PUBLISHER: Prescient & Strategic Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1803150
PUBLISHER: Prescient & Strategic Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1803150
The U.S. maritime surveillance market is on an impressive growth trajectory, with its size valued at USD 5.2 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 8.3 billion by 2032, advancing at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period. This upward trend is driven by a surge in national security needs, advancements in autonomous systems, and rising demand for cost-effective and continuous maritime monitoring solutions.
Technological innovation remains a core growth driver, especially with the integration of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and aerial drones. These autonomous systems enable real-time data acquisition and support operations in hazardous or remote maritime zones without risking human life. Government efforts to enhance infrastructure security-such as NATO's 2024 launch of the Maritime Centre for Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure-further fuel market momentum.
Environmental sustainability and operational efficiency are also being prioritized, with floating drones and AI-powered monitoring tools offering a cleaner, smarter approach to surveillance. This positions the U.S. maritime surveillance ecosystem as a vital asset in national defense, commercial shipping, and offshore resource protection.
Key Insights
The services category dominated the U.S. maritime surveillance market in 2024, contributing 75% of the revenue. It is expected to maintain its lead with the highest CAGR, propelled by the growing need for consulting, maintenance, training, and cyber-secure systems integration.
Within technology segments, surveillance & tracking accounted for 35% of the market in 2024. However, data acquisition technologies are set to grow at a CAGR of 6.5%, reflecting the shift toward smarter, real-time monitoring solutions.
Radar systems remained the primary component, holding a 45% market share, while weather stations are emerging as the fastest-growing component due to increased climate-related safety challenges in maritime operations.
The vessel monitoring & management systems segment led with a 30% share in 2024. Meanwhile, automatic identification systems (AIS) will grow at the fastest pace, driven by demand for precise navigation and safety in high-traffic maritime areas.
In terms of end use, the government sector led with a 40% share in 2024, as agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Defense intensified surveillance for border protection, anti-piracy, and rescue operations.
The oil & gas industry will experience the fastest growth, underpinned by the need to safeguard offshore assets. Over 4,474 offshore incidents between 2012 and 2020 in the Gulf of Mexico highlight the urgency of improved maritime security.
The South U.S. region holds the largest market share (30%), supported by dense port activity and offshore energy infrastructure, notably in the Gulf of Mexico and Port of Houston. Surveillance operations here are essential for disaster readiness and border security.
The Western U.S. is the fastest-growing region, fueled by increased commercial and Arctic operations in Alaska, as well as critical trade activity via the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Market consolidation is evident, with established players like Raytheon Technologies, BAE Systems, L3Harris Technologies, and Thales Group leading the charge in delivering advanced, integrated maritime surveillance systems.
Strategic developments are shaping the landscape: In April 2025, Umbra Lab Inc. was commissioned by SpaceWERX to design spacecraft for oceanic search & rescue. In October 2024, Thales SA acquired Digital Receiver Technology to boost signal intelligence capabilities, while Raytheon's SeaVue Radar showcased advanced detection features at RIMPAC 2024.