Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Market Size, Share, Trends, & Industry Analysis Report By Technology (Collision Avoidance, Navigation, Communication, Imagery, and Propulsion), By Type, By Shape, By Payload, By Application, and By Region – Market Forecast, 2

The autonomous underwater vehicle market size is expected to reach USD 14,740.07 million by 2034, according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report “Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Technology (Collision Avoidance, Navigation, Communication, Imagery, and Propulsion), By Type, By Shape, By Payload, By Application, and By Region; Market Forecast, 2025–2034” gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth.

An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is a robotic, untethered submersible designed to operate independently underwater without real-time human control. Equipped with sensors, propulsion systems, navigation tools, and onboard computers, AUVs are pre-programmed to carry out complex missions in marine environments. They use sonar, high speed cameras, and other instruments to collect data on water temperature, salinity, ocean currents, seafloor topography, and marine life.

AUVs are widely used in scientific research, including oceanography and marine biology, to study ecosystems and climate change. They play a crucial role in offshore industries, such as oil and gas exploration, by inspecting pipelines, subsea infrastructure, and potential drilling sites. In defense and security, AUVs support naval operations through mine detection, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. Environmental monitoring and underwater archaeology also benefit from AUVs. The ability of AUVs to operate at various depths and for extended durations makes them ideal for deep-sea exploration, where human access is limited.

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Market Report Highlights

In terms of technology, the navigation segment held the largest revenue share in 2024 due to its ability to offer accurate mapping, positioning, and route planning for complex underwater missions.

Based on type, the large segment accounted for 53.59% of revenue share in 2024 as oil and gas operators, and research institutions relied heavily on large vehicles for long-endurance and deep-sea missions.

In terms of shape, the torpedo segment dominated the revenue share in 2024 due to its design that provided superior hydrodynamics, speed, and maneuverability for a wide range of underwater missions.

Based on payload, the sensors segment held 28.19% of the revenue share in 2024, due to their versatility in delivering critical data across diverse underwater missions.

North America autonomous underwater vehicle market held 34.91% of global autonomous underwater vehicle market share in 2024. This dominance is attributed to strong investments in defense and maritime security, particularly from the U.S. Navy and allied agencies.

U.S. held 72.22% of revenue share in the North America autonomous underwater vehicle landscape in 2024, due to defense modernization initiatives and the need for advanced undersea warfare capabilities.

A few global key market players include Blue Robotics, Exail, Fugro, General Dynamics Corporation, HII, Kongsberg Discovery, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Ocean Infinity, Oceaneering International, SAAB AB, Teledyne Marine Technologies Incorporated, and The Boeing Company.

Polaris Market Research has segmented the market report on the basis of technology, type, shape, payload, application, and region:

By Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020–2034)

Collision Avoidance

Navigation

Communication

Imagery

Propulsion

By Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020–2034)

Shallow

Medium

Large

By Shape Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020–2034)

Torpedo

Laminar Flow Body

Streamlined Rectangular Style

Multi-hull

By Payload Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020–2034)

Sensors

Cameras

Synthetic Aperture Sonars

Echo Sounders

Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers

Others

By Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020–2034)

Army & Defense

Petroleum & Gas

Environmental Security & Tracking

Oceanography

Archeology & Exploration

Search & Rescue Activities

By Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2020–2034)

North America

US

Canada

Europe

Germany

France

UK

Italy

Spain

Netherlands

Russia

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

Malaysia

South Korea

Indonesia

Australia

Vietnam

Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

Saudi Arabia

UAE

Israel

South Africa

Rest of Middle East & Africa

Latin America

Mexico

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of Latin America Show more