The global Unmanned Surface Vehicle market was valued at USD 2.16 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow to USD 2.27 billion in 2024, reaching USD 3.29 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% during the forecast period. North America led the USV market in 2023, holding a 37.5% share.
The unmanned surface vehicle market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing applications in defense, commercial, and research sectors. USVs are versatile, autonomous vessels used for maritime surveillance, environmental monitoring, offshore exploration, and military operations. Their ability to perform tasks without risking human lives makes them essential for hazardous or remote operations. Technological advancements, such as improved autonomy, enhanced payload capacity, and integration with advanced communication systems, are further fueling their adoption. With growing investments in maritime security and oceanographic research, the USV market is poised for significant developments, particularly in regions like North America and Asia-Pacific.
Fortune Business Insights™ mentioned this in a report titled “Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market, 2023-2032.”
Browse In-depth Summary of This Research Insight:
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/unmanned-surface-vehicle-usv-s-market-102526
List of Key Players Profiled in the Report:
“Companies leading the unmanned surface vehicle market are Kongsberg Maritime (Norway), SaaB AB (Sweden), L3 Harris Technologies (U.S.), Textron Inc (U.S.), ECA Group (France), Thales Group (France), Fugro (Netherlands), Atlas Elektronik GmbH (Germany), ASV (U.K.), Elbit Systems (Israel), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (Israel), 5G International (U.S.), Liquid Robotics (U.S.), Teledyne Technologies (U.S.)”.
Russia-Ukraine War Impact:
Demand for Unmanned Surface Vehicle Increased Owing to Russia-Ukraine War
Russia's war against Ukraine was mostly a ground-and-air battle, with armed drones and missiles becoming increasingly common in modern warfare. The Black Sea was especially important in the maritime region. The overwhelming naval power of the Russian Navy is mainly due to Russia's failure to stop maritime intelligence against Ukraine, and Russia's political maneuvering in the strategically important Bosphorus chokepoint, which increased the need for USVs during the Russia-Ukraine War.
Segments:
Small USVs to Dominate the Market Share Owing to Reduced Survey Time on Site
On the basis of size, the unmanned surface vehicle market is segmented into small USV, medium USV, large USV, and extra-large USV. The small USV segment dominated the Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) market share in 2022. As a ‘force multiplier’, small USVs can be used with traditional survey vessels to double the survey coverage and reduce survey time, augmenting the market growth.
Power & Propulsion Systems Led the Market Growth Owing to Wider Replacement of Human Interface Elements with Remote Human Interface
Based on component, the market is classified into power and propulsion systems, communication systems, sensors & optronics, hull, inertial navigation & positioning system, ISR & imaging systems, and weapon payloads. Power & propulsion systems to dominate the market share and will be the fastest growing segment during the forecast period. In unmanned surface vehicles, the builder must replace the human interface elements with remote human interface. Further, developing remote-control capabilities for the propulsion systems requires interaction with their proprietary and closed internal communications.
Reduced Operational Cost and Enhanced Performance to Dominate the Remotely Operated Segment
According to mode of operation, the unmanned surface vehicle market is bifurcated into remotely operated and autonomous. The remotely operated segment led the USV Market share in 2022. Companies are looking to take advantage of remote operations and Unmanned Vessel (UV) solutions to enhance performance and reduce operational costs and risks across a wide range of onshore & offshore wind farm development and sub-sea operations.
Short (Upto 100 Hours) Segment to Dominate the Market Share due to High Demand for Natural Resource Mapping
On the basis of endurance, the market is segmented into short (upto 100 hours), medium (100 – 500 hours), long (500 – 1000 hours), and extra-long (above 1000 hours). The short (upto 100 hours) dominated the market share in 2022, owing to rise in demand for short-endurance USVs for environmental & meteorological monitoring.
Kayak (Single Hull) Segment to Dominate the Market Share Owing to Increased Marine Exploration Activities
As per hull type, the market is divided into kayak (single hull), catamaran (twin hull), trimaran (triple hull), and rigid inflatable hull. The kayak (single hull) segment to lead the USV Market with the fastest CAGR during the projected period. The segment is anticipated to grow due to increasing marine exploration activities during the forecast period.
Hydrography & Oceanography Segment Dominated the Market Owing to Increased Adoption of USVs
Based on application, the market is segmented into intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, naval & homeland security, anti-submarine warfare, hydrography & oceanography, environmental & meteorological monitoring, natural resource mapping & exploration, and others. The hydrography & oceanography segment dominated the market in 2022 due to their popularity, where USVs are mainly used.
Geographically, the unmanned surface vehicle market is divided into regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.
Report Coverage:
Major growth drivers, restraining factors, opportunities, and potential challenges for the USV Market.
Comprehensive insights into regional developments.
List of major industry players.
Key strategies adopted by the market players.
Recent industry developments include product launches, partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions.
Drivers & Restraints:
Increased Demand for USVs for Defense Missions to Augment Market Growth
In the unmanned surface vehicle market, Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) has revolutionized the way naval operations are conducted in recent years. SAM has enhanced from being tools to carry out a wide range of missions to systems that operate with a high degree of autonomy. Additionally, most countries engage in asymmetric warfare due to different strategies developed by different defense departments.
Endurance of USVs and limited range hamper operational effectiveness, restricting the USV Market growth.
Regional Insights:
North America to Dominate the Market Share Owing to Increased Demand for Vehicles
North America is anticipated to dominate the unmanned surface vehicle market share owing to the rise in the Navy’s defense budget, ultimately increasing the demand for vehicles in the U.S. Increased export and economic development are anticipated to propel the growth of the market.
Europe is expected to rise owing to increasing demand for exploration activities, marine activities, and increased oil and gas production during the projected period.