Report

Global military frigates market is projected to witness a CAGR of 3.82% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 26.90 billion in 2024 to USD 36.31 billion in 2032. The global market for military frigates is transforming as countries emphasize military modernization and naval capabilities. Frigates are recognized for their flexibility as they can be effectively used in defensive operations and provide a capability response in anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. Governments worldwide are prioritizing defense investments in next-generation frigate designs, aiming to enhance naval operational efficiency through stealth technology, automated systems, and AI-enabled decision-making capabilities.
Demand for next-generation frigates will be driven by changing geopolitical tensions and maritime territorial battles, resulting from naval power being a dominant factor in regions of strategic maritime interest. The naval defense market is increasingly adopting modular construction approaches to extend platform service life and facilitate future upgrades. Concurrently, sustainability considerations and green technologies are becoming critical factors in frigate design, driven by evolving defense environmental standards.
For instance, in January 2025, Norway and France agreed to enhance their defense cooperation, concluding a letter of intent that opens the door to collaboration, including maritime surveillance. This agreement is for a multibillion-dollar frigate acquisition by the Royal Norwegian Navy on the part of France's Naval Group.
Collaborations Between Players Introducing New Opportunities in the Market
Collaborative efforts among industry players are changing market dynamics as collaborative strategies create new growth opportunities and innovation. Businesses are understanding the value of partnerships to extend their reach, increase efficiency, and shorten the time to bring products to the market. Companies can offer unparalleled solutions together that often wouldn't have been possible working independently. Collaborations foster knowledge exchange as well as improve resource efficiency, usually leading to technological advancements, improvement of products' efficiency and adaptation to diverging consumer demands and market trends. In addition, collaboration between companies can leverage their operations to be more effective, efficiently manage overall costs, and improve market share, typically driving customers to explore multiple products and provide access to new revenue sources. Ultimately, collaboration is one of the approaches available to companies when operating under complex regulatory requirements or when entering new markets.
For instance, in November 2024, Norway announced plans to develop new frigates through a strategic defense partnership, selecting an ally with shared security priorities for the High North region. The Norwegian Ministry of Defence confirmed it is evaluating four potential partner nations - France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States - for this critical naval modernization program.
Technological Advancements Drive Global Military Frigates Market Demand
Modern military frigates are more advanced than ever and are becoming even more impressive and capable military platforms in the present day. These vessels include stealth technologies to diminish detection by radar and enable them to survive in contested environments. Next-generation guided weapon systems, including automated defense platforms, are enabling modern vessels to achieve target acquisition and engagement with significantly greater speed and operational efficiency than legacy warships. The entire surface fleet of vessels has access to next-generation communication and sensor systems that allow these vessels to exchange data with operations centers and allied forces. The inclusion of AI-based automation supports strategic decision-making while providing fast answers to changing situations. Environmental considerations are being included with innovations such as hybrid systems that deliver new levels of fuel efficiency and sustainability to naval operations. Evolving global security challenges are driving military forces to pursue next-generation frigate technologies capable of countering increasingly sophisticated threats.
For instance, in April 2025, Australia, Japan, and the U.S. increased trilateral defense collaboration to enhance intelligence sharing and operational coordination in the Indo-Pacific area. Experts discuss and call for more joint contingency planning, realistic military exercises and integrated weapons production. Strengthened industrial cooperation, including possible ship purchases, could also strengthen the defense dealings between the three countries.
Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates Dominates Global Military Frigates Market Share
Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates are emerging as a dominant force in the military frigates market, driven by increasing maritime security concerns and advancements in naval technology. Countries across the globe are prioritizing ASW capabilities to counter evolving underwater threats, leading to heightened investments in specialized frigates equipped with advanced sonar systems, torpedoes, and autonomous underwater vehicles. These play a crucial role in safeguarding territorial waters, protecting strategic assets, and ensuring operational superiority in naval engagements. The growing emphasis on integrated defense systems and multi-mission versatility further strengthens the demand for ASW frigates, positioning them as essential assets in modern naval fleets. As geopolitical tensions and maritime conflicts continue to shape defense strategies, ASW frigates remain at the forefront of naval modernization efforts, reinforcing their significance in global security operations.
For instance, on 27 April 2025, Damen Shipyards Group in Galati, Romania, announced construction of six next-generation Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates for the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Belgian Naval Forces. This strategic announcement confirms that the program, aligned with the European Union's Military Capabilities Plan, commenced in the summer of 2025, with the delivery of vessels scheduled between 2028 and 2032.
Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Military Frigates Market Share
The Asia-Pacific holds the largest market share in the military frigates market as it has increased its defense spending and naval modernization requirements. Nations in the region are prioritizing advanced naval designs featuring stealth technology, autonomous systems, and enhanced combat capabilities to strengthen maritime security. Escalating geopolitical tensions and maritime disputes are accelerating demand for next-generation frigates, positioning the Asia-Pacific as a focal point for naval modernization and global maritime defense strategies. Active investment in naval defense infrastructure across the region includes frigates capable of multi-role functions (anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities) as nations expand their naval fleet and modernize to meet open maritime security obligations. Asia-Pacific navies are increasingly collaborating with domestic defense industries through indigenous shipbuilding programs. These partnerships aim to enhance naval self-reliance, boost industrial productivity, and sustain technological advancement in frigate development. In addition, frigates are enabling the integration and use of smart systems/ unmanned systems to leverage operational capabilities against any evolving threats. In conclusion, as maritime security becomes an increasingly critical priority in the Asia-Pacific, regional countries are rapidly expanding their naval fleets to strengthen operational capabilities, ensuring dominance in territorial waters and preserving strategic influence.
For instance, "In December 2024, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate equipped with advanced weapons systems. This milestone reinforces India's longstanding defense cooperation with Russia while demonstrating New Delhi's dual commitment to naval modernization and strategic international partnerships in defense technology.
Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Global Military Frigates Market
The U.S. tariffs have a large influence on global trade, affecting industries and economies as well as consumer prices. Tariffs may lead to increased production costs, as businesses have higher payables on imported raw materials and parts. Often, companies will respond to higher costs by raising prices for consumers. Tariffs significantly influence supply chain operations, sometimes disrupting supply chains and causing businesses to develop alternative sourcing plans. Sometimes tariffs promote domestic production, and the government wants to minimize foreign dependency. Tariffs can also provoke retaliatory tariffs and further aggravate trade concerns and international relations.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The global military frigate market is transforming as countries prioritize naval modernization and maritime security. Frigates are considered critical assets in any defense operation, and they are equipped with advanced technologies for multi-role combat capabilities. Growing military threats are driving demand for next-generation frigates featuring advanced stealth capabilities, autonomous operations, and AI-powered combat systems to maintain tactical superiority. The market is seeing a shift towards modular construction frameworks, which allow greater ease of upgrading and longer operational life. Defense companies are also using more eco-friendly technologies as part of the more sustainable declaration in frigate development, and to meet updated laws in defense technologies. Governments and defense contractors are working together to develop innovative solutions to solve the issues of operational efficiency and adaptability.
In September 2024, thyssenkrupp AG and NVL B.V. & Co. KG announced the plans to establish a joint venture and signed a cooperation agreement. The cooperation aims to jointly realize the construction of the MEKO A-400 AMD � a pioneering ship concept from thyssenkrupp Marine Systems that was specially developed to meet the requirements of a German Navy air defense frigate.