Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Market

By Type;

Small, Medium and Large

By Application;

Military & Defense, Oil & Gas, Environment Protection & Monitoring, Oceanography, Archaeology & Exploration and Search & Salvage Operations

By Geography;

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)
Report ID: Rn160695489 Published Date: September, 2025 Updated Date: October, 2025

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Market Overview

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Market (USD Million)

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Market was valued at USD 2,222.29 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 7,037.17 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17.9%.


Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Market

*Market size in USD million

CAGR 17.9 %


Study Period2025 - 2031
Base Year2024
CAGR (%)17.9 %
Market Size (2024)USD 2,222.29 Million
Market Size (2031)USD 7,037.17 Million
Market ConcentrationLow
Report Pages317
2,222.29
2024
7,037.17
2031

Major Players

  • Boston Engineering Corporation
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • Fugro
  • General Dynamics Corporation
  • Kongsberg Maritime
  • Graal Tech Srl
  • Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
  • Eca Group
  • Saab Ab
  • International Submarine Engineering Limited

Market Concentration

Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Market

Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players


The Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) market is expanding rapidly as industries increasingly rely on these systems for deep-sea exploration and resource management. More than 55% of AUV operations are linked to offshore energy projects, emphasizing their value in oil, gas, and marine research. Their autonomous nature makes them vital for efficient and safe underwater surveys.

Growing Defense Applications
In defense, AUVs are becoming mission-critical assets for surveillance, reconnaissance, and mine countermeasures. Nearly 40% of underwater military activities now utilize AUVs, showcasing their importance in enhancing maritime security. Their adaptability across depths and environments reinforces their role in national security strategies.

Technological Innovations Driving Market Growth
Advancements in navigation, sensors, and energy systems are transforming the AUV landscape. Over 35% of the latest models are engineered for long-duration missions with greater autonomy. These improvements not only enhance accuracy but also reduce operational costs, supporting broader adoption across industries.

Widening Industrial Applications
Beyond defense, the commercial adoption of AUVs is accelerating. Around 45% of underwater inspections and surveys in industries such as infrastructure and environment monitoring rely on AUVs for precise data. Their efficiency and adaptability are positioning them as a preferred solution in multiple sectors.

Future Growth Prospects
The outlook for the AUV market remains highly promising, driven by increasing investment, research, and technological refinement. With projections suggesting that over 50% of upcoming exploration projects will integrate AUVs, the market is poised for sustained expansion and broader application.

  1. Introduction
    1. Research Objectives and Assumptions
    2. Research Methodology
    3. Abbreviations
  2. Market Definition & Study Scope
  3. Executive Summary
    1. Market Snapshot, By Type
    2. Market Snapshot, By Application
    3. Market Snapshot, By Region
  4. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Market Dynamics
    1. Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
      1. Drivers
        1. Sensor Technology Advancements
        2. Environmental Monitoring Efforts
        3. Expansion of Underwater Communication Networks
        4. Subsea Infrastructure Development
      2. Restraints
        1. Data Processing Complexity
        2. Vulnerability to Hazards
        3. Navigation Technology Limitations
      3. Opportunities
        1. Deep-Sea Mining Development
        2. Aquaculture and Fisheries Management
        3. Underwater Tourism Growth
        4. AUV Swarming Technology Development
    2. PEST Analysis
      1. Political Analysis
      2. Economic Analysis
      3. Social Analysis
      4. Technological Analysis
    3. Porter's Analysis
      1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
      2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
      3. Threat of Substitutes
      4. Threat of New Entrants
      5. Competitive Rivalry
  5. Market Segmentation
    1. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. Small
      2. Medium
      3. Large
    2. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. Military & Defense
      2. Oil & Gas
      3. Environment Protection & Monitoring
      4. Oceanography
      5. Archaeology & Exploration
      6. Search & Salvage Operations
    3. Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. North America
        1. United States
        2. Canada
      2. Europe
        1. Germany
        2. United Kingdom
        3. France
        4. Italy
        5. Spain
        6. Nordic
        7. Benelux
        8. Rest of Europe
      3. Asia Pacific
        1. Japan
        2. China
        3. India
        4. Australia & New Zealand
        5. South Korea
        6. ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
        7. Rest of Asia Pacific
      4. Middle East & Africa
        1. GCC
        2. Israel
        3. South Africa
        4. Rest of Middle East & Africa
      5. Latin America
        1. Brazil
        2. Mexico
        3. Argentina
        4. Rest of Latin America
  6. Competitive Landscape Analysis
    1. Company Profiles
      1. Kongsberg Maritime
      2. Teledyne Marine Technologies
      3. The Boeing Company
      4. Lockheed Martin Corporation
      5. L3Harris Technologies Inc.
      6. General Dynamics Mission Systems
      7. Saab AB
      8. Fugro
      9. Oceaneering International Inc.
      10. BAE Systems plc
      11. Exail Technologies
      12. ECA Group
      13. International Submarine Engineering Ltd.
      14. Boston Engineering Corporation
      15. Graal Tech S.r.l.
  7. Analyst Views
  8. Future Outlook of the Market