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Submarine Market Size

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

The submarine market, one of the marine defense sector’s primary elements, is influenced by a range of market factors that form the basis of its dynamics. Geopolitical environment is another important aspect considered in the world of defense strategies, balancing the need for defense with new global security challenges. The naval capabilities of nations deteriorate due to the escalated rivalry of countries and are intensified through the additional expenditure on submarines, which in turn, stimulates the demand in the market. Along with this, the technology wonders are the basis determining the development of the submarines market. Within the struggle of rival nations to maintain a technological advantage, the equipment needed includes submarines armed with advanced systems for propulsion, stealth and covert operations.

According to the recent prediction, worldwide submarine market is supposed to achieve a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over 3.20% and hence in the coming 2030, it is expected to reach around USD 29.2971 billion. Expanding at a significant rate, this market is estimated to undergo immense growth anticipated for the forecast period. The primary force behind this growth is the increasing demand for the Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) in the naval intelligence, mine countermeasures operations, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles.

Additionally to these considerations on economics is also submarine market. Countries with vibrant economies tend to use the greater part of their funds for defense purposes, which makes it possible for them to come up with and purchase the fastest submarines. Nevertheless, economic recessions may hinder the allocation of defense budgets thus disrupting the procurement plans and encouragimg market growth, too. In addition, the competitive arena, which involves defense contractors and manufacturers of submarines, is an additional parameter. Fierce competition ismore often than not accompanied by innovation as companies pursue orders through adoption of state-of-the-art technologies that are both cost-effective and problem-solving. Balancing the rise of the players taking over the market structures with the new entrants is one of the important dynamics of the market.

The strategies and the doctrine of naval power implemented by various countries of the world are what drive the submarine market. With the redrawing of the defense plans of the nations and the reconsideration of the maritime strategies, the entire submarine requirement may go under reshuffle. Certain states would decide to give preference to the submarines having nuclear power plants for strategic deterrence activities while others would allocate them to the coastal defenseand anti-access/area denial operations. This kind of tactical decisions result in the submarines procurement of different types and quantities which also determine the whole market scope.

Further, the cooperation and partnerships of national and international players are major factors of submarine market as well. Shared programming and cooperation at international level can cut costs, to promote proficiency and to ensure interoperability. On the other side, geopolitics uncertainties and divergent national interests will probably prevent cooperation, hence countries will negotiate to do their own submarine development programs independently. Such elements give much more complexity and volatility to the submarine market.

Covered Aspects:

Report Attribute/Metric Details
Market Size Value In 2022 USD 23.5 Billion
Market Size Value In 2023 USD 24.252 Billion
Growth Rate 3.20% (2023-2030)

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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