Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market Size and Share - Outlook Report, Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis (2025-2034)

The global unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) market stood at a value of around USD 5.11 Billion in 2024. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.50% in the forecast period of 2025-2034 to attain a value of USD 19.79 Billion by 2034.

Increasing Demand for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) to Aid the Global Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Industry

Based on type, the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) segment is predicted to hold a significant market share in the unmanned underwater vehicle (UVV) industry. This growth can be attributed to the increased demand for autonomous underwater vehicles for ocean mapping and the identification of shipwrecks or rocks underwater. In addition, technologically advanced sensors enable autonomous underwater vehicles to function in unchartered territory and deliver accurate data. These factors are expected to contribute to the overall market growth in the forecast period.

North America to Occupy a Significant Market Share in the Global Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Industry

North America is predicted to possess a significant share of the unmanned underwater vehicle (UVV) industry in the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the heightened deployment of unmanned underwater vehicles for defence and commercial activities in the region. In addition, the rising demand for autonomous underwater vehicles to aid in underwater exploration for the oil and gas industry is also predicted to propel the market growth. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is also projected to witness an increased demand for unmanned underwater vehicles in the coming years.

Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UVV): Market Segmentation

Unmanned underwater vehicle (UVV) refers to a submersible vehicle, which can be operated without manual intervention and can be operated remotely or independently. These are essential in underwater exploration activities, as manual exploration poses a number of challenges. These vehicles carry built-in sensors for video cameras, thrusters, sonar, and others.

By type, the market is divided into:

• Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)
• Hybrid Underwater Vehicle (HUV)

On the basis of application, the market can be segmented into:

• Commercial Exploration
• Defence
• Scientific Research
• Others

Based on payload, the industry can be segregated into:

• Sensors
• Synthetic Aperture Sonar
• Cameras
• Inertial Navigation Systems
• Others

On the basis of propulsion system, the market can be distributed into:

• Mechanical
• Electric
• Hybrid
• Others

Based on product type, the market can be categorised into:

• Small Vehicles
• High-Capacity Electric Vehicles
• Work Class Vehicles
• Heavy Work Class Vehicles
• Man Portable
• Light Weight Vehicles
• Heavy Weight Vehicles
• Large Vehicles

The regional markets for the product include:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Heightened Demand in the Oil and Gas Industry to Drive the Global Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Industry

The increased demand for unmanned underwater vehicles for exploration activities among the oil and gas manufacturers is projected to significantly stimulate the industry growth in the forecast period. This can be associated with the rising energy demands across industry verticals, fuelled by the rapidly increasing global population. In addition, the growing investments by the governments in ocean exploration and the development of defence and warfare technology are anticipated to augment the market growth. Moreover, the rapid technological advancements are estimated to propel the market growth in the forecast period. For instance, in October 2021, QYSEA Technology Co., Ltd., a remotely operated vehicle manufacturer, collaborated with Water Linked to equip QYSEA’s ROV with advanced underwater positioning sensors. These factors are estimated to positively impact the market growth in the forecast period.

Key Industry Players in the Global Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market

The report gives a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) market, covering their competitive landscape, capacity, and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, and investments, expansions of capacity, and plant turnarounds:

• Oceaneering International Inc.
• General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc.
• TechnipFMC plc
• Boston Engineering Corporation
• BaltRobotics Sp.z.o.o.
• Saab AB
• Others

The comprehensive report provides an in-depth assessment of the industry based on the Porter's five forces model and SWOT analysis.