Del Ray Beach, Florida, October 15, 2026 / PRNewswire / -- MarketsandMarkets ™ indicates that the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) market is expected to grow from $3.67 billion in 2026 to $10.94 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.4%. In terms of quantity, the market size is expected to increase from 1,123 units in 2026 to 2,771 units by 2031.

The institution stated that the report on "Autonomous Underwater Vehicles ( AUV ) Market – Global Forecast 2031" contains a total of 200 market data tables, 80 charts, spans 300 pages, and is accompanied by a detailed table of contents.

Market Size and Forecast of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles ( AUV )

• Available market size years: from 2021 to 2031
• Market size in 2026: $3.67 billion
• Estimated market size in 2031: $10.94 billion
• Compound Annual Growth Rate (2026 to 2031): 24.4%

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles ( AUV ) Market Trends and Insights

• The market for autonomous underwater vehicles is growing steadily, driven by factors such as increased adoption of autonomous systems for national defense surveillance, inspection of maritime infrastructure, and deep-sea research. Advances in energy systems, sensing technology, and navigation that support AI are also enhancing mission capabilities and accelerating market expansion.
• By type, the ultra-large AUV (over 1000 meters) segment is expected to record the highest compound annual growth rate of 25.1% during the forecast period.
• By application, the military and defense sub-markets are expected to dominate during the forecast period.
• By region, the European autonomous underwater vehicle market accounted for 38.0% of the share in 2026.

The main driving forces of the global autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) market are the demands from defense, energy, and scientific research sectors for autonomous, reliable, and cost-effective underwater systems that can operate in dangerous or difficult-to-reach environments. Advances in underwater navigation, high-endurance power systems, and mission-specific payloads are prompting operators to adopt the new generation of AUV platforms, enabling higher precision, longer mission durations, and greater operational efficiency in deep-sea exploration, surveillance, and infrastructure inspection.

By type, ultra-large AUV (over 1000 meters) is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.

This dominant position is attributed to deep-sea exploration, the mapping of submarine cable routes, and the increasing demand for complex military missions that require long-term operations below 1000 meters. Ultra-large AUV units have a greater payload capacity, advanced sonar systems, and longer mission endurance, making them suitable for mine clearance, environmental monitoring, geophysical surveys, and other demanding underwater applications. Their ability to collect high-quality data while operating autonomously for extended periods further supports their adoption.

By system division, mobility is expected to become the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period.

The increasing complexity of tasks and the demand for more advanced underwater mobility are driving investments in advanced propulsion and maneuvering technologies, including hybrid propellers, low-noise electric drives, and efficient buoyancy systems. These technologies contribute to precise underwater navigation, improved energy efficiency, and extended mission endurance, which is crucial for both defense and commercial AUV applications. The continuous development of propulsion and control technologies is also further supporting the adoption of high-performance AUV.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to record the highest compound annual growth rate during the forecast period.

The growth of the Asia-Pacific AUV industry is supported by the expansion of naval and coast guard capabilities, marine energy development, and the increasing demand for underwater surveillance and maritime security. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia are investing in seabed intelligence, mine clearance, and deep-sea mapping to enhance their underwater capabilities. The development of offshore wind power, the expansion of seabed infrastructure, and government-funded marine research projects are also creating a demand for advanced AUV that can operate sustainably and precisely. Increased investment in oceanographic research, environmental monitoring, and climate-related studies has further promoted the adoption of AUV by research institutions, universities, and marine mapping organizations.

Norway's Kongsberg, Sweden's Saab AB, the UK's BAE Systems, France's Exail Technologies, and Italy's Saipem S and p.A are major participants among autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) companies. These companies have established strong distribution networks in North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, and other parts of the world.

MarketsandMarkets ™ indicates that readers can receive a 10% discount on customized services for this report.

The institution also lists research reports and consulting services on the aerospace and defense markets in adjacent regions, as well as more recent aerospace and defense reports, including those on the drone ( UAV ) battery market and the drone market, among others.

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