Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Industry to Reach USD 4.3 Billion by 2029

Increasing investments in offshore oil & gas drilling, technological advancements in AUVs, and deployment of advanced technologies to ensure border and maritime security are driving the market for AUVs, whereas growing demand in offshore energy exploration creates a major opportunity f

The Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) industry is expected to grow from USD 2.0 billion in 2024 to USD 4.3 billion by 2029, reflecting a CAGR of 15.9% during this period. Key drivers include advancements in AUV technology, the increased use of AUVs for maritime and border security, a shift towards renewable energy sources, growing investments in offshore oil and gas drilling, and the rising adoption of AUVs for deep-sea exploration of critical minerals and seabed resources.

High Growth in Large AUV Segment

The large AUV segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR throughout the forecast period. This growth is largely driven by the demand from military, defense, and oil & gas exploration sectors. The UK Ministry of Defense has recently commissioned an extra-large AUV (XL-AUV) for the Royal Navy, demonstrating the strategic importance of uncrewed submarines in future underwater combat. In parallel, the Chinese Navy is advancing its development of AI-enabled underwater vehicles to challenge US dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Players in the AUV Industry

The AUV market features several prominent players driving innovation and market growth, including:

  • KONGSBERG (Norway)
  • Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (US)
  • General Dynamics Corporation (US)
  • Saab (Sweden)
  • Exail Technologies (France)
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation (US)
  • Fugro (Netherlands)
  • ATLAS ELEKTRONIK (Germany)
  • Boston Engineering Corporation (US)
  • L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US)
  • Graal Tech S.r.l. (Italy)
  • International Submarine Engineering Limited (Canada)
  • Boeing (US)
  • Riptide Autonomous Solutions (US)
  • MSubs (China)
  • Falmouth Scientific, Inc. (FSI) (China)
  • Terradepth (US)

These companies are at the forefront of technological innovation in the AUV industry, contributing to the rapid expansion and diversification of market applications.

Expanding Role of Medium AUVs in Environmental Monitoring

The medium AUV segment, particularly for environmental protection and monitoring, is anticipated to grow rapidly. Medium AUVs, capable of operating at depths of up to 1,000 meters, are well-suited for various applications such as water sampling, habitat and oceanographic research, marine pollution monitoring, fishery studies, and emergency response. Their adaptability to diverse underwater environments makes them increasingly valuable for environmental monitoring and protection efforts.

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US Leads in AUV Market Share

The US holds the largest share of the global AUV market and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This leadership is underpinned by significant government investments in defense and offshore activities. For example, the US Navy recently awarded an $18.6 million contract to Anduril Industries for the development of five Dive AUVs. Furthermore, Anduril's new production center in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, will expand Dive-LD AUV production capacity, supporting up to 200 units annually and bolstering the commercial exploration segment in the US AUV market.


Steve Stark

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