Multi-Purpose Frigate Market Report 2026

The multi-purpose frigate market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $21.06 billion in 2025 to $22.38 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to introduction of modular frigate designs for multi-role operations, advancements in integrated weapons and sensor systems, increasing naval defense budgets for versatile platforms, operational success in anti-submarine and coastal defense missions, adoption of improved propulsion and hull technologies.

The multi-purpose frigate market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $28.25 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to integration of advanced electronic warfare and sensor suites, development of hybrid propulsion and energy-efficient designs, expansion in unmanned vehicle deployment from frigates, enhancements in modularity for rapid mission reconfiguration, adoption of next-generation stealth and survivability features. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for multi-role naval platforms, increased integration of advanced weapon systems, expansion of maritime security and surveillance missions, growth in modular shipbuilding approaches, increased investments in anti-submarine warfare capabilities,.

The increasing geopolitical tensions are expected to drive the growth of the multi-purpose frigate market in the coming years. Geopolitical tensions refer to heightened political, military, and strategic rivalries between nations that raise the risk of conflict, prompting governments to strengthen defense and security measures. These tensions are escalating due to rising defense budgets and intensifying regional conflicts, which demand a stronger naval presence and enhanced deterrence. Multi-purpose frigates play a crucial role in addressing these tensions by providing flexible naval capabilities, such as deterrence, power projection, surveillance, and escort missions, which contribute to maritime security and a stronger strategic presence. For example, in July 2024, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, reported over 165,273 incidents of political violence between July 2023 and June 2024, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. As a result, the rising geopolitical tensions are driving the demand for multi-purpose frigates.

Leading companies in the multi-purpose frigate market are prioritizing the development of innovative advancements such as multi-mission naval frigates to strengthen maritime force projection, survivability, and operational versatility. A multi-mission naval frigate is a combat vessel designed to perform a wide range of naval missions through integrated weapons, sensors, and propulsion systems. For example, in November 2025, SK Oceanplant, a South Korea-based shipbuilder specializing in naval vessels and maritime engineering, launched the ROKS Jeonnam, the third frigate in the FFX Batch-III program. The vessel incorporates advanced indigenous systems, including a fixed-panel active electronically scanned array radar, an integrated sensor mast, and a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system optimized for anti-submarine operations. This next-generation platform significantly boosts South Korea’s naval combat capability while strengthening the nation’s defense industrial capacity and export potential.

In March 2024, Lockheed Martin Corporation, a U.S.-based defense contractor and aerospace company, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Navantia SA to collaborate on advancing naval combat systems integration, particularly for the F-110 multi-mission frigate program. This partnership aims to enhance situational awareness and operational capabilities. Navantia SA, a Spain-based naval shipbuilder, is responsible for designing and building the F-110 multi-purpose frigates.

Major companies operating in the multi-purpose frigate market are Damen Shipyards Group NV, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems GmbH, BAE Systems plc, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Hyundai Heavy Industries Co.Ltd., China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, Naval Group SA, SAAB AB, HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. Ltd., Vard Brăila S.A., Fincantieri S.p.A., Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Lürssen Werft GmbH & Co. KG, ASC Pty Ltd, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Navantia S.A., Osborne Naval Shipyard Pty Ltd, Ulstein Group AS, China Shipbuilding Trading Company Limited, Austal Limited, Goa Shipyard Limited, Lungteh Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the multi-purpose frigate market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the multi-purpose frigate 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 are influencing the multi-purpose frigate market by increasing the cost of imported naval components such as propulsion systems, sensors, and advanced weapon modules, leading to higher overall shipbuilding expenses. These tariffs most significantly impact guided missile frigates and anti-submarine frigates, particularly in regions dependent on foreign technology, including Asia-Pacific and parts of Europe. While they disrupt supply chains and delay procurement timelines, tariffs also encourage domestic shipbuilding, localization of manufacturing, and greater investment in indigenous naval technologies, offering partial long-term benefits for regional defense industries.

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

The multi-purpose frigate is a flexible naval warship designed to carry out a wide range of maritime operations, including anti-submarine, anti-air, and surface warfare. It incorporates advanced weapons, sensors, and communication systems to improve situational awareness and combat effectiveness. These frigates are built to operate efficiently in varied environments, from open seas to coastal regions. Their versatility enables navies to address multiple threats with a single platform.

The primary types in the multi-purpose frigate market include guided missile frigates, anti-submarine frigates, and general-purpose frigates. Guided missile frigates are multi-purpose vessels equipped with sophisticated missile systems, capable of gathering, processing, and analyzing data through radar, sonar, and communication networks to ensure real-time situational awareness and combat readiness. The technologies used include stealth and conventional systems. Their applications cover anti-submarine operations, escort missions, patrols, investigations, and more, and they are employed by various end-users, such as naval forces, coast guards, and others.

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

The multi-purpose frigate market consists of sales of escort frigates, patrol frigates, reconnaissance frigates, surveillance frigates, and mine-countermeasure frigates. 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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