Submarines Market Report 2026

The submarines market size has grown steadily in recent years. It will grow from $12.87 billion in 2025 to $13.45 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in defense submarine fleets, adoption of nuclear propulsion, deployment in strategic naval operations, development of sonar and stealth technologies, use in deep-sea exploration.

The submarines market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $16.44 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rise in unmanned underwater vehicle integration, development of advanced stealth and propulsion systems, growth in civilian research submarines, adoption of ai-assisted navigation, expansion in littoral combat and strategic deterrence roles. Major trends in the forecast period include modular submarine construction, expansion of commercial subsea operations, increased focus on stealth & acoustic signature reduction, advanced torpedo & missile integration, growth in submarine maintenance, repair & overhaul (mro).

The increasing frequency of terrorist attacks is expected to drive the growth of the submarine market. Terrorist attacks are deliberate acts of violence intended to instill fear and achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives. These attacks are rising due to political instability and regional conflicts, which create power vacuums and enable extremist groups to operate more freely. Submarines contribute to counterterrorism efforts by providing stealth, mobility, and advanced surveillance capabilities, while also supporting special operations. For instance, in April 2024, the U.S. Department of State reported that global terrorist incidents increased from 7,351 in 2022 to 7,382 in 2023, reflecting a rise of 31 incidents. Therefore, the growing threat of terrorism is driving demand in the submarine market.

Leading companies in the submarine market are developing advanced solutions such as lithium-ion battery propulsion-based submarines to improve underwater endurance, stealth, and strike capabilities. These submarines use lithium-ion batteries to power electric propulsion systems, offering higher energy efficiency, extended submerged operation, faster charging, and reduced maintenance compared to traditional lead-acid battery systems. For example, in October 2025, Hanwha Ocean, a South Korea-based shipbuilding and offshore engineering company, launched the KSS-III Batch II submarine. This 3,600-ton class vessel features lithium-ion battery propulsion integrated with a diesel-electric air-independent propulsion system, ten vertical-launch missile cells, advanced sonar and combat-management systems, and stealth-enhancing technologies such as acoustic anechoic coatings and vibration-damped mounts to minimize noise.

In October 2025, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), an India-based naval shipbuilding company, partnered with Naval Group, a France-based provider of submarine design and combat systems, to strengthen global submarine capabilities. The partnership focuses on delivering advanced Scorpene-class submarines by combining Naval Group’s design expertise with MDL’s shipbuilding strength, enhancing India’s strategic position in international submarine manufacturing.

Major companies operating in the submarines market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., General Dynamics Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Northrop Grumman Corporation, BAE Systems plc, Larsen & Toubro Limited, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc., Fincantieri, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH, China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, Babcock International Group, United Shipbuilding Corporation, Saab AB, Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, Damen Shipyards Group, Naval Group, Rubin Design Bureau, Navantia S.A., Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd., Naviris, OSK-ShipTech A/S, Leonardo - Fincantieri S.p.A., Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH, TKMS Blohm + Voss.

North America was the largest region in the submarines market in 2025. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global submarines market during the forecast period. The regions covered in the submarines market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs on steel, advanced composites, propulsion systems, and electronic warfare components have increased production costs and delayed procurement timelines across key submarine markets, particularly affecting defense-focused nations in Asia-Pacific and Europe where manufacturing and component sourcing are globalized. These tariffs pressure pricing structures for both nuclear and diesel-electric submarine programs, especially within the combat and ISR application segments. However, tariffs have also encouraged domestic industrial expansion and technology localization, strengthening supply chain resilience and boosting indigenous submarine development in some regions.

The submarine market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides submarine market statistics, including submarine industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a submarine market share, detailed submarine market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the submarine industry. This submarine market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

A submarine is a self-propelled naval vessel designed to operate both underwater and on the water's surface, serving purposes in both civilian and defense sectors.

Submarines come in various types, including nuclear-powered submarines, diesel-electric submarines, and ballistic missile submarines. Ballistic missile submarines are specifically employed for deploying submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) equipped with nuclear warheads. The diverse applications of submarines encompass commercial uses for surveillance, combat, marine environmental monitoring, and other functions.

The countries covered in the submarines market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The submarine market consists of sales of submarines for both civilian as well as defense purposes. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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