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

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

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.

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