine annually.


Figure 2:  Submarine Market, by Platform, 2022 & 2030 (USD Billion)Submarine Market, by Platform, 2022 & 2030Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review


Submarine Regional Insights


By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North America Submarine market accounted for USD 10.763 billion in 2022 and is expected to exhibit a significant CAGR growth during the study period. This is due to American military spending being the highest in the world. With the introduction of new surface ships and submarines, the US Department of Defense is working to strengthen its naval capabilities in response to the growing threat from Russia and China. The Navy announced its long-term shipbuilding program in 2021, as part of which it would acquire two SSN submarines each year for 30 years, bringing its fleet of SSNs up to 72 submarines. Additionally, the Navy receives significant funding from the federal government. The proposed US budget for FY 2022 calls for allocating USD 6.95 billion and USD 5.03 billion, respectively, for purchasing ballistic missile submarines of the Columbia class and Virginia class.


Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.


Figure 3:  SUBMARINE MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)SUBMARINE MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review


Europe’s Submarine market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the planned deployment of numerous submarine programs, including the Astute, Successor, Yasen, and Borei classes, which were started a few years ago. By 2028, these submarines will be anticipated to replace the UK Navy's outdated fleet of Vanguard-class vessels. The fifth German-built submarine of the German Dolphin class has been delivered to the Israeli Navy. Further, the Germany Submarine market held the largest market share, and the UK Submarine market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.


The Asia-Pacific Submarine Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. This is because of the rise of submarine investment. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the developing world has experienced the majority of  economic growth, which China, India, and other emerging economies have largely fueled. Moreover, China’s Submarine market held the largest market share, and the India Submarine market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.


Submarine Key Market Players & Competitive Insights


Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the Submarine market grow even more. Market participants are also taking a range of strategic initiatives to grow their worldwide footprint, with key market developments such as new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations. Competitors in the Submarine industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in an increasingly competitive and rising market environment.


One of the primary business strategies adopted by manufacturers in the Submarine industry to benefit clients and expand the market sector is to manufacture locally to reduce operating costs. The Submarine industry has provided medicine with some of the most significant benefits in recent years. The Submarine markets major players such as Navantia SA, Kockums AB, JSC PO Sevmash, Lockheed Martin Corp, ASC Pty Ltd, FINCANTIERI SpA, DCNS, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems AG, and General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp. and others are working on expanding the market demand by investing in research and development activities.


Navantia SA, a State-owned shipbuilder Navantia in Spain, provides its services to the civil and military sectors. With shipyards worldwide, it is the ninth-largest shipbuilder in the world and the fifth-largest in Europe. Navantia designs, constructs, and provides maintenance for all surface ships, submarines, and systems. It is the successor to the IZAR Group's 2005 separation of its military assets. Additionally, it is diversifying its product line and entering new markets, including those for offshore drilling, renewable energy, and all other kinds of services needed by the naval industry.


Also, ASC Pty Ltd For over 35 years, ASC Pty Ltd has proudly served as Australia's sole sovereign submarine builder and maintainer. In Osborne, South Australia, and Henderson, Western Australia, ASC maintains and updates the fleet of Collins Class submarines it built. The company provides the Royal Australian Navy with world-class submarine performance, backed by a supply chain predominantly made up of Australian workers. ASC is growing its staff to support exciting programs currently in progress. It's a great time to join Australia's submarine company because there are great opportunities for career advancement, above-average pay, and flexible working conditions.


Key Companies in the Submarine market include



  • Navantia SA

  • Kockums AB

  • JSC PO Sevmash

  • Lockheed Martin Corp

  • ASC Pty Ltd

  • FINCANTIERI SpA

  • DCNS

  • ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems AG

  • General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp.


Submarine Industry Developments


For instance,January 2022: To purchase three Darker class diesel submarines for the Israeli Navy, the Israeli Defense Ministry signed a contract worth EUR 3 billion (USD 3 point 4 billion) with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The first submarine is anticipated to be delivered by 2031, replacing three outdated Dolphin-class submarines.


For instance,February 2022: The 20th Virginia class submarine, the USS Oregon (SSN 793), was delivered to the US Navy by General Dynamics Electric Boat. It is the second submarine with a Block IV configuration to be given to the Navy.


For instance,February 2022: To collaborate on the research and development of submarines that will strengthen Indonesia's maritime defense, PT PAL Indonesia and the Naval Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).


Submarine Market Segmentation


Submarine Type Outlook



  • Nuclear Powered Submarine

  • Diesel Electric Submarine & Ballistic

  • Missile Submarine


Submarine Application Outlook



  • Surveillance

  • Combat

  • Marine Environmental Monitoring

  • Detection of Oil Resources

  • Scientific Research

  • others


Submarine Platform Outlook



  • Commercial

  • Military


Submarine Regional Outlook




  • North America

    • US

    • Canada




  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Rest of Europe




  • Asia-Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Rest of Asia-Pacific




  • Rest of the World

    • Middle East

    • Africa

    • Latin America



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