The market for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) is projected to reach approximately US$ 2.91 billion in 2017, with an anticipated growth rate of 6.9% CAGR throughout the forecast period from 2018 to 2025, ultimately reaching around US$ 4.84 billion by 2025. These unmanned vehicles operate either underwater or on the surface, functioning autonomously or with minimal human intervention.
A significant portion of the global UUV and USV market is dominated by defense forces, primarily due to the increasing need for subsea monitoring capabilities. In recent years, there has been a notable rise in the adoption of UUVs and USVs across various commercial sectors, including oil and gas exploration, hydrographic and oceanographic surveys, environmental monitoring, and search and recovery operations. Additionally, scientific research organizations are increasingly utilizing these unmanned vehicles for oceanographic studies and maritime surveys.
One of the key trends expected to influence the market in the coming years is the continuous advancement in maritime technology and subsea capabilities. The integration of modern technological tools is allowing naval forces and maritime organizations to effectively coordinate air, naval, and land operations into a cohesive unit. For example, the US Navy is currently developing the Large Displacement Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (LDUUV), which is designed to perform a variety of functions including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), mine countermeasures (MCM), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), acoustic surveillance, and offensive operations. The LDUUV is presently undergoing testing to validate its capabilities.
The UUV and USV market can be categorized by payload types, which include Cameras, Sensors, Sonar, Navigation Systems, and other specialized equipment. The "other" category encompasses applications such as marine archaeology, debris removal, and the installation of pipelines and cabling. In recent years, the utilization of UUVs and USVs across various end-user segments, including defense, industrial, and research sectors, has surged, driven by technological innovations and advancements in payload capabilities.
The overall market size has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methodologies. The research process initiates with comprehensive secondary research, utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data pertinent to the market. Furthermore, primary interviews are conducted with industry participants and experts to validate the data and analysis. Participants in this research typically include industry professionals such as Vice Presidents, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the UUV and USV sectors.
As the demand for unmanned vehicles continues to rise, driven by their versatility and effectiveness in various applications, the UUV and USV market is poised for significant growth. The ongoing technological advancements and the increasing integration of these vehicles into both military and civilian operations will further enhance their adoption and utilization across multiple industries.