PUBLISHER: Aviation & Defense Market Reports (A&D) | PRODUCT CODE: 1709979
PUBLISHER: Aviation & Defense Market Reports (A&D) | PRODUCT CODE: 1709979
The Global Tube launched AUV and UAV market is estimated at USD 3.47 billion in 2025, projected to grow to USD 6.48 billion by 2035 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.44% over the forecast period 2025-2035.
The global defense market for tube-launched AUVs and UAVs is gaining traction as armed forces seek compact, deployable, and multi-domain solutions to enhance surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities. These systems are engineered to be launched from confined or mobile platforms, such as submarines, armored vehicles, aircraft, or naval vessels, offering operational flexibility in contested environments. The tube-launched design enables stealth deployment, especially in maritime and littoral zones where detection risks are high. For underwater operations, AUVs can be released covertly to conduct intelligence missions, mine countermeasures, or undersea mapping. On the aerial side, tube-launched UAVs are ideal for rapid tactical ISR support, enabling forces to quickly gain visual and signal intelligence in forward zones without large launch systems. These compact systems are increasingly used to bridge the gap between large, centralized assets and on-the-ground tactical units. Their modularity allows mission customization while reducing the logistical footprint. This market is also responding to the rising need for rapid deployment capabilities in remote or denied areas. As operational theaters become more unpredictable and dispersed, the ability to discreetly deploy autonomous systems from any platform is becoming essential, positioning tube-launched systems as a critical innovation in modern warfare.
Technological advances are significantly reshaping the capabilities and deployment potential of tube-launched AUVs and UAVs. Miniaturization of electronics and propulsion systems has made it possible to pack powerful sensors, secure communication suites, and adaptive navigation systems into these compact platforms. Innovations in autonomous navigation algorithms allow these vehicles to operate with minimal input, navigating complex terrain or underwater topography while avoiding obstacles and threats. For tube-launched UAVs, vertical takeoff adaptations and electric propulsion enable near-silent operation and rapid ascent, enhancing stealth and mission success in contested airspace. Underwater, developments in energy-dense battery systems are increasing operational range and endurance, allowing AUVs to undertake longer and more data-intensive missions. Launching mechanisms themselves have evolved, now integrated with multi-platform compatibility features that allow rapid deployment from torpedo tubes, canisters, or mobile launchers. Artificial intelligence integration is also advancing real-time decision-making, object recognition, and mission adaptability. This allows these systems to shift objectives mid-mission based on incoming data. Secure, low-latency communications-often through encrypted, burst-transmission links-ensure operational security without sacrificing performance. These technological leaps are reinforcing the strategic value of tube-launched platforms by making them smarter, quieter, and more versatile in the increasingly complex domains of modern conflict.
Multiple strategic and tactical demands are propelling the rise of tube-launched AUV and UAV systems in defense planning. A key driver is the need for discreet, flexible, and rapidly deployable systems that can be launched from existing military platforms without significant modifications. This makes them highly attractive for forces seeking to extend operational capabilities without investing in entirely new infrastructure. In underwater domains, growing concerns over naval mines, submarine detection, and undersea cables are encouraging the use of AUVs for low-profile reconnaissance and surveillance. On land and in air, tactical UAVs launched from vehicles or portable canisters provide an immediate intelligence advantage in time-sensitive or high-risk environments. The increasing importance of unmanned systems in reducing human exposure to danger also supports adoption, especially in areas like urban warfare or contested littorals. Additionally, the rise of hybrid and multi-domain warfare has made seamless integration of assets across air, land, and sea a necessity. Tube-launched systems can support joint operations by acting as a connective layer between units and domains. The need for cost-effective, reusable, and mission-configurable platforms is another compelling factor, particularly as militaries worldwide strive to maintain agility in the face of evolving threats and constrained defense budgets.
Regional developments in the tube-launched AUV and UAV market reflect diverse security priorities, geographic challenges, and defense modernization strategies. In North America, emphasis is placed on integrating these systems into submarine and special operations frameworks, reflecting a need for stealthy, forward-deployable tools in contested regions. U.S. programs often focus on interoperability, autonomy, and swarming capabilities, aiming to enable coordinated multi-domain operations with minimal human oversight. Europe is increasingly adopting tube-launched UAVs and AUVs to bolster border protection, naval presence, and rapid-response forces. Nations along the Mediterranean and Baltic coasts are particularly active in deploying maritime-capable platforms suited to shallow water and archipelagic environments. In the Asia-Pacific region, nations like Australia, Japan, and South Korea are investing in these systems as part of wider efforts to monitor vast maritime zones and respond swiftly to regional tensions. China's growing interest in autonomous warfare is also evident through its domestic development of launch systems and small, agile drones capable of operating in swarms. The Middle East, driven by both territorial defense and urban security challenges, is exploring tube-launched UAVs as part of counter-insurgency and surveillance operations. Each region's investment is shaped by local threat landscapes, operational needs, and the desire for strategic flexibility.
It has recently come to light that the U.S. Navy's Ohio-class guided missile submarine, USS Michigan, made significant use of uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) during operations conducted between October 2022 and January 2024. Over this period, the submarine and its crew carried out at least three highly classified "national security" missions, along with operations involving special forces in hostile and demanding environments. As previously detailed by The War Zone, Ohio-class guided missile submarines (SSGNs) are among the Navy's most versatile and sought-after assets. These platforms are capable of executing a wide array of missions, including covert intelligence gathering, clandestine special operations, and the launch of large volumes of Tomahawk cruise missiles, making them critical to U.S. strategic capabilities.
Global tube launched AUV and UAV market- Table of Contents
Global tube launched AUV and UAV market Report Definition
Global tube launched AUV and UAV market Segmentation
By Type
By Platform
By Application
By Region
Global tube launched AUV and UAV market Analysis for next 10 Years
The 10-year Global tube launched AUV and UAV market analysis would give a detailed overview of Global tube launched AUV and UAV market growth, changing dynamics, technology adoption overviews and the overall market attractiveness is covered in this chapter.
This segment covers the top 10 technologies that is expected to impact this market and the possible implications these technologies would have on the overall market.
Global tube launched AUV and UAV market Forecast
The 10-year Global tube launched AUV and UAV market forecast of this market is covered in detailed across the segments which are mentioned above.
Regional Global tube launched AUV and UAV market Trends & Forecast
The regional counter drone market trends, drivers, restraints and Challenges of this market, the Political, Economic, Social and Technology aspects are covered in this segment. The market forecast and scenario analysis across regions are also covered in detailed in this segment. The last part of the regional analysis includes profiling of the key companies, supplier landscape and company benchmarking. The current market size is estimated based on the normal scenario.
North America
Drivers, Restraints and Challenges
PEST
Key Companies
Supplier Tier Landscape
Company Benchmarking
Europe
Middle East
APAC
South America
Country Analysis of Global tube launched AUV and UAV market
This chapter deals with the key defense programs in this market, it also covers the latest news and patents which have been filed in this market. Country level 10 year market forecast and scenario analysis are also covered in this chapter.
US
Defense Programs
Latest News
Patents
Current levels of technology maturation in this market
Canada
Italy
France
Germany
Netherlands
Belgium
Spain
Sweden
Greece
Australia
South Africa
India
China
Russia
South Korea
Japan
Malaysia
Singapore
Brazil
Opportunity Matrix for Global tube launched AUV and UAV market
The opportunity matrix helps the readers understand the high opportunity segments in this market.
Expert Opinions on Global tube launched AUV and UAV market
Hear from our experts their opinion of the possible analysis for this market.