Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market: Innovations Fueling the Autonomous Segment

The global unmanned surface vehicle (USV) market was valued at USD 1,586.1 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3,449.1 million by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 11.9% from 2024 to 2030. This robust growth is largely driven by the increasing adoption of USVs in defense and security applications worldwide.

Naval forces and maritime security agencies are increasingly deploying USVs for missions such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and mine countermeasures. The ability of these vehicles to operate in high-risk or hazardous environments without endangering human personnel has positioned USVs as critical assets in modern naval operations, significantly boosting market demand.

Rapid technological advancements in autonomous navigation, control systems, and sensor integration are further accelerating market growth. Innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have enhanced USV capabilities, enabling them to carry out complex missions with minimal human involvement. These advancements improve operational efficiency, reduce mission costs, and increase reliability, making USVs more attractive to both military and civilian users.

Beyond defense, the application scope of USVs is expanding into commercial and scientific domains. In the commercial sector, USVs are increasingly utilized for offshore oil and gas exploration, environmental monitoring, and marine data collection. In scientific research, these vehicles are being leveraged for oceanographic studies and marine ecosystem analysis, benefiting from their ability to cover large areas and collect real-time data efficiently.

Order a free sample PDF of the Unmanned Surface Vehicle Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• North America accounted for over 38% of global USV market revenue in 2023. This strong position is supported by increased defense spending on advanced maritime technologies, along with rising adoption of autonomous surface vehicles for environmental monitoring and commercial applications. A well-established technological ecosystem and favorable regulatory framework have further supported regional market growth.
• By type, the semi-autonomous segment dominated the market in 2023, capturing approximately 51% of total revenue. This segment offers a balanced combination of automation and human oversight, providing greater operational flexibility and reliability. Semi-autonomous USVs are particularly well suited for missions that require real-time human intervention, such as search and rescue operations and complex survey activities, driving their widespread adoption.
• By size, the medium-size segment held the largest revenue share in 2023. Medium-sized USVs provide an optimal balance of payload capacity, endurance, and maneuverability, making them suitable for a wide range of applications including defense missions, environmental monitoring, and survey operations. Their versatility, coupled with cost-effective deployment and maintenance, has contributed to their market dominance.
• By application, the defense segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023 due to growing demand for advanced maritime surveillance and security solutions. USVs are widely used in defense applications such as mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and border patrol. Their ability to operate autonomously or with minimal crew involvement, while reducing operational risk, continues to drive significant investment in this segment.

Market Size & Forecast

• 2023 Market Size: USD 1,586.1 Million
• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 3,449.1 Million
• CAGR (2024-2030): 11.9%
• North America: Largest market in 2023
• Middle East and Africa (MEA): Fastest growing market

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Key players in the unmanned surface vehicle market include L3Harris Technologies, Inc. and Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, along with several emerging participants.

• L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is a major aerospace and defense technology provider offering advanced solutions in communications, surveillance, avionics, and electronic warfare. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company supports defense, government, and commercial customers globally with mission-critical technologies that enhance maritime and security operations.
• Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, based in Norway, is a leading technology company delivering advanced systems for the defense, maritime, and aerospace sectors. Its portfolio includes autonomous and remotely operated systems, naval defense solutions, and digital maritime technologies designed for both military and commercial applications.

Emerging companies such as Liquid Robotics and Fugro are also strengthening the competitive landscape.

• Liquid Robotics, an American company, is known for its autonomous ocean robots, particularly the Wave Glider platform. The company focuses on persistent ocean observation and real-time data collection, serving applications in environmental monitoring, defense, and offshore energy.
• Fugro is a Dutch multinational specializing in geotechnical, survey, and subsea services for industries including oil and gas, infrastructure, and renewable energy. In the USV market, Fugro utilizes unmanned surface vehicles for hydrographic surveying, environmental monitoring, and offshore construction support.

Key Players

• ECA Group
• Elbit Systems Ltd.
• Fugro
• Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
• L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
• Liquid Robotics
• Saab AB
• Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
• Textron Systems Corporation
• Thales Group

Explore Horizon Databook – The world’s most expansive market intelligence platform developed by Grand View Research.

Conclusion

The unmanned surface vehicle market is poised for strong growth through 2030, driven by rising defense and security requirements, rapid technological advancements in autonomy and AI, and expanding commercial and scientific applications. North America continues to lead the market, while the Middle East and Africa region is emerging as the fastest-growing market. As governments and commercial operators increasingly prioritize operational efficiency, safety, and real-time maritime data, USVs are expected to play an increasingly critical role in future naval, commercial, and research operations.