Lightweight Torpedo Market Report 2026

The lightweight torpedo market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.22 billion in 2025 to $1.3 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to development of wire-guided active torpedoes, use of passive sonar homing torpedoes, deployment of submarine-launchable torpedoes, initial integration with ship-launched anti-submarine systems, early adoption in naval defense operations.

The lightweight torpedo market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.68 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for autonomous active torpedoes, expansion in aerial and multi-platform launch applications, advancements in adaptive acoustic guidance systems, increasing need for coastal and anti-surface security operations, innovations in hybrid and electric propulsion technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include advanced guidance and targeting systems, lightweight and compact design for rapid deployment, enhanced underwater propulsion and speed, stealth technology and reduced acoustic signature, integration with multi-platform launch capabilities.

The increasing defense budgets are expected to propel the growth of the lightweight torpedo market going forward. Defense budgets refer to government funding for sustaining and strengthening a country’s military forces and national security. Defense budgets are growing mainly due to escalating geopolitical tensions, prompting nations to boost military strength and safeguard national security. Increasing defense budgets drive greater funding for developing advanced defense systems, including lightweight torpedoes, boosting naval strength with cutting-edge and efficient underwater weapons. This financial support advances research, manufacturing, and deployment, reinforcing maritime security and deterrence. For instance, in April 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a Sweden-based international research institute, global military spending reached $2.44 trillion in 2023, marking a 6.8% increase in real terms compared to 2022. Therefore, increasing defense budgets are driving the growth of the lightweight torpedo market.

Leading players in the lightweight torpedo market are emphasizing collaborative efforts to enhance their product offerings and solidify their presence in global markets. These strategic alliances involve the pooling of expertise, capabilities, and assets to achieve mutual goals, improve market positioning, and stimulate innovation. For example, in April 2025, Sweden's Defense Materiel Administration partnered with Saab to conduct a successful live-fire test of the Torpedo 47 (Tp 47), an electric lightweight torpedo, launched from a 15-meter Combat Boat 90 (CB90). This test represented a significant breakthrough in deploying advanced torpedoes from smaller naval vessels. Additionally, trials of launches from unmanned surface vessels (USVs) demonstrated the future potential for modular, flexible, and autonomous torpedo deployments, especially in littoral warfare scenarios. The initiative aligns with Sweden's push for nimble and versatile defense tools, informed by recent naval combat experiences, and aims to bolster Baltic Sea security through adaptable dual-domain capabilities.

In January 2025, Fincantieri, a shipbuilding and naval technology company based in Italy, acquired Leonardo’s Underwater Armaments Business for an undisclosed amount. With this acquisition, Fincantieri aims to strengthen its capabilities in underwater warfare systems, expand its defense portfolio, and enhance its position as a global integrator of naval platforms and advanced weaponry. Leonardo is an Italy-based manufacturer of lightweight torpedoes.

Major companies operating in the lightweight torpedo market report are RTX Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., BAE Systems plc, Thales Group, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Saab AB, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Ultra Group, Rosoboronexport, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Naval Group, Leonardo S.p.A., Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, LIG Nex1 Co Ltd, Bharat Dynamics Limited, Atlas Elektronik GmbH, Norinco Group.

North America was the largest region in the lightweight torpedo market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the lightweight torpedo market are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the lightweight torpedo market are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The lightweight torpedo market consists of sales of anti-submarine warfare helicopters or maritime patrol aircraft. 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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