Global Underwater Warfare Market Size Study & Forecast, by System, Capability, Platform, and Regional Forecasts 2025-2035

Description

The Global Underwater Warfare Market is valued at approximately USD 26.01 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand at a compelling CAGR of 7.00% over the forecast period 2025-2035. As maritime defense strategies become more technologically intensive and tactically sophisticated, nations are steadily advancing their underwater combat capabilities. Underwater warfare encompasses the integrated use of submarines, unmanned vehicles, sonar systems, and advanced weaponry to safeguard territorial waters, deter threats, and ensure maritime dominance. The shifting dynamics of naval power, spurred by rising geopolitical tensions, underwater domain awareness, and a surge in submarine procurement programs, are expected to propel the market forward. Governments are leaning heavily into modernization plans, allocating sizeable budgets to enhance their underwater surveillance, tracking, and electronic warfare proficiencies.

An upsurge in unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) deployments, coupled with breakthroughs in sonar and communication technologies, is significantly redefining the underwater battlespace. As maritime nations endeavor to safeguard shipping routes, oil exploration zones, and exclusive economic zones, investments in underwater warfare systems-ranging from autonomous platforms to sensor fusion architectures-are accelerating. Submarines, both conventional and nuclear-powered, remain a cornerstone of modern naval fleets and are driving the demand for sophisticated electronic warfare and integrated combat systems. Moreover, advanced torpedo systems, mine countermeasures, and multi-layered sonar nets are now pivotal to any naval strategy focused on threat detection and neutralization below the ocean's surface. However, challenges such as high R&D costs and stringent naval interoperability standards may pose friction to market momentum in certain developing regions.

Regionally, North America held the dominant market share in 2024, owing to the extensive defense modernization programs spearheaded by the U.S. Navy, massive R&D investments, and rapid adoption of cutting-edge naval combat systems. The region continues to pioneer in deploying UUVs and integrating AI-driven sonar for deep-sea surveillance. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is projected to experience the fastest growth over the coming decade, driven by escalating territorial disputes in the South China Sea, naval fleet expansion in India and China, and a strategic shift toward indigenous underwater capabilities. Europe also represents a critical market, underpinned by collaborative naval defense initiatives among NATO countries and the robust defense infrastructure in nations such as the UK, France, and Germany. In the Middle East and Africa, increased naval spending in maritime choke points such as the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz is poised to enhance regional demand for underwater warfare technologies.

Major market player included in this report are:

Lockheed Martin Corporation
Thales Group
Raytheon Technologies Corporation
Northrop Grumman Corporation
BAE Systems plc
L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
Saab AB
Leonardo S.p.A.
General Dynamics Corporation
Elbit Systems Ltd.
Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
Ultra Electronics Holdings plc
Naval Group
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
Atlas Elektronik GmbH

Global Underwater Warfare Market Report Scope:

Historical Data - 2023, 2024
Base Year for Estimation - 2024
Forecast period - 2025-2035
Report Coverage - Revenue forecast, Company Ranking, Competitive Landscape, Growth factors, and Trends
Regional Scope - North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa
Customization Scope - Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts' working hours) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope*

The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments & countries in recent years and to forecast the values for the coming years. The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within the countries involved in the study. The report also provides detailed information about crucial aspects, such as driving factors and challenges, which will define the future growth of the market. Additionally, it incorporates potential opportunities in micro-markets for stakeholders to invest, along with a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape and product offerings of key players. The detailed segments and sub-segments of the market are explained below:

By System:

Unmanned Systems
Sonar Systems
Electronic Warfare Systems
Weapons Systems
Communications Systems

By Capability:

Support
Protect
Attack
Others

By Platform:

Surface Ships
Naval Helicopters
Submarines

By Region:

North America
U.S.
Canada
Europe
UK
Germany
France
Spain
Italy
ROE
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea
RoAPAC
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Middle East & Africa
UAE
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

Key Takeaways:

Market Estimates & Forecast for 10 years from 2025 to 2035.
Annualized revenues and regional level analysis for each market segment.
Detailed analysis of geographical landscape with Country level analysis of major regions.
Competitive landscape with information on major players in the market.
Analysis of key business strategies and recommendations on future market approach.
Analysis of competitive structure of the market.
Demand side and supply side analysis of the market.

Chapter 1. Global Underwater Warfare Market Report Scope & Methodology

1.1. Research Objective
1.2. Research Methodology
- 1.2.1. Forecast Model
- 1.2.2. Desk Research
- 1.2.3. Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approach
1.3. Research Attributes
1.4. Scope of the Study
- 1.4.1. Market Definition
- 1.4.2. Market Segmentation
1.5. Research Assumptions
- 1.5.1. Inclusion & Exclusion
- 1.5.2. Limitations
- 1.5.3. Years Considered for the Study

Chapter 2. Executive Summary

2.1. CEO/CXO Standpoint
2.2. Strategic Insights
2.3. ESG Analysis
2.4. Key Findings

Chapter 3. Global Underwater Warfare Market Forces Analysis

3.1. Market Forces Shaping the Global Underwater Warfare Market (2024-2035)
3.2. Drivers
- 3.2.1. Rise in Submarine Procurement and Fleet Modernization
- 3.2.2. Escalating Geopolitical Tensions and Maritime Security Concerns
3.3. Restraints
- 3.3.1. High R&D and Lifecycle Costs of Advanced Systems
- 3.3.2. Stringent Interoperability and Regulatory Requirements
3.4. Opportunities
- 3.4.1. Expansion of Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Deployments
- 3.4.2. Integration of AI-Driven Sonar and Predictive Analytics

Chapter 4. Global Underwater Warfare Industry Analysis

4.1. Porter's Five Forces Model
- 4.1.1. Bargaining Power of Buyers
- 4.1.2. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.1.3. Threat of New Entrants
- 4.1.4. Threat of Substitutes
- 4.1.5. Competitive Rivalry
4.2. Porter's Five Forces Forecast Model (2024-2035)
4.3. PESTEL Analysis
- 4.3.1. Political
- 4.3.2. Economic
- 4.3.3. Social
- 4.3.4. Technological
- 4.3.5. Environmental
- 4.3.6. Legal
4.4. Top Investment Opportunities
4.5. Top Winning Strategies (2025)
4.6. Market Share Analysis (2024-2025)
4.7. Global Pricing Analysis and Trends (2025)
4.8. Analyst Recommendation & Conclusion

Chapter 5. Global Underwater Warfare Market Size & Forecasts by System 2025-2035

5.1. Market Overview
5.2. Global Underwater Warfare Market Performance - Potential Analysis (2025)
5.3. Unmanned Systems
- 5.3.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 5.3.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
5.4. Sonar Systems
- 5.4.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 5.4.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
5.5. Electronic Warfare Systems
- 5.5.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 5.5.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
5.6. Weapons Systems
- 5.6.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 5.6.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
5.7. Communications Systems
- 5.7.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 5.7.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035

Chapter 6. Global Underwater Warfare Market Size & Forecasts by Capability 2025-2035

6.1. Market Overview
6.2. Global Underwater Warfare Market Performance - Potential Analysis (2025)
6.3. Support
- 6.3.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 6.3.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
6.4. Protect
- 6.4.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 6.4.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
6.5. Attack
- 6.5.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 6.5.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
6.6. Others
- 6.6.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 6.6.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035

Chapter 7. Global Underwater Warfare Market Size & Forecasts by Platform 2025-2035

7.1. Market Overview
7.2. Global Underwater Warfare Market Performance - Potential Analysis (2025)
7.3. Surface Ships
- 7.3.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 7.3.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
7.4. Naval Helicopters
- 7.4.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 7.4.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
7.5. Submarines
- 7.5.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 7.5.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035

Chapter 8. Global Underwater Warfare Market Size & Forecasts by Region 2025-2035

8.1. Global Underwater Warfare Market, Regional Market Snapshot
8.2. Top Leading & Emerging Countries
8.3. North America Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.3.1. U.S. Underwater Warfare Market
  - 8.3.1.1. System breakdown size & forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 8.3.1.2. Capability breakdown size & forecasts, 2025-2035
- 8.3.2. Canada Underwater Warfare Market
  - 8.3.2.1. System breakdown size & forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 8.3.2.2. Capability breakdown size & forecasts, 2025-2035
8.4. Europe Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.4.1. UK Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.4.2. Germany Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.4.3. France Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.4.4. Spain Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.4.5. Italy Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.4.6. Rest of Europe Underwater Warfare Market
8.5. Asia Pacific Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.5.1. China Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.5.2. India Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.5.3. Japan Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.5.4. Australia Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.5.5. South Korea Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.5.6. Rest of APAC Underwater Warfare Market
8.6. Latin America Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.6.1. Brazil Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.6.2. Mexico Underwater Warfare Market
8.7. Middle East & Africa Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.7.1. UAE Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.7.2. Saudi Arabia Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.7.3. South Africa Underwater Warfare Market
- 8.7.4. Rest of MEA Underwater Warfare Market

Chapter 9. Competitive Intelligence

9.1. Top Market Strategies
9.2. Lockheed Martin Corporation
- 9.2.1. Company Overview
- 9.2.2. Key Executives
- 9.2.3. Company Snapshot
- 9.2.4. Financial Performance (Subject to Data Availability)
- 9.2.5. Product/Services Portfolio
- 9.2.6. Recent Developments
- 9.2.7. Market Strategies
- 9.2.8. SWOT Analysis
9.3. Thales Group
9.4. Raytheon Technologies Corporation
9.5. Northrop Grumman Corporation
9.6. BAE Systems plc
9.7. L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
9.8. Saab AB
9.9. Leonardo S.p.A.
9.10. General Dynamics Corporation
9.11. Elbit Systems Ltd.
9.12. Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
9.13. Ultra Electronics Holdings plc
9.14. Naval Group
9.15. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
9.16. Atlas Elektronik GmbH