USD 870.1 million
Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market Size, Share, and Growth Analysis
Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market By Component (Power & Propulsion Systems, Communication Systems), By Size (Small USV, Medium USV), By Mode of Operation, By Hull Type, By Cruising Speed, By Application, By Region - Industry Forecast 2025-2032
Report ID:
SQMIG20T2020 |
Region:
Global |
Published Date: January, 2025
Pages:
193
|Tables:
128
|Figures:
71
Format -
Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market Insights
Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market size was valued at USD 870.1 million in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 957.98 million in 2024 to USD 2068.5 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
Increasing offshore oil & gas exploration activities around the world are slated to boost the sales of unmanned surface vehicles over the coming years. Growing investments in improving maritime defense and security around the world are also expected to favor the global unmanned surface vehicle market growth in the future. Advancements in unmanned vehicle technologies and autonomous technologies are also slated to create new opportunities for unmanned surface vehicle providers going forward. Increasing adoption of unmanned surface vehicles for environmental monitoring operations is also slated to help maximize revenue generation for market players in the long run. Moreover, high emphasis of organizations on improving operational efficiency and reduction of costs is also slated to bolster the demand for unmanned surface vehicles through 2032. On the contrary, high development and maintenance costs, regulatory and legal challenges, limited battery life, and vulnerability to cybersecurity threats are slated to be key constraints for unmanned surface vehicle market development across the study period and beyond.
Market snapshot - 2025-2032
Global Market Size
Largest Segment
Remotely Operated
Fastest Growth
Autonomous
Growth Rate
10.1% CAGR
Global Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market ($ Bn)
Country Share for North America Region (%)
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Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market Segments Analysis
Global Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market is segmented by Component, Size, Mode of Operation, Hull Type, Cruising Speed, Endurance, Application, End-user and region. Based on Component, the market is segmented into Power & Propulsion Systems, Communication Systems, Sensors & Optronics, Hull, Inertial Navigation & Positioning System, ISR & Imaging Systems and Weapon Payloads. Based on Size, the market is segmented into Small USV, Medium USV, Large USV and Extra-Large USV. Based on Mode of Operation, the market is segmented into Autonomous and Remotely Operated. Based on Hull Type, the market is segmented into Kayak (Single Hull), Catamaran (Twin Hull), Trimaran (Triple Hull) and Rigid Inflatable Hull. Based on Cruising Speed, the market is segmented into Up to 10 Knots, 10−30 Knots and More than 30 Knots. Based on Endurance, the market is segmented into <100 Hours, 100−500 Hours, 500−1,000 Hours and >1,000 Hours. Based on Application, the market is segmented into Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, Naval & Homeland Security, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Hydrography & Oceanography, Environmental & Meteorological Monitoring, Natural Resource Mapping & Exploration and Others. Based on End-user, the market is segmented into Environmental, Defense, Offshore Oil and Gas, Science, Seabed mining, Ocean Renewables and Others. Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.
Analysis by Mode of Operation
The remotely operated segment is forecasted to account for a significant chunk of the global unmanned surface vehicle market share in the future. High safety and easy operation in hazardous environments without risking human life helps boost the demand for remotely operated unmanned surface vehicles around the world. Increasing number of offshore operations across multiple industry verticals and growing need for safe ocean and environment monitoring are also expected to help this segment generate new opportunities. Moreover, advancements in remote control technologies and improving connectivity are also expected to bolster revenue generation for companies focusing on this segment.
On the other hand, the demand for autonomous unmanned surface vehicles is slated to rise at a notable pace over the coming years. Advancements in autonomous technologies and growing use of artificial intelligence are slated to help this segment generate new opportunities for unmanned surface vehicle companies. Increasing use of autonomous unmanned surface vehicle in conflict and war situations to reduce the risk of human lives is also expected to foster new business scope in the future. Routine monitoring and surveying tasks can be easily carried out by deploying autonomous unmanned surface vehicles thereby making them essential in environment and ocean monitoring.
Analysis by Size
Small USVs are forecasted to account for the largest global unmanned surface vehicle market share in the future. Easy transportation, low costs of procurement and operations, and high versatility are some key features that are projected to bolster the popularity of small unmanned surface vehicles on a global level. Oceanography, hydrography and environmental monitoring are projected to emerge as the key applications for small unmanned surface vehicles going forward. High flexibility and low risk of radar detection are also expected to bolster the use of small unmanned surface vehicles for military and defense applications in the long run.
Meanwhile, the demand for medium USVs is slated to rise at an impressive CAGR over the coming years. Rapidly increasing use of medium unmanned surface vehicles in military and defense applications is slated to create new opportunities for market players going forward. Growing demand for more advanced equipment installation on unmanned surface vehicles is also expected to promote revenue generation via this segment. Use of medium unmanned surface vehicles for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance applications in electronic warfare is also slated to present new business scope for unmanned surface vehicle companies in the long run.
Global Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market By Mode of Operation
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Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market Regional Insights
North America is forecasted to account for a dominant share of the global unmanned surface vehicle market forecast. High military and defense spending, growing offshore oil & gas exploration activities, and rising emphasis on improving maritime security are key factors promoting the sales of unmanned surface vehicles in this region. The United States is expected to be the most opportune market for unmanned surface vehicle companies looking to make a mark in the North American region. Meanwhile, the demand for unmanned surface vehicles in Canada is also expected to rise at a notable pace going forward.
The Asia Pacific region is slated to emerge as a highly opportune market for unmanned underwater vehicle providers in the world through 2032. Increasing awareness regarding benefits of unmanned vehicles, rising spending on the R&D of novel unmanned vehicles, and rising military and defense spending potential are slated to boost sales of unmanned surface vehicles in this region. China, India, and Japan are primarily slated to emerge as the most opportune markets in the Asia Pacific region through 2032 and beyond. Increasing offshore exploration activities in renewable energy and oil & gas industry verticals are also slated to present new opportunities for unmanned surface vehicle providers.
Global Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market By Region
- Largest
- Fastest
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Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market Dynamics
Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market Drivers
Increasing Offshore Oil & Gas Exploration
- The oil & gas industry is expanding rapidly and investing heavily in offshore exploration projects to maximize their profitability. Extensive use of unmanned surface vehicles for subsea inspection, surveying, and pipeline monitoring owing to their cost-effective nature as compared to traditional manned vessels is slated to bolster the global unmanned surface vehicle market outlook going forward.
Emphasis on Cost Reduction and Efficiency
- Organizations around the world are focusing on cutting costs and maximizing efficiency to stay competitive. Unmanned surface vehicles reduce operational costs by eliminating the need for onboard crew and minimizing fuel consumption. Their ability to conduct long-duration missions with minimal human intervention is also expected to promote their adoption as emphasis on profitability increases.
Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market Restraints
Energy Constraints and Limited Battery Life
- The operational capacity and range of unmanned surface vehicles are completely dependent on battery life. Currently used battery technologies are not as efficient and are not suitable for long-range missions. These energy constraints caused by battery technologies are slated to impede the sales of unmanned surface vehicles in the future.
High Development and Maintenance Costs
- Unmanned surface vehicles are developed using highly advanced technologies such as advanced sensors, propulsion systems, and communication devices. These advanced technologies contribute to the high costs of unmanned surface vehicles as well as increase their maintenance costs as well. All of these high costs limit the adoption of unmanned surface vehicles in companies with limited spending potential.
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Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market Competitive Landscape
Unmanned surface vehicle manufacturers are expected to invest in R&D of new vehicles and launches to stay competitive in the market. Collaborating with military and defense organizations can help unmanned surface vehicle companies expand their business scope going forward. Improvements in battery technology and use of renewable energy are prominent trends for unmanned surface vehicle vendors to focus on going forward.
Top Players in Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market
- Kongsberg Maritime (Norway)
- L3Harris Technologies (United States)
- Saab AB (Sweden)
- Textron Inc. (United States)
- ECA Group (France)
- Thales Group (France)
- Fugro (Netherlands)
- Atlas Elektronik GmbH (Germany)
- Elbit Systems (Israel)
- Liquid Robotics (United States)
- Teledyne Technologies (United States)
- Saildrone Inc. (United States)
- Maritime Robotics (Norway)
- AutoNaut Ltd (United Kingdom)
- Exail Technologies (France)
- Ocean Aero (United States)
- Open Ocean Robotics (Canada)
- Ocius Technology Ltd (Australia)
- XOcean (Ireland)
- Maritime Tactical Systems (United States)
Recent Developments
- In April 2024, Bharat Electronics (BEL), a leading aerospace and defense electronics provider in India announced the launch of its new unmanned surface vehicles. The new unmanned surface vehicles are eco-friendly and feature a zero emission design for hydro-graphic surveying and coastal surveillance applications.
- In April 2024, Metal Shark, a renowned company known for building custom vessels announced the launch of its new micro unmanned surface vehicle. Frenzy features a payload-carrying capacity of up to 14 pounds and is powered by electric waterjet propulsion.
- In June 2023, Thales, a leading French aerospace and defense organization announced the successful trials of unmanned surface vehicles for autonomous mine hunting. These trials were conducted under the Anglo-French Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM) program intended to add autonomous capabilities for Royal Navy and the Marine nationale.
Unmanned Surface Vehicle Key Market Trends
- Use of Swarm Technology: The use of swarm technology allows multiple unmanned surface vehicles to operate collaboratively and collectively share data to improve the efficiency of operations. Unmanned surface vehicles equipped with swarm technology are expected to be highly popular for defense operations, disaster response, and large-scale environmental monitoring in the long run.
- Use of Hybrid Propulsion Systems: Unmanned underwater vehicle manufacturers can focus on integrating their offerings with hybrid propulsion systems. Focusing on this unmanned surface vehicle market trend can help companies comply with sustainability mandates as this type of propulsion systems combine the use of renewable energy and traditional propulsion systems to extend their operational capabilities as well.
Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market SkyQuest Analysis
SkyQuest's ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Correlates, and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by robust Secondary Desk research.
As per SkyQuest analysis, rising emphasis on improving maritime security and growing offshore explorations in the oil & gas industry are projected to bolster sales of unmanned surface vehicles over the coming years. However, limited battery life and high costs of development and maintenance are slated to be key restraints for unmanned surface vehicle market development in the future. High military & defense spending in the United States allows North America to spearhead the global sales of unmanned surface vehicles going forward. The use of hybrid propulsion systems and swarm technology are also slated to present new opportunities for unmanned surface vehicle vendors over the coming years.
| Report Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size value in 2023 | USD 870.1 million |
| Market size value in 2032 | USD 2068.5 million |
| Growth Rate | 10.1% |
| Base year | 2024 |
| Forecast period | 2025-2032 |
| Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Million |
| Segments covered |
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| Regions covered | North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA) |
| Companies covered |
|
| Customization scope | Free report customization with purchase. Customization includes:-
|
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Table Of Content
Executive Summary
Market overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Market Overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market Characteristics
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market by Geography
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Incremental Growth
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Incremental Growth
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Vendor Market Positioning
Parent Market Analysis
Market overview
Market size
- Market Dynamics
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Drivers
- Opportunities
- Restraints
- Challenges
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- SWOT Analysis
KEY MARKET INSIGHTS
- Technology Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and details)
- Pricing Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and pricing details)
- Supply Chain Analysis
- (Exhibit: Detailed Supply Chain Presentation)
- Value Chain Analysis
- (Exhibit: Detailed Value Chain Presentation)
- Ecosystem Of the Market
- Exhibit: Parent Market Ecosystem Market Analysis
- Exhibit: Market Characteristics of Parent Market
- IP Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of product/technology, patents filed, inventor/company name, acquiring firm)
- Trade Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Import and Export data details)
- Startup Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Emerging startups details)
- Raw Material Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Mapping of key raw materials)
- Innovation Matrix
- (Exhibit: Positioning Matrix: Mapping of new and existing technologies)
- Pipeline product Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of companies and pipeline products, regional mapping)
- Macroeconomic Indicators
COVID IMPACT
- Introduction
- Impact On Economy—scenario Assessment
- Exhibit: Data on GDP - Year-over-year growth 2016-2022 (%)
- Revised Market Size
- Exhibit: Data Table on Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Impact Of COVID On Key Segments
- Exhibit: Data Table on Segment Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- COVID Strategies By Company
- Exhibit: Analysis on key strategies adopted by companies
MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK
- Market Dynamics
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Drivers
- Opportunities
- Restraints
- Challenges
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Regulatory Landscape
- Exhibit: Data Table on regulation from different region
- SWOT Analysis
- Porters Analysis
- Competitive rivalry
- Exhibit: Competitive rivalry Impact of key factors, 2021
- Threat of substitute products
- Exhibit: Threat of Substitute Products Impact of key factors, 2021
- Bargaining power of buyers
- Exhibit: buyers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
- Threat of new entrants
- Exhibit: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors, 2021
- Bargaining power of suppliers
- Exhibit: Threat of suppliers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
- Competitive rivalry
- Skyquest special insights on future disruptions
- Political Impact
- Economic impact
- Social Impact
- Technical Impact
- Environmental Impact
- Legal Impact
Market Size by Region
- Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2027(%)
- North America
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- USA
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Canada
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Europe
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- Germany
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Spain
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- France
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- UK
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of Europe
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Asia Pacific
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- China
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- India
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Japan
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- South Korea
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Latin America
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- Brazil
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of South America
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- GCC Countries
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- South Africa
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of MEA
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
KEY COMPANY PROFILES
- Competitive Landscape
- Total number of companies covered
- Exhibit: companies covered in the report, 2021
- Top companies market positioning
- Exhibit: company positioning matrix, 2021
- Top companies market Share
- Exhibit: Pie chart analysis on company market share, 2021(%)
- Total number of companies covered
Methodology
For the Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:
1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.
2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market.
3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.
4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.
Analyst Support
Customization Options
With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market:
Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.
Regional Analysis: Further analysis of the Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market for additional countries.
Competitive Analysis: Detailed analysis and profiling of additional Market players & comparative analysis of competitive products.
Go to Market Strategy: Find the high-growth channels to invest your marketing efforts and increase your customer base.
Innovation Mapping: Identify racial solutions and innovation, connected to deep ecosystems of innovators, start-ups, academics, and strategic partners.
Category Intelligence: Customized intelligence that is relevant to their supply Markets will enable them to make smarter sourcing decisions and improve their category management.
Public Company Transcript Analysis: To improve the investment performance by generating new alpha and making better-informed decisions.
Social Media Listening: To analyze the conversations and trends happening not just around your brand, but around your industry as a whole, and use those insights to make better Marketing decisions.
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