The global unmanned surface vehicle market size is expected to reach USD 3.25 billion by 2032, according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report "Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Size (Extra-Large USV, Large USV, Medium USV, Small USV); By Mode of operation; By Component; By Hull Type; By Endurance; By Application; By Region; Segment Forecast, 2024 - 2032" gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth.
USVs are unmanned surface vehicles that are relatively small, usually less than 14 meters in length, and are difficult to detect using radar, acoustics, infrared, and magnetic signatures. With the advancement of stealth technologies, USVs are becoming even more inconspicuous. Currently, the majority of USVs are used for non-destructive missions such as surveys, mine countermeasures, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. VSUSVs, SUSVs, and gliders are ideal for specialized tasks like hydrographic surveying and ISR. Although some USVs are equipped with weapon systems, only a few are operated by human operators due to legal restrictions or the lack of fully tested autonomous systems.
The amount of sensor data collected by unmanned vehicles is increasing rapidly, which calls for advanced analysis of this data. To process the sensor data and generate insights, unmanned vehicle solutions need to leverage the latest data analytics technologies available. Artificial intelligence (AI) enables vehicles to learn continuously through machine learning techniques, which allows for complex capabilities, such as autonomous navigation, obstacle detection, and avoidance based on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). In February 2023, the U.S. Navy and UAE Navy maritime forces conducted a week-long joint unmanned systems and artificial intelligence integration exercise in the Arabian Gulf. The exercise involved five UAE Navy unmanned surface vehicles.
Additionally, a study published in the National Library of Medicine in June 2021 highlighted the significant impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on global health. CAD alone is responsible for approximately 610,000 deaths annually, accounting for an estimated one in four deaths and making it the foremost cause of mortality in the United States. With the incidence of CAD rising, there is a growing demand for effective Unmanned Surface Vehicle devices to address this pressing medical need. Consequently, this factor is projected to drive the demand for Unmanned Surface Vehicles throughout the forecast period.
Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market Report Highlights
- In 2022, the power & propulsion systems segment is poised to take the lead as the dominant and fastest-growing sector in the foreseeable future. In the Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) domain, manufacturers face the challenge of replacing human interface elements with remote human interfaces. Establishing remote control capabilities for propulsion systems requires collaboration involving their proprietary and restricted internal communication systems.
- In 2022, the remotely operated segment seized the market's forefront. Companies are actively harnessing the advantages of remote operation and unmanned vessel technologies to optimize efficiency, lower costs, and mitigate risks across various offshore wind farm and subsea development projects.
- The Hydrography & Oceanography segment held the largest market share throughout the forecast period. Unmanned surface vehicles are predominantly employed in hydrographic surveys, a widely recognized and long-standing field. These surveys typically involve extended timelines and recurring round trips. The integration of autonomous navigation systems in hydrographic survey USVs serves to streamline operations by eliminating repetitive and labor-intensive tasks effectively.
- In 2022, North America is expected to dominate the Unmanned Surface Vehicle market, primarily due to the high concentration of developers in the region. This growth is driven by the increased defense budget of the U.S. Navy, leading to heightened demand for these vehicles in the United States. Furthermore, the upswing in Canadian exports and economic development is set to further drive market expansion.
- The global key market players include: 5G international, ASV, Atlas Elektronik GmbH, ECA Group, Elbit Systems, Fugro, Kongsberg Maritime, L3 Harris Technologies, Liquid Robotics, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., Saab AB, Teledyne Technologies, Textron Inc, Thales Group
Polaris Market Research has segmented the Unmanned Surface Vehicle market report based on size, mode of operation, component, hull type, endurance, application and region:
Unmanned Surface Vehicle, Size Outlook (Revenue - USD Billion, 2019 - 2032)
- Extra-Large USV
- Large USV
- Medium USV
- Small USV
Unmanned Surface Vehicle, Mode of Operation Outlook (Revenue - USD Billion, 2019 - 2032)
- Remotely Operated
- Autonomous
Unmanned Surface Vehicle, Component Outlook (Revenue - USD Billion, 2019 - 2032)
- Hull
- Power & Propulsion Systems
- Communication Systems
- Sensors & Optronics
- Inertial Navigation & Positioning System
- ISR & Imaging Systems
- Weapon Payloads
Unmanned Surface Vehicle, Hull Type Outlook (Revenue - USD Billion, 2019 - 2032)
- Rigid Inflatable Hull
- Kayak (Single Hull)
- Catamaran (Twin Hull)
- Trimaran (Triple Hull)
Unmanned Surface Vehicle, Endurance Outlook (Revenue - USD Billion, 2019 - 2032)
- Brief (Up to 100 Hours)
- Moderate (100 - 500 Hours)
- Extended (500 - 1000 Hours)
- Ultra-Long (Above 1000 Hours)
Unmanned Surface Vehicle, Application Outlook (Revenue - USD Billion, 2019 - 2032)
- Naval & Homeland Security
- Hydrography & Oceanography
- Environmental & Meteorological Monitoring
- Anti-Submarine Warfare
- Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
- Natural Resource Mapping & Exploration
- Others
Unmanned Surface Vehicle, Regional Outlook (Revenue - USD Billion, 2019 - 2032)
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- UK
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Russia
- Netherlands
- Asia Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Latin America
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Middle East & Africa
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- Israel
- South Africa