USV Market Size & Trends

The global unmanned surface vehicle market size was valued at USD 1,586.1 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.9 % from 2024 to 2030. The market is witnessing significant growth driven by the increasing adoption of defense and security applications. Navies and maritime security agencies are increasingly deploying unmanned surface vehicles (USV) for surveillance, reconnaissance, and countermeasures. The ability of USVs to operate in hazardous environments without risking human lives makes them an invaluable asset for modern naval operations, driving their demand.

Industry Dynamics

The degree of innovation in the USV market is high. This is primarily due to rapid advancements in autonomous navigation, AI, machine learning, and sensor integration. In addition, the continuous development of new applications in defense, commercial, and scientific research further underscores the market’s high level of innovation, attracting substantial investment and collaboration across industries.

The level of mergers and acquisitions in the market is high. This is primarily due to the rapidly evolving technological landscape and the need for companies to enhance their capabilities and market presence. Firms are increasingly engaging in M&A activities to acquire advanced technologies, expand their product portfolios, and gain access to new markets.

Type Insights

The semi-autonomous segment dominated the market in 2023 with a market share of around 51% due to its balanced approach to automation and human oversight. This segment benefits from increased reliability and operational flexibility, combining autonomous capabilities with the option for manual control, which is particularly appealing in complex or uncertain environments. Semi-autonomous USVs are often preferred for applications requiring real-time human intervention, such as search and rescue missions or intricate survey tasks, driving their dominance in the market.

Application Insights

The defense segment held the largest revenue share in 2023, owing to the increasing demand for advanced maritime security and surveillance solutions. USVs are used for a range of defense applications, including mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and border patrol, offering high operational efficiency and reduced risk to human personnel. Their ability to perform critical tasks autonomously or with minimal human intervention, along with advancements in technology, has made them a preferred choice for military operations, driving significant investment and revenue growth in this sector.

Key Unmanned Surface Vehicle Companies:

The following are the leading companies in the unmanned surface vehicle market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends.

• ECA Group

• Elbit Systems Ltd.

• Fugro

• Kongsberg Gruppen ASA

• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.

• Liquid Robotics

• Saab AB

• Teledyne Technologies Incorporated

• Textron Systems Corporation

• Thales Group