Global Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Market Size Study & Forecast, by Type, Application, Propulsion System and Regional Forecasts 2025-2035

Description

The Global Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Market is valued at approximately USD 2.23 billion in 2024 and is projected to surge at an impressive CAGR of 17.80% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035. AUVs, lauded for their self-directed navigation and deep-sea endurance, have revolutionized subsea operations across various industries including defense, scientific exploration, and offshore energy. These intelligent marine robots are engineered to perform complex missions such as seabed mapping, pipeline inspections, and covert surveillance in some of the most inaccessible oceanic environments-without direct human intervention. The growing significance of marine autonomy, fueled by technological convergence in robotics, AI, and sensor fusion, has propelled the AUV market into a dynamic phase of growth.

The rising demand for sophisticated underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare operations among naval forces has significantly bolstered AUV deployment across the defense sector. Simultaneously, the oil & gas industry is leveraging AUVs to reduce operational costs and human risks while conducting geophysical surveys and infrastructure diagnostics in ultra-deep waters. Furthermore, scientific institutions and oceanographic agencies are increasingly incorporating AUVs to gather climate-critical data, biodiversity records, and tectonic movement analytics-thereby supporting environmental monitoring efforts. The integration of electric and hybrid propulsion systems, coupled with advanced navigation payloads like inertial systems and multi-beam sonars, is unlocking new frontiers of capability and reliability across use cases.

Regionally, North America leads the AUV market, backed by robust maritime defense budgets, significant offshore oil & gas activities, and the presence of leading defense and marine tech firms. The U.S. Navy's extensive R&D initiatives and continued investments in undersea dominance strategies are solidifying regional dominance. Europe follows closely, buoyed by marine research initiatives and sustainable energy exploration in the North Sea. Notably, countries such as Norway and the UK have emerged as major hubs for commercial and scientific AUV applications. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is forecasted to experience the fastest growth owing to burgeoning marine defense expenditures in China, India, and South Korea, combined with increasing offshore energy investments and growing awareness of marine biodiversity conservation in regional waters.

Major market player included in this report are:

Kongsberg Gruppen
L3Harris Technologies Inc.
Saab AB
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
Boeing Company
Bluefin Robotics
Atlas Elektronik GmbH
General Dynamics Mission Systems
OceanServer Technology, Inc.
ECA Group
International Submarine Engineering (ISE) Ltd.
BAE Systems plc
Fugro N.V.
Hydroid Inc.

Global Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) 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 Type:

Small
Medium
Large

By Application:

Scientific Research
Defense
Oil & Gas Industry

By Propulsion System:

Electric System
Mechanical System
Hybrid System

By Payload:

Camera
Sensors
Inertial Navigation System
Others

By Region:

North America
U.S.
Canada
Europe
UK
Germany
France
Spain
Italy
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
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 Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) 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 Assumption
- 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 Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Market Forces Analysis

3.1. Market Forces Shaping the Global AUV Market 2024-2035
3.2. Drivers
- 3.2.1. Escalating Defense Modernization and Undersea Surveillance Requirements
- 3.2.2. Expanding Offshore Energy Exploration and Cost-Reduction Imperatives
3.3. Restraints
- 3.3.1. High Capital Expenditure and Total Cost of Ownership
- 3.3.2. Cybersecurity and Data Integrity Challenges in Autonomous Systems
3.4. Opportunities
- 3.4.1. Growth in Scientific and Environmental Monitoring Initiatives
- 3.4.2. Adoption of Hybrid Propulsion and Advanced Sensor Payloads

Chapter 4. Global Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) 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 AUV Market Size & Forecasts by Type 2025-2035

5.1. Market Overview
5.2. Global AUV Market Performance - Potential Analysis 2025
5.3. Small AUVs
- 5.3.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 5.3.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
5.4. Medium AUVs
- 5.4.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 5.4.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
5.5. Large AUVs
- 5.5.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 5.5.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035

Chapter 6. Global AUV Market Size & Forecasts by Application 2025-2035

6.1. Market Overview
6.2. Global AUV Market Performance - Potential Analysis 2025
6.3. Scientific Research
- 6.3.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 6.3.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
6.4. Defense
- 6.4.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 6.4.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035
6.5. Oil & Gas Industry
- 6.5.1. Top Countries Breakdown Estimates & Forecasts, 2024-2035
- 6.5.2. Market Size Analysis, by Region, 2025-2035

Chapter 7. Global AUV Market Size & Forecasts by Region 2025-2035

7.1. AUV Market, Regional Market Snapshot
7.2. Top Leading & Emerging Countries
7.3. North America AUV Market
- 7.3.1. U.S. AUV Market
  - 7.3.1.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.3.1.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.3.2. Canada AUV Market
  - 7.3.2.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.3.2.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
7.4. Europe AUV Market
- 7.4.1. UK AUV Market
  - 7.4.1.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.4.1.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.4.2. Germany AUV Market
  - 7.4.2.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.4.2.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.4.3. France AUV Market
  - 7.4.3.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.4.3.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.4.4. Spain AUV Market
  - 7.4.4.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.4.4.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.4.5. Italy AUV Market
  - 7.4.5.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.4.5.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.4.6. Rest of Europe AUV Market
  - 7.4.6.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.4.6.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
7.5. Asia Pacific AUV Market
- 7.5.1. China AUV Market
  - 7.5.1.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.5.1.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.5.2. India AUV Market
  - 7.5.2.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.5.2.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.5.3. Japan AUV Market
  - 7.5.3.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.5.3.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.5.4. Australia AUV Market
  - 7.5.4.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.5.4.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.5.5. South Korea AUV Market
  - 7.5.5.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.5.5.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.5.6. Rest of Asia Pacific AUV Market
  - 7.5.6.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.5.6.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
7.6. Latin America AUV Market
- 7.6.1. Brazil AUV Market
  - 7.6.1.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.6.1.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.6.2. Mexico AUV Market
  - 7.6.2.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.6.2.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
7.7. Middle East & Africa AUV Market
- 7.7.1. UAE AUV Market
  - 7.7.1.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.7.1.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.7.2. Saudi Arabia AUV Market
  - 7.7.2.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.7.2.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
- 7.7.3. South Africa AUV Market
  - 7.7.3.1. Type Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035
  - 7.7.3.2. Application Breakdown Size & Forecasts, 2025-2035

Chapter 8. Competitive Intelligence

8.1. Top Market Strategies
8.2. Kongsberg Gruppen
- 8.2.1. Company Overview
- 8.2.2. Key Executives
- 8.2.3. Company Snapshot
- 8.2.4. Financial Performance (Subject to Data Availability)
- 8.2.5. Product/Services Portfolio
- 8.2.6. Recent Development
- 8.2.7. Market Strategies
- 8.2.8. SWOT Analysis
8.3. L3Harris Technologies Inc.
8.4. Saab AB
8.5. Lockheed Martin Corporation
8.6. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
8.7. Boeing Company
8.8. Bluefin Robotics
8.9. Atlas Elektronik GmbH
8.10. General Dynamics Mission Systems
8.11. OceanServer Technology, Inc.