Global Torpedo Market 2024-2031

Global Torpedo Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Weight (Lightweight Torpedoes and Heavyweight Torpedoes), by Launch Platform (Air-launched, Surface-launched, and Underwater-launched), and by Propulsion (Electric Propulsion and Conventional Propulsion) Forecast Period (2024-2031)

The torpedo market is anticipated to grow at a considerable CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period (2024-2031). A torpedo is a sophisticated underwater missile, launched from submarines or ships. Propelled itself, it homes in on a target and explodes on contact or proximity, delivering a powerful punch to cripple or destroy enemy vessels.

Market Dynamics

Increasing Defense Budgets Fueling the Torpedo Market

Increased military expenditure is a significant driver of the expanding torpedo market. Geopolitical tensions, simmering border disputes, and the ever-present threat of terrorism create a complex security landscape. As a result, governments prioritize defense budgets, allocating more resources to bolster their military capabilities. For instance, in 2023, Russia's military expenditure surged by 24.0%, reaching an estimated $109 billion, indicating a 57.0% increase since 2014, coinciding with the annexation of Crimea. Military spending constituted 16.0% of Russia's total government expenditure in 2023, with its military burden, or military spending as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), standing at 5.9%. This translates directly to investments in advanced weaponry for all branches of the armed forces, including the Navy. Submarines play a vital role in modern warfare, and torpedoes are their primary offensive armament. Therefore, a rise in military spending directly translates to an increased demand for modern and sophisticated torpedoes, fueling the growth of this specialized market.

Upgrading the Arsenal: Fleet Modernization Drives Demand for New-Gen Torpedoes

The global landscape of naval power is undergoing a significant transformation driven by a focus on modernization. Navies around the world are actively upgrading their fleets with next-generation vessels, including nuclear submarines. These technologically advanced platforms boast superior capabilities compared to their predecessors. However, this modernization necessitates a parallel evolution in weaponry. For instance, in July 2023, India is planning to procure 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three Scorpene class conventional submarines from France. The submarine is equipped with sea-skimming SM-39 Exocet missiles and heavy-weight wire-guided surface and underwater target torpedoes. Existing torpedoes, designed for older submarines, may not be compatible or lack the performance required to fully utilize the potential of these new platforms. This creates a crucial demand for newer-generation torpedoes specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with modern submarines. As navies prioritize fleet upgrades, the need for compatible and advanced torpedoes surges, propelling the growth of the torpedo market.

Market Segmentation

Our in-depth analysis of the global torpedo market includes the following segments by weight, launch platform, and propulsion:

• Based on weight, the market is bifurcated into lightweight torpedoes and heavyweight torpedoes.
• Based on the launch platform, the market is sub-segmented into air-launched, surface-launched, and underwater-launched.
• Based on propulsion the market is augmented into electric propulsion and conventional propulsion.

Lightweight Torpedoes: The New Wave in Undersea Warfare

The global torpedo market is currently experiencing a surge in growth, with lightweight torpedoes emerging as a particularly strong segment. This rise can be attributed to several key advantages. Lightweight designs offer a perfect canvas for integrating innovative technologies like electric propulsion and advanced guidance systems, boosting their effectiveness and range. Additionally, their cost-effectiveness makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious navies, especially those undergoing fleet modernization. Finally, operational flexibility is a major selling point. For instance, in May 2023, EuroTorp, a consortium of Naval Group, Thales, and Leonardo, developed the MU90 lightweight torpedo, meeting NATO navies' demands with over 300 sea trials. MU90 boasts advanced features including anti-torpedo capability in development, silent electric propulsion, and sophisticated signal processing for multi-target tracking. Operational with numerous navies, MU90 offers effective engagement in shallow and confined waters, enhancing maritime security. Lightweight torpedoes can be launched from a wider range of platforms, including helicopters and surface vessels, in addition to submarines, adding to their strategic value. This confluence of factors suggests a potential shift in the torpedo market, with lightweight torpedoes becoming the weapon of choice for many navies worldwide.

Air-Launched Torpedoes: Shaping the Future of Undersea Warfare

The global torpedo market is surging, led by air-launched variants, driven by their strategic advantages in modern underwater warfare. Advancements in electric propulsion and autonomous guidance systems enhance range, stealth, and accuracy, crucial in contemporary engagements. Naval strategies prioritize anti-submarine warfare (ASW), favoring rapid response. Aircraft-deployed air-launched torpedoes offer swift reactions, countering emerging threats effectively. For instance, The RAF's Maritime Patrol Aircraft fleet will integrate the British-designed Sting Ray lightweight torpedo. Sting Ray Mod 1, already in Royal Navy service, offers advanced anti-submarine capabilities with its sophisticated homing and navigation systems. This integration enhances fleet flexibility and interoperability with allies. This blend of innovation, adaptability, and rapid response positions them at the forefront of maritime warfare. Thus, this segment is poised to maintain dominance in the expanding torpedo market.

Regional Outlook

The global torpedo is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).

North America: A Torpedo Powerhouse Leading the Global Market

North America currently holds the leading position in the global torpedo market. This dominance is driven by a union of factors. The region boasts a powerful defense industry, particularly in the United States, which possesses the technological expertise and production capacity to manufacture advanced torpedoes. Additionally, the US Navy, a dominant force on the global stage, relies heavily on torpedoes for its submarine fleet, creating a constant demand for these weapons. For instance, in 2022, the US alone allocated a staggering $877.0 billion for its military expenditures, constituting nearly 40.0% of the world's total military spending, which amounted to $2.2 trillion. Finally, significant military spending by North American governments allocates resources towards naval modernization, further fueling the need for cutting-edge torpedoes. For instance, in 2023, the US military expenditure totaled around $820.3 billion, constituting approximately 13.3% of the federal budget for that fiscal year. In March 2023, the Department of Defense (DoD) proposed a budget request of $842.0 billion for 2024, reflecting a 2.6% increase. Notably, the Navy was allocated $202.6 billion as part of this budget request. These factors combined solidify North America's position at the forefront of the global torpedo market.

Rising Tide of Demand: The Asia-Pacific Region Emerges as the Torpedo Market's Growth Engine

The Asia-Pacific region leads the global torpedo market's growth, fueled by rising military spending, geopolitical tensions, and fleet modernization. Increased investments by nations like China and India expand naval capabilities, driving demand for advanced weaponry. For instance, China's 14th National People's Congress revealed a planned 7.2% increase in defense spending, aiming to allocate a record $233.0 billion for national defense in the current year, up from $219.0 billion in 2023. Additionally, India's annual budget for the financial year 2023, unveiled on February 1, outlines a total outlay of $544.0 billion. Of this, the government earmarked 5.9 trillion rupees for defense, representing approximately 13.0% of the total budget. Notably, the capital outlay for the Navy saw an increase to $6.3 billion, up from $5.7 billion previously allocated. Geopolitical complexities mandate robust naval defenses, spurring torpedoes procurement for growing submarine fleets. Ongoing modernization efforts require compatible torpedoes for advanced vessels, further boosting demand. This confluence of factors positions the Asia-Pacific as the fastest-growing torpedo market globally.

The major companies serving the global torpedo market include RTX Corporation, BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., and Saab AB among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market. For instance, in January 2024, Northrop Grumman developed and tested the first industry-built Very Lightweight Torpedo (VLWT) for the U.S. Navy, based on a design from Pennsylvania State University Applied Research Laboratory (PSU-ARL). Independently funded, Northrop Grumman plans to offer affordability improvements for the Navy's Compact Rapid Attack Weapon program. Leveraging its extensive torpedo legacy, the company aims to enhance subsea lethality and support multiple warfighting platforms.