Warship and Naval Vessels Market Report 2026

The warship and naval vessels market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $80.68 billion in 2025 to $88.72 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising naval modernization programs driving procurement of cruisers, corvettes, and amphibious assault ships, increased defense spending supporting large-scale naval fleet expansion, advancements in naval propulsion and combat systems enhancing vessel performance, historical demand for littoral combat ships to support coastal security operations, growth in manufacturer-provided maintenance and lifecycle support services during warranty periods.

The warship and naval vessels market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $126.46 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing investment in next-generation multi-mission naval vessels integrating advanced weapon systems, increasing adoption of modular ship designs enabling faster upgrades and customization, rising demand for technologically advanced warships to address evolving maritime threats, expanding procurement by emerging naval forces strengthening regional naval capabilities, expected growth in bundled after-sales services including training, maintenance, and system integration for new naval vessels. Major trends in the forecast period include development of stealth and low-observable warships, integration of advanced weaponry and missile systems, modular design for multi-mission adaptability, expansion of naval fleet modernization programs, increased focus on unmanned surface and underwater vessels.

The growth of the warships and naval vessels market is expected to be supported by stable economic growth projections in both developed and developing countries. This steady economic expansion during the forecast period will facilitate increased investment, favorable policies, higher spending, and technological advancements that bolster the warships and naval vessels market. Global GDP is projected to grow at an average rate of 3.5% annually between 2022 and 2025. The U.S. real total GDP is anticipated to maintain stable growth during this period, reaching 3.6% by 2025. Moreover, emerging markets are expected to continue expanding at a slightly faster pace than developed markets throughout the forecast period. For example, according to the Asian Development Bank, Asia’s share of global GDP is projected to rise to 40% by 2030 and 52% by 2050. This ongoing economic growth is expected to drive demand for warships and naval vessels, thereby propelling the market forward.

Key players in the warship and naval vessel market are focusing on technological innovations such as Navis Sapiens to advance autonomous ship operations, enhance situational awareness, and optimize naval mission efficiency. Navis Sapiens is an advanced autonomous naval system designed to enable warships and naval vessels to operate with greater automation, real-time decision-making, and improved situational awareness in complex maritime environments. For instance, in April 2025, Fincantieri S.p.A., an Italy-based shipbuilding and repair company, partnered with Accenture Plc, an Ireland-based professional services firm, to launch Fincantieri Ingenium, a digital platform aimed at improving shipbuilding efficiency and innovation. The platform accelerates digital transformation in shipbuilding, defense, and port infrastructure through technologies such as AI, IoT, and cybersecurity. It enhances operational efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity by enabling real-time data exchange and AI-driven lifecycle management for next-generation vessels. The initiative seeks to strengthen innovation leadership in maritime and defense sectors, optimize value chains, and reduce environmental impact, ultimately boosting competitiveness and sustainability.

In October 2024, VINCI Energies S.A.S., a France-based provider of energy transition solutions, acquired two Dutch maritime specialists, RH Marine B.V. and Bakker Sliedrecht B.V., for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, VINCI Energies aims to expand its portfolio of energy transition solutions by incorporating the expertise and capabilities of RH Marine B.V. and Bakker Sliedrecht B.V. in the maritime sector, thereby reinforcing its position in the growing market for sustainable maritime energy systems and services. Bakker Sliedrecht B.V., based in the Netherlands, provides automation solutions primarily for dredging and offshore vessels, while RH Marine B.V., also based in the Netherlands, specializes in warfare and naval vessels.

Major companies operating in the warship and naval vessels market are General Dynamics Corporation, Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc, BAE Systems plc, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Fincantieri S.p.A, ThyssenKrupp AG, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd, Austal, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Korea Shipbuilding and Engineering Corporation, China State Shipbuilding Corporation, China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co. Ltd., Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, Babcock International Group, Navantia, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Curtis-Wright, Finmeccanica, Kongsberg, Raytheon, Emgepron, Estaleiro Atlântico Sul, Indústria Naval do Ceará, Itaguaí Construções Navais, Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company, Southern African Shipyards (Pty) Ltd, EBH Elgin Brown and Hamer Durban, DCD Marine Shipyards South Africa.

North America was the largest region in the warship and naval vessels market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the warship and naval vessels 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 have affected the warship and naval vessels market by increasing costs for imported naval components, steel, and propulsion systems, leading to higher production expenses and delays in shipbuilding schedules. Segments like warships, submarines, and aircraft carriers are most impacted, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions where shipbuilding is concentrated. Positive effects include incentivizing domestic shipbuilding, fostering local supply chains, and driving investment in indigenous naval technologies.

The warship and naval vessels market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides warship and naval vessels market statistics, including warship and naval vessels industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a warship and naval vessels market share, detailed warship and naval vessels market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the warship and naval vessels industry. This warship and naval vessels 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.

Warships and naval vessels are integral defense systems serving military operations at sea, belonging to a nation's naval forces. These vessels, faster and more secure, play a crucial role by carrying weaponry, ammunition, and essential supplies for the crew.

The primary categories of warships and naval vessels include submarines, aircraft carriers, and general warships. Submarines are submersible vessels capable of independent operation underwater. These vessels are divided into operational segments comprising the surface fleet and undersea fleet. Surface fleets are a specific category of navy vessels armed with weaponry and personnel for surface warfare. The end-user segment encompasses destroyers and frigates, tailored to the requirements of the force utilizing these vessels. Furthermore, the application segment includes purposes such as rescue operations, defense maneuvers, and other specific operational uses.

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

The warship and naval vessels market consists of sales of cruisers, corvettes, littoral combat ships, and amphibious assault ships. 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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