PUBLISHER: Markets & Data | PRODUCT CODE: 1775280
PUBLISHER: Markets & Data | PRODUCT CODE: 1775280
Global Underwater Warfare Market Assessment, By System Type, By Platform, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F
Global underwater warfare market is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.12% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 4.45 billion in 2024 to USD 8.31 billion in 2032. The underwater warfare market is evolving rapidly, driven by the increasing need for advanced maritime defense capabilities. Modern naval fleets receive investments from nations for systems that include sonar, together with electronic warfare and unmanned underwater vehicles, and stealth-enabled submarines.
The main objective is on improving detection systems and surveillance systems, and countermeasure systems to fight new underwater dangers. Underwater combat strategies undergo transformation due to technological progress in autonomous systems and real-time data processing, and AI integration. The market now demonstrates a growing trend of integrating underwater assets with surface and aerial platforms to create a multi-domain operational framework. Strategic partnerships, together with defense upgrade initiatives and maritime security priorities, maintain continuous development within this intricate and dynamic area.
For instance, in November 2024, Thales S.A. (Thales Group)-led SEACURE project, through 35 European partners, who develop autonomous anti-submarine and seabed warfare systems, were launched. This initiative boosts Europe's underwater warfare market by advancing sovereign, integrated maritime defense capabilities.
Unmanned Underwater Vehicles Pump the Underwater Warfare Market Growth
The underwater warfare environment transforms due to unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) that enhance surveillance and reconnaissance operations as well as mine countermeasure functions. These vehicles function independently or through remote control in dangerous settings to protect human operators while delivering greater mission performance. Defense modernization drives market growth, together with sensor and propulsion technology progress, and increasing maritime security threats. UUVs maintain increasing deployment in intelligence collection missions and anti-submarine warfare operations while supporting strategic deterrence functions. The naval forces show increasing adoption of both remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The strategic investments for undersea control have made UUVs into vital tools that shape contemporary naval operational frameworks and underwater combat approaches.
For instance, in January 2025, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. secured a USD 31.9 million contract for building Lionfish unmanned underwater vehicles which will serve U.S. Navy counter-mine warfare missions and undersea surveys. The growing underwater warfare market receives investment due to advanced UUV technology, which drives increasing demand.
Maritime Security Fuels the Underwater Warfare Market Growth
The underwater warfare market is expanding rapidly due to the growing emphasis on maritime security and national defense. Underwater warfare market expansion occurs due to the rising focus on both national defense and maritime security. Many countries now put territorial waters and essential infrastructure protection first, which drives market growth for modern defense equipment such as submarines and sonar systems and torpedoes, and unmanned underwater vehicles. Naval forces receive major performance upgrades due to technological advances in artificial intelligence and automation, and robotics, which help them detect and respond to threats intelligently. National governments throughout the world are increasing their investments in cutting-edge underwater platforms due to global naval modernization trends. Market growth receives support from both international defense organizations and shared development projects. Strategic interests need protection from underwater threats that require intelligent technological integration into maritime defense operations.
For instance, in June 2025, the six Type 212A submarines operated by Germany will receive modernization services through ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH at a contract value of USD 987 million which improves onboard systems for advanced undersea warfare. Modernization effort enhances maritime security while driving expansion in the worldwide underwater warfare industry during increased geopolitical instability.
Submarines Dominate the Underwater Warfare Market
Submarines have established themselves as the dominant underwater warfare platforms that shape worldwide naval strategic planning. The combination of their low visibility and operational flexibility, together with advanced intelligence collection abilities and exact strike abilities, transforms nations defending their maritime territories. Modern submarines operate with enhanced capabilities through improved propulsion technology alongside advanced sonar systems and integrated weapon systems, which boost their autonomy and combat effectiveness. The operation of unmanned and manned submarines now constitutes an essential element of contemporary naval forces because nations dedicate their defense development efforts to submarine capabilities. Underwater domain expansion has created an increased necessity for submarine forces to preserve strategic depth and deterrence capabilities. The development of naval forces depends on submarines, which continue to determine future combat preparedness.
For instance, in March 2025, the Indian company Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited partnered with US-based Liquid Robotics, Inc. through an MoU to jointly develop autonomous anti-submarine warfare systems for India's maritime defense. Submarines currently lead the underwater warfare sector which pushes nations to modernize and develop new technological solutions.
North America Dominates the Global Underwater Warfare Market
North America leads the worldwide underwater warfare industry due to its powerful naval forces and modern defense facilities, and steady maritime security funding. The area's strategic development of submarine fleets and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and sonar systems strengthen its underwater warfare dominance. The region strengthens its market dominance through NATO partnership agreements and steady defense procurement initiatives. The U.S. Navy drives innovation and operational preparedness through its concentration on advanced technologies which include autonomous systems and undersea surveillance. The defense industry in North America leads through its major contractors to advance underwater warfare technology and shape worldwide defense operations.
For instance, in March 2025, the US Navy granted Northrop Grumman a USD 24.9 million contract, which a duration of 60 months for an autonomous undersea sensing project to enhance threat detection through advanced sonar and AI algorithms. The underwater warfare market demonstrates its transition towards autonomous high-tech solutions through this development.
Impact of U.S. Tariffs on the Global Underwater Warfare Market
The United States government-imposed tariffs on imported electronic components and composite materials, together with subsea sensors, which increase manufacturing expenses for underwater warfare products across defense and commercial operations.
Manufacturers are implementing strategies to manage rising import expenses by choosing domestic suppliers, which protect their profit margins from foreign supplier tariffs.
The implementation of tariffs on essential components has made operators postpone their equipment upgrades. OEMs responded by developing retrofit kits that work with suppliers based in the region to maintain operational capability.
The tariffs drive the industry toward domestic or tariff-exempt suppliers, although this process will create project hold-ups and greater startup expenses due to restricted local manufacturing capabilities and supply chain modifications.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Underwater warfare market development occurs rapidly due to growing global political tensions and naval forces updating their systems, together with new technological advancements. Maritime defense capabilities receive focus from the main players through the development of advanced systems, including sonar and unmanned underwater vehicles, and electronic warfare tools. The market outlook develops from rising investment in autonomous systems combined with artificial intelligence implementation and operations across multiple domains. The market sees rising demand for solutions that provide surveillance capabilities, together with threat detection abilities and undersea combat functionality. Strategic opportunities have emerged from environmental monitoring technologies together with dual-use capabilities. Strategic collaborations, together with regional defense initiatives, form the essential foundation for the sector's continuous growth.
For instance, in November 2024, BAE Systems Plc introduced "Herne" as the first extra-large autonomous military submarine in the United Kingdom, which performs infrastructure defense duties and anti-submarine operations, and secret underwater surveillance. The new underwater warfare technology boosts the market through affordable unmanned vessels, which provide versatile operational capabilities.
Table of Contents
1. Project Scope and Definitions
2. Research Methodology
3. Impact of U.S. Tariffs
4. Executive Summary
5. Voice of Customers
- 5.1. Respondent Demographics
- 5.2. Brand Awareness
- 5.3. Factors Considered in Purchase Decisions
- 5.4. Unmet Needs
6. Global Underwater Warfare Market Outlook, 2018-2032F
- 6.1. Market Size Analysis & Forecast
- 6.1.1. By Value
- 6.2. Market Share Analysis & Forecast
- 6.2.1. By System Type
- 6.2.1.1. Sonar Systems
- 6.2.1.2. Torpedoes and Mines
- 6.2.1.3. Countermeasure Systems
- 6.2.1.4. Others
- 6.2.2. By Platform
- 6.2.2.1. Submarines
- 6.2.2.2. Surface Vessels
- 6.2.2.3. Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)
- 6.2.2.4. Others
- 6.2.3. By Region
- 6.2.3.1. North America
- 6.2.3.2. Europe
- 6.2.3.3. Asia-Pacific
- 6.2.3.4. South America
- 6.2.3.5. Middle East and Africa
- 6.2.4. By Company Market Share Analysis (Top 5 Companies and Others - By Value, 2024)
- 6.2.1. By System Type
- 6.3. Market Map Analysis, 2024
- 6.3.1. By System Type
- 6.3.2. By Platform
- 6.3.3. By Region
7. North America Underwater Warfare Market Outlook, 2018-2032F
- 7.1. Market Size Analysis & Forecast
- 7.1.1. By Value
- 7.2. Market Share Analysis & Forecast
- 7.2.1. By System Type
- 7.2.1.1. Sonar Systems
- 7.2.1.2. Torpedoes and Mines
- 7.2.1.3. Countermeasure Systems
- 7.2.1.4. Others
- 7.2.2. By Platform
- 7.2.2.1. Submarines
- 7.2.2.2. Surface Vessels
- 7.2.2.3. Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)
- 7.2.2.4. Others
- 7.2.3. By Country Share
- 7.2.3.1. United States
- 7.2.3.2. Canada
- 7.2.3.3. Mexico
- 7.2.1. By System Type
- 7.3. Country Market Assessment
- 7.3.1. United States Underwater Warfare Market Outlook, 2018-2032F*
- 7.3.1.1. Market Size Analysis & Forecast
- 7.3.1.1.1. By Value
- 7.3.1.2. Market Share Analysis & Forecast
- 7.3.1.2.1. By System Type
- 7.3.1.2.1.1. Sonar Systems
- 7.3.1.2.1.2. Torpedoes and Mines
- 7.3.1.2.1.3. Countermeasure Systems
- 7.3.1.2.1.4. Others
- 7.3.1.2.2. By Platform
- 7.3.1.2.2.1. Submarines
- 7.3.1.2.2.2. Surface Vessels
- 7.3.1.2.2.3. Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)
- 7.3.1.2.2.4. Others
- 7.3.1.2.1. By System Type
- 7.3.1.1. Market Size Analysis & Forecast
- 7.3.2. Canada
- 7.3.3. Mexico
- 7.3.1. United States Underwater Warfare Market Outlook, 2018-2032F*
All segments will be provided for all regions and countries covered
8. Europe Underwater Warfare Market Outlook, 2018-2032F
- 8.1. Germany
- 8.2. France
- 8.3. Italy
- 8.4. United Kingdom
- 8.5. Russia
- 8.6. Netherlands
- 8.7. Spain
- 8.8. Turkey
- 8.9. Poland
9. Asia-Pacific Underwater Warfare Market Outlook, 2018-2032F
- 9.1. India
- 9.2. China
- 9.3. Japan
- 9.4. Australia
- 9.5. Vietnam
- 9.6. South Korea
- 9.7. Indonesia
- 9.8. Philippines
10. South America Underwater Warfare Market Outlook, 2018-2032F
- 10.1. Brazil
- 10.2. Argentina
11. Middle East and Africa Underwater Warfare Market Outlook, 2018-2032F
- 11.1. Saudi Arabia
- 11.2. UAE
- 11.3. South Africa
12. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
13. PESTLE Analysis
14. Pricing Analysis
15. Market Dynamics
- 15.1. Market Drivers
- 15.2. Market Challenges
16. Market Trends and Developments
17. Case Studies
18. Competitive Landscape
- 18.1. Competition Matrix of Top 5 Market Leaders
- 18.2. SWOT Analysis for Top 5 Players
- 18.3. Key Players Landscape for Top 10 Market Players
- 18.3.1. RTX Corporation
- 18.3.1.1. Company Details
- 18.3.1.2. Key Management Personnel
- 18.3.1.3. Key Products Offered
- 18.3.1.4. Key Financials (As Reported)
- 18.3.1.5. Key Market Focus and Geographical Presence
- 18.3.1.6. Recent Developments/Collaborations/Partnerships/Mergers and Acquisitions
- 18.3.2. Atlas Elektronik GmbH
- 18.3.3. BAE Systems Plc
- 18.3.4. Northrop Grumman Corporation
- 18.3.5. L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
- 18.3.6. Lockheed Martin Corporation
- 18.3.7. Leonardo S.p.A.
- 18.3.8. Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
- 18.3.9. Saab AB
- 18.3.10. DSIT Solutions Ltd.
- 18.3.1. RTX Corporation
Companies mentioned above DO NOT hold any order as per market share and can be changed as per information available during research work.
19. Strategic Recommendations
20. About Us and Disclaimer
List of Tables
- Table 1. Competition Matrix of Top 5 Market Leaders
- Table 2. Mergers & Acquisitions/ Joint Ventures (If Applicable)
- Table 3. About Us - Regions and Countries Where We Have Executed Client Projects
List of Figures
- Figure 1. Global Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 2. Global Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 3. Global Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 4. Global Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Region, 2018-2032F
- Figure 5. North America Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 6. North America Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 7. North America Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 8. North America Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Country, 2018-2032F
- Figure 9. United States Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 10. United States Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 11. United States Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 12. Canada Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 13. Canada Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 14. Canada Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 15. Mexico Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 16. Mexico Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 17. Mexico Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 18. Europe Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 19. Europe Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 20. Europe Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 21. Europe Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Country, 2018-2032F
- Figure 22. Germany Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 23. Germany Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 24. Germany Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 25. France Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 26. France Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 27. France Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 28. Italy Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 29. Italy Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 30. Italy Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 31. United Kingdom Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 32. United Kingdom Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 33. United Kingdom Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 34. Russia Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 35. Russia Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 36. Russia Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 37. Netherlands Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 38. Netherlands Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 39. Netherlands Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 40. Spain Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 41. Spain Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 42. Spain Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 43. Turkey Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 44. Turkey Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 45. Turkey Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 46. Poland Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 47. Poland Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 48. Poland Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 49. South America Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 50. South America Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 51. South America Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 52. South America Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Country, 2018-2032F
- Figure 53. Brazil Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 54. Brazil Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 55. Brazil Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 56. Argentina Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 57. Argentina Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 58. Argentina Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 59. Asia-Pacific Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 60. Asia-Pacific Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 61. Asia-Pacific Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 62. Asia-Pacific Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Country, 2018-2032F
- Figure 63. India Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 64. India Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 65. India Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 66. China Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 67. China Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 68. China Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 69. Japan Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 70. Japan Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 71. Japan Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 72. Australia Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 73. Australia Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 74. Australia Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 75. Vietnam Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 76. Vietnam Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 77. Vietnam Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 78. South Korea Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 79. South Korea Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 80. South Korea Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 81. Indonesia Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 82. Indonesia Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 83. Indonesia Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 84. Philippines Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 85. Philippines Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 86. Philippines Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 87. Middle East & Africa Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 88. Middle East & Africa Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 89. Middle East & Africa Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 90. Middle East & Africa Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Country, 2018-2032F
- Figure 91. Saudi Arabia Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 92. Saudi Arabia Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 93. Saudi Arabia Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 94. UAE Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 95. UAE Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 96. UAE Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 97. South Africa Underwater Warfare Market, By Value, In USD Billion, 2018-2032F
- Figure 98. South Africa Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By System Type, 2018-2032F
- Figure 99. South Africa Underwater Warfare Market Share (%), By Platform, 2018-2032F
- Figure 100. By System Type Map-Market Size (USD Billion) & Growth Rate (%), 2024
- Figure 101. By Platform Map-Market Size (USD Billion) & Growth Rate (%), 2024
- Figure 102. By Region Map-Market Size (USD Billion) & Growth Rate (%), 2024
