Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market Grows at a Staggering CAGR of 13.2%

Introduction

Straits Research published report, “Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) Market Size & Outlook, 2026–2034.” According to the study, the market size is valued at USD 764.3 million in 2025 and is projected to expand to USD 2,392.5 million by 2034, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2%.

Market Dynamics

The Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) Market is reinforced by the increased need for autonomous marine systems in defense, scientific, and commercial organizations. Increased focus on persistent ocean monitoring, hydrographic surveys, and environmental monitoring has fueled the use of USVs worldwide. The platforms provide lower operational risk, less fuel usage, and persistent mission capability achieving greater preference over manned crewed vessels.

Government programs to transform naval fleets and increase autonomous maritime operations within the U.S., U.K., Norway, and Japan are fueling investment in USV technology. In addition, AI-guided navigation, communication networks, and sensor fusion systems are improving mission autonomy and operational accuracy. Integration of hybrid propulsion and energy-saving systems also facilitates long-endurance missions, opening new markets for manufacturers and defense contractors in the unmanned maritime market.

Market Highlights

• Segmental Leadership: The Autonomous Surface Vehicles segment holds the largest share of 41.62% in 2025, owing to their extensive use in defense surveillance, hydrographic surveying, and environmental monitoring missions.
• Size Outlook: The Medium (2 meters < 24 meters) segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR of 13.85% during the forecast period, driven by rising adoption of multi-mission and modular USVs across naval and research operations.
• Technological Components: The Communication Networks segment leads the market with a revenue share of 34.27% in 2025, supported by advancements in real-time control, remote connectivity, and AI-enabled navigation systems.
• Application Outlook: The Military and Defense segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate of 13.92% during the forecast period, fueled by increasing naval modernization, ISR missions, and mine countermeasure operations.
• Regional Insights: North America dominates the market with a 36.18% share in 2025, attributed to strong defense spending, integration of autonomous maritime systems, and substantial R&D initiatives across the region.

Competitive Players

1. ECA Group
2. Elbit Systems Ltd.
3. Fugro
4. L3Harris Technologies
5. Kongsberg Maritime
6. Textron Systems
7. Thales Group
8. ATLAS ELEKTRONIK
9. Teledyne Technologies
10. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
11. Saab AB
12. Saildrone, Inc.
13. Sea-Kit International
14. Maritime Robotics
15. Ocean Infinity
16. Seafloor Systems
17. Boeing
18. General Dynamics Mission Systems
19. Xocean
20. Zhuhai Yunzhou Intelligent
21. Others

Recent Developments

Segmentation

1. By Vehicle Type (2022-2034)
   1. Remotely Operated Surface Vehicles
   2. Autonomous Surface Vehicles
   3. Semi-Autonomous Surface Vehicles
   4. Waterborne Autonomous Guided Vessels
2. By Size (2022-2034)
   1. Small (< 2 meters)
   2. Medium (2 meters < 24 meters)
   3. Large ( ≥ 24 meters)
3. By Technological Components (2022-2034)
   1. Hull Design
   2. Propulsion Systems
   3. Communication Networks
   4. Onboard Sensors
4. By Applications (2022-2034)
   1. Environmental monitoring
   2. Scientific research
   3. Asset inspection
   4. Military and defense;
   5. Communication and navigation;
   6. Survey and mapping
   7. Logistics
   8. Others
5. By Region (2022-2034)
   1. North America
   2. Europe
   3. Asia Pacific
   4. Middle East & Africa
   5. Latin America