The global Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) Market was valued at USD 1.16 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow significantly, reaching USD 4.17 billion by 2028, with a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.80% during the 2021-2028 period. This growth is driven by increasing demand from both military and commercial sectors. AUVs are increasingly used for border patrol, oil and gas exploration, and scientific research, with sea mapping and seafloor imaging applications expected to see notable growth.
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Major Players
Some of the major players in the AUV market include:
- Fugro N.V. (Netherlands)
- General Dynamics Corporation (U.S.)
- International Submarine Engineering Ltd. (Canada)
- Kongsberg Gruppen A.S.A. (Norway)
- L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (U.S.)
- Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)
- Oceaneering International Inc. (U.S.)
- SAAB AB (Sweden)
- Teledyne Technologies Inc. (U.S.)
- Boeing (U.S.)
Market Segmentation
The AUV market is divided into several segments based on type, application, propulsion system, payload, and geography:
- Type: Large, medium, and small AUVs.
- Application: Defense, scientific research, and the oil & gas industry.
- Propulsion System: Mechanical, electric, and hybrid systems.
- Payload: Inertial navigation systems, sensors, cameras, and others.
- Geography: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa.
Market Analysis
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the AUV market, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. It uses top-down and bottom-up approaches to offer insights into product trends and market dynamics. The research includes input from primary sources such as industry stakeholders and opinion leaders, as well as secondary sources like annual reports, press releases, and regulatory filings.
Drivers and Restraints
A significant driver for the market is the growing demand from the defense sector. Governments, particularly in the U.S., are investing heavily in AUV technology for various applications including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and inspection. For example, in 2020, the U.S. Navy signed an $11.1 million contract with Boeing to enhance naval operations with AUV technology. Additionally, the oil and gas sector, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia, is expected to drive demand for AUVs due to the increasing need for natural gas and oil production.
However, challenges like uncertainty and reliability issues in communication systems could pose barriers to market growth.
Regional Insights
- Asia Pacific: This region is expected to see significant growth due to increased commercial applications, particularly in the oil & gas sector. Countries like China and India are ramping up exploration activities, and expanding naval forces in Japan, China, Australia, and India are also contributing to market growth.
- North America: The U.S. is leading the way with strong government policies supporting defense and R&D activities. The region’s market was valued at approximately USD 0.39 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow further with increased defense spending.
- Europe: The region is poised for growth due to rising oil and gas exploration activities. Countries like the U.K., France, and Germany are expected to provide lucrative opportunities for investment. Major companies like Saab AB and Kongsberg Gruppen A.S.A. are expected to expand their presence in untapped markets, and the defense sector is also likely to see increased demand for AUVs.
Competitive Landscape
The market is highly competitive, with key players focusing on expanding their product portfolios through mergers and acquisitions, new product launches, R&D activities, and technological advancements. For example, Kongsberg Maritime secured a contract in March 2021 to deliver four autonomous vessels to Norway’s Institute of Marine Research, including two Kongsberg AUVs for marine resource management. In August 2021, L3Harris Technologies demonstrated advanced underwater autonomous capabilities in collaboration with Marine Tech Systems.
