Report

Global autonomous underwater vehicle market is projected to witness a CAGR of 17.32% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 1.79 billion in 2023 to USD 6.42 billion in 2031. The market is driven by rising investments in offshore oil and gas drilling and the deployment of advanced technologies for border and maritime security. Offshore energy exploration presents a significant growth opportunity. There is an increasing demand for deep-sea investigation in oceanography, propelling the growth of the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) market. Scientists and marine specialists worldwide are increasingly using such vehicles for commercial purposes, further driving the market growth.
On the contrary, the development and integration of advanced technology in AUVs will contribute significantly to the growth of the globally autonomous underwater vehicle market during the forecast period. New vehicle and sensor innovations expand the capabilities of AUVs, while advancements in artificial intelligence improve reliability and adaptability. In the forecast years, AUVs are projected to rely on advancements in battery life, autonomy, and control capabilities. The development and integration of innovative technology into AUVs will likely give market players opportunities to increase their market revenue.
For instance, in November 2024, at the Euronaval 2024 exhibition in Paris, German firm EUROATLAS GmbH introduced its latest autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), the Greyshark, built for undersea reconnaissance and surveillance. The Greyshark can reach speeds of 10 knots and cover a range of 1,000 nautical miles, making it well-suited for operations such as protecting critical underwater infrastructure and conducting mine warfare. It can function autonomously or collaborate in swarms for more complex missions.
Rapid Technological Advancement to Drive Market Growth
The growth momentum of the autonomous underwater vehicle market is driven by rapid technological advancement. AUVs continue to improve their capability, reliability, and efficiency to open a whole new arena for exploration, defense, and resource discovery. Improved battery technology has stretched the operational range and endurance of AUVs to operate for days or weeks without recharging. This increased endurance allows for longer submersion time for deep sea searches or extended monitoring operations. Some major improvements in autonomous underwater vehicles relate to the technologies involved in the navigation and communication systems. Advances in sonar and GPS technology give more precise underwater navigation, which is important when complex operations are involved, such as seabed mapping or offshore oil and gas drilling operations.
For instance, in September 2023, Beam (Rovco Ltd.), launched the first AI-led autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) at the Seagreen offshore wind farm in Scotland. The AI-led AUV autonomously performs intricate underwater work, such as jacket structure inspections with no human intervention, thus making it more efficient and cost-effective.
Rising Demand for Marine Exploration to Drive Market Growth
The growing demand for marine exploration contributes significantly to the global autonomous underwater vehicle market, spurred by the need to uncover and manage underwater resources. Oil and gas, mining, and scientific research industries require advanced technologies to reach deep-sea environments in an efficient and safe manner. AUVs provide low-cost alternatives for surveying, mapping, and investigating underwater habitats. As governments and businesses prioritize sustainable practices and resource management, the need for AUVs in marine exploration is expected to rise, resulting in increased innovations and investments in marine exploration.
For instance, in January 2024, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Goa, India, launched an autonomous underwater vehicle, C-bot, to enhance coral reef surveillance. The robot can travel up to 200 meters underwater and is the first step towards building a capable underwater vehicle scanning the depth of the Indian Ocean. It will aid the Indian Navy in bathymetry studies, plotting navigation channels, and locating hydrothermal vents.
Increased Demand for AUVs for Border and Coastal Security to Drive Market Growth
Governments are focusing on opportunities to improve their maritime monitoring and surveillance against illegal fishing, smuggling, and possible incidents of terrorist activities. AUVs are highly cost-effective and pragmatic means of underwater reconnaissance of vast coastal areas and other subsea activities. Sensors and capabilities of AUVs can acquire real-time data in the field, hence improving the response and effectiveness of operations. As a result, AUVs have become popular among the military, navy, and coastal security agencies associated with underwater operations. The US Navy deploys such vehicles for mine countermeasures (MCM), intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, inspection/identification (ID), and anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Mounting security concerns will likely spur investment in AUV coastal and border protection technologies and expand the sector market.
For instance, in November 2024, Direction generale de l'armement (DGA) selected Thales S.A. and Exail SAS to supply 16 Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) for the French Navy's mine warfare program. The enhanced A18-M AUV will be fitted with the SAMDIS 600 sonar, specialized in detecting naval mines in deeper waters. Known for its long-range accuracy and autonomous features, this AUV will strengthen mine countermeasure operations. The collaboration aims to improve efficiency and enhance the security of France's coastal and border defense.
Torpedo Shape Segment to Dominate Market Share
The torpedo shape segment dominated the share of the autonomous underwater vehicle market. Its hydrodynamical efficiency and wide applicability have made this shape suitable for a number of underwater applications. It minimizes drag, allowing it to navigate underwater quickly. Design efficiency helps expedite agile underwater operations involving deep-sea exploration, surveillance, or environmental monitoring. These torpedo-shaped AUVs can readily navigate difficult underwater terrains and can be launched from ships, aircraft, and helicopters with minimal modification, thus greatly enhancing their capability. Their proven performance in the military and commercial sectors further solidifies their market leadership. As technological advancements continue to enhance their functionalities, the demand for torpedo-shaped AUVs is expected to grow, driving market expansion.
For instance, in June 2023, Italian company Graal Tech Srl debuted the X300 MCM Compact - a torpedo-shaped autonomous underwater vehicle. The product features a rear bi-directional thruster propulsion system with two units, with a length of less than 1.7 meters, 155 mm in diameter, weight less than 20 kg, and depth and speed ratings of 300 meters and 4 knots, respectively. It is powered by a 1,200 Wh Li-ion battery package that yields 8 to 10 hours of operation.
North America to Dominate Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Market Share
North America holds the highest market share of the global autonomous underwater vehicle market, driven by significant investments in defense, research, and technological innovation. The region is home to key players and advanced research institutions, facilitating the development of cutting-edge AUV technologies. Increased military spending on underwater surveillance and reconnaissance and growing oil and gas exploration activities further fuel market growth. Additionally, environmental monitoring initiatives and academic research programs are expanding the use of AUVs. This combination of factors positions North America as a leader in the AUV market, with strong demand across multiple sectors ensuring sustained growth.
For instance, in August 2024, Anduril's advanced Extra-Large Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (XL-AUV), the Ghost Shark, arrived in the United States for the first time, expanding its testing capabilities. Initially deployed in Australia, this milestone allows for simultaneous testing on the sides of the Pacific. The vehicle was flown to the United States via a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A, demonstrating its rapid deployment capabilities.
Future Market Scenario (2024 � 2031F)
� Ongoing investments from government and private sectors, particularly in defense, research, and resource exploration, will fuel demand for advanced AUV technologies.
� Continuous innovations in AI, machine learning, and sensor technologies will enhance AUV capabilities, enabling more sophisticated applications in navigation, data collection, and real-time decision-making.
� As industries such as shipping, oil and gas, and fisheries increasingly recognize the value of AUVs for inspections and surveys, the market will expand further.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The global autonomous underwater vehicle market is characterized by continuous innovation and strategic partnerships. As demand for AUVs grows across sectors such as defense, oil and gas, and environmental monitoring, these key players are investing in R&D to enhance capabilities and address emerging challenges. The competitive landscape suggests a future marked by collaboration, technological advancements, and expanding applications for AUVs globally.
In December 2023, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Voyis Imaging, Inc., and Wavefront Systems Ltd., partnered to enhance NATO Navy's Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) with advanced capabilities. The Iver4 900 platform will integrate Voyis' Recon LS and Wavefront's Solstice 3000 multiple-aperture sonar, enhancing defense missions such as search and rescue, surveillance, mine countermeasures, and oceanography. The innovative payload, including Voyis' dynamic laser scanner and Wavefront's multi-aperture side-scan sonar, will help detect, classify, and identify mine-like objects underwater.