PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1773563
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1773563
Naval vessels and surface combatants constitute a category of warships specifically designed and armed for combat on the water's surface. These vessels serve the purpose of impeding enemy movements and, when necessary, engaging them in battle.
The primary classifications of naval vessels and surface combatants encompass a range of types such as aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers, frigates, destroyer escorts, among others. An aircraft carrier is a significant vessel equipped to launch and recover airplanes. These vessels integrate various systems like marine engines, weapon launch systems, sensors, controls, electrical systems, and auxiliary components, facilitating functions like search and rescue, combat operations, mine countermeasures (MCM), coastal surveillance, and other naval operations.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The sharp increase in U.S. tariffs and resulting trade disputes in spring 2025 are significantly affecting the aerospace and defense sector. Prices for key materials such as titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics primarily sourced from international suppliers have surged. Defense contractors, constrained by fixed-price government contracts, are forced to absorb these rising costs. Meanwhile, commercial aerospace companies are encountering resistance from airlines over increased aircraft prices. In addition, customs delays are disrupting already tight production timelines for jets and satellites. In response, the industry is stockpiling essential materials, pursuing import waivers for defense-related goods, and working with allied nations to diversify supply chains.
The naval vessels and surface combatants market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides naval vessels and surface combatants market statistics, including naval vessels and surface combatants industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a naval vessels and surface combatants market share, detailed naval vessels and surface combatants market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the naval vessels and surface combatants industry. This naval vessel and surface combatants market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The naval vessels and surface combatants market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $39.13 billion in 2024 to $40.76 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to naval power projection and deterrence, international cooperation and naval alliances, focus on multi-mission capabilities, modernization and fleet expansion programs, shifts in naval strategies and doctrine.
The naval vessels and surface combatants market size is expected to see steady growth in the next few years. It will grow to $48.46 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growth in naval shipbuilding industry, focus on integrated command and control systems, adaptation to asymmetric threats, rise in naval modernization programs, shift towards electrification and energy efficiency. Major trends in the forecast period include shift towards network-centric warfare, incorporation of green technologies, adoption of multi-domain operations (MD), focus on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, integration of modular design and mission flexibility.
The forecast of 4.4% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.3% from the previous estimate for this market.This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US through supply chain disruptions for integrated propulsion systems, sourced from key regions such as France, Italy, and South Korea, which could slow warship production.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.
The anticipated rise in maritime security threats is set to drive growth within the naval vessels and surface combatants market. These threats encompass breaches in vessel security, both internal and external, compelling the need for defense against potential oceanic dangers. Naval vessels and surface combatants serve as critical defenders of a nation's sovereignty, protecting coastal regions and valuable resources. For example, in 2023, the International Maritime Organization reported an increase in piracy and armed robberies in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, escalating the significance of maritime security and consequently fueling the demand for naval vessels and combatants.
The surge in maritime trade is anticipated to drive the growth trajectory of the naval vessels and surface combatants market. Maritime trade encompasses the exchange of commodities, goods, and services via shipping across various water bodies. Naval vessels and surface combatants play a crucial role in this arena by ensuring security along shipping routes and safeguarding valuable cargo. This guarantees the seamless flow of international trade. Projections from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development estimate a 2.4% growth in maritime trade in 2023 and a consistent increase of over 2% from 2024 to 2028, affirming the pivotal role of escalating maritime trade in propelling the demand for naval vessels and surface combatants.
An escalating emphasis on indigenization emerges as a prominent trend within the naval vessels and surface combatants market. Leading entities in this sector are intensifying their focus on indigenous production to cater to the provision of naval vessels and surface combatant services. Indigenization serves as a strategic tool to augment exports, curtail defense acquisition expenses, and establish self-reliance in the production of defense equipment. Notable milestones include China's landmark achievement in June 2022 with the launch of its first indigenous aircraft carrier, the Type 003 carrier named Fujian, and India's commissioning of its first domestically built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, in September 2022. These advancements mark significant strides toward achieving self-sufficiency in naval capabilities while alleviating financial burdens.
Leading companies in the naval vessels and surface combatants market are creating advanced products, including unmanned surface vessels (USVs), to fulfill the specific needs of the navy. A USV is a watercraft that operates on the water's surface without a crew, employing remote control or autonomous navigation for various functions such as surveillance, data collection, and environmental monitoring. For example, in January 2024, the U.S. Navy launched the Vanguard Unmanned Surface Vessel, a pioneering autonomous maritime vessel developed by Austal USA in partnership with L3Harris, specifically designed for the U.S. Navy. The Vanguard was launched from Austal's shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, and is the first unmanned surface vessel built entirely for autonomous operations. It is part of the Overlord program, which aims to enhance the Navy's experimentation with unmanned systems and support tactical development for future naval operations. Once outfitting and testing are completed, Vanguard will autonomously navigate to San Diego to join other unmanned vessels in the Navy's fleet, representing a significant advancement in maritime technology.
In September 2024, Fairbanks Morse Defense, a US-based private defense contractor, acquired the naval propulsors and handling business from Rolls-Royce Plc for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to strengthen Fairbanks Morse Defense's offerings for U.S. maritime defense customers and broaden its global presence by integrating complementary capabilities in naval applications. Rolls-Royce is a UK-based engineering company specializing in the design, manufacture, and distribution of power systems for maritime applications.
Major companies operating in the natural surfactants market are Akzo Nobel N.V., BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Croda International PLC., Huntsman Corporation, Clariant AG, Stepan Company, Kao Corporation, Indorama Corporation, Innospec, Dora Agri-Tech, Lankem, Sanchi Organics Private Limited, Kensing, LLC, Solvay S.A., Arkema, Evonik Industries AG, Galaxy Surfactants, Air Products and Chemicals, Sasol, India Glycols, Enaspol, Celanese Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, Albemarle Corporation, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Ecopol Chemicals Pvt. Ltd., Aarti Industries Ltd.
North America was the largest region in the naval vessels and surface combatants market share in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the naval vessels and surface combatants market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the naval vessels and surface combatants market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The naval vessels and surface combatants market consists of sales of large patrol vessels, missile boats, torpedo boats, mine countermeasures vessels, and other types. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Naval Vessels And Surface Combatants Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on naval vessels and surface combatants market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for naval vessels and surface combatants? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The naval vessels and surface combatants market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.