Unmanned Surface Vehicles Research Report 2025: Small USVs See Rapid Growth, 1,000+ Hours Segment Dominates - Global Forecast to 2030

Growth is driven by demand for water quality monitoring, ocean data mapping, and enhanced maritime security amid increasing asymmetric threats. High investments in offshore oil and gas sectors also contribute to market expansion. The >1,000 hours endurance segment leads the market due to the need for long-duration missions, while Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, bolstered by strong shipbuilding industries. Leading players include L3Harris Technologies, Teledyne Technologies, and Textron Inc.


Dublin, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market by Application (Mine Countermeasure, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Hydrographic Survey, Security), Type (Autonomous, Remotely Operated), System, Cruising Speed, Hull Type, Endurance, Size and Region - Global Forecast to 2030" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global unmanned surface vehicles (USV) market is anticipated to expand from USD 0.82 billion in 2025 to USD 1.59 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 14.1%.

This report offers market leaders and new entrants critical approximations on revenue figures, helping them position their businesses effectively in the entire USV market ecosystem. It aids in understanding the competitive landscape and devising strategic go-to-market plans while capturing the industry's pulse, including key drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.

The market is experiencing steady growth due to increased demands for water quality monitoring, ocean data mapping, and enhanced maritime security amid rising asymmetric threats. Higher investments in offshore oil & gas operations further augment USV deployment for inspection and support tasks. However, challenges such as the availability of cost-effective alternatives and high development and maintenance costs for advanced USVs may restrain adoption in cost-sensitive sectors.

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (US), Textron Inc. (US), Exail Technologies (France), Elbit Systems Ltd (Israel), MARTAC (US), and Thales (France) are some of the prominent players in the USV market.

The >1,000 Hours Segment Dominates the Market

The segment of USVs with endurance greater than 1,000 hours is poised to account for the largest market share. These USVs can operate weeks on end without refueling or repairs, making them ideal for ocean monitoring, border security, environmental studies, and offshore inspections. In defense, they excel in intelligence and patrolling duties, reducing risk to human operators. The demand for these durable, low-maintenance USVs underscores their leadership in the endurance category.

Small USVs See Rapid Growth

The sub-3 meter USV segment is the fastest-growing due to their affordability, ease of use, and adaptability to short-range missions. Their compact size facilitates launch from shores or small vessels, proving advantageous in rivers, lakes, and ports. Despite their size, these USVs are equipped with advanced sensors, enabling a range of applications from water quality checks to port security. Their versatility and cost-effectiveness make them a popular choice among commercial, research, and governmental bodies.

Asia Pacific Leads in Growth

Asia Pacific emerges as the fastest-growing region in the USV market propelled by robust shipbuilding industries and expanding maritime trade. Nations like China, Japan, South Korea, and India are pivotal, contributing significantly to USV production and application. With increasing sea trade, the demand for efficient port management, coastline surveillance, and ocean research rises, bolstering USV integration and solidifying Asia Pacific's leading position.

Key Attributes:

Report AttributeDetails
No. of Pages296
Forecast Period2025 - 2030
Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025$0.82 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030$1.59 Billion
Compound Annual Growth Rate14.1%
Regions CoveredGlobal


Market Dynamics

Drivers

  • High Demand for Water Quality Monitoring and Ocean Data Mapping
  • Surge in Asymmetric Threats and Need for Maritime Security
  • Growing Capital Expenditure in Offshore Oil and Gas Industries

Challenges

  • Unclear Navigation Rules and Need for Human Intervention
  • Absence of Robust Collision Avoidance Systems in USVs
  • Cybersecurity Threats to Autonomous Systems

Opportunities

  • Advancements in Naval Technologies
  • Rapid Adoption of Unmanned Surface Vehicles in Defense Operations
  • Rise in Defense Budgets

Case Studies

  • Fugro Deployed 12-Meter Uncrewed Surface Vessel Equipped With Electric-Powered Remotely Operated Vehicle
  • Use of Norbit's Sonar Devices for Mapping Beaver Burrows
  • Use of Oceanalpha SL40 USV for Hydrographic Surveying of Hamburg Port
  • Use of Oceanaplha M80 USV for Offshore Wind Farm Scouring and Cable Survey
  • Use of Uni-Pact USV for Near-Shore Topographic and Bathymetry Data

Company Profiles

  • L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
  • Thales
  • Exail Technologies
  • Textron Inc.
  • Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
  • Elbit Systems Ltd.
  • Kongsberg
  • Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
  • Qinetiq
  • LIG Nex1
  • BAE Systems
  • Atlas Elektronik Gmbh
  • Searobotics Corp.
  • Liquid Robotics, Inc.
  • Martac
  • Edge Pjsc Group
  • Ocean Aero
  • Deep Ocean Engineering, Inc.
  • Clearpath Robotics, Inc.
  • Saildrone, Inc.
  • Seafloor Systems, Inc.
  • Sea-Kit International
  • ST Engineering
  • Zhuhai Yunzhou Intelligence Technology Ltd.
  • Maritime Robotics
  • Ocius Technologies
  • Oceanalpha
  • Sea Machines Robotics, Inc.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5mfdup

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Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market

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