AUV Market Set to Nearly Triple to $10.94 Billion by 2031, Driven by Defence and Offshore Demand

## AUV Market Poised for Rapid Expansion Through 2031 The autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) sector is on course for substantial growth over the coming five years, with a new market analysis projecting the industry will expand from USD 3.67 billion in 2026 to USD 10.94 billion by 2031 — representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.4%. According to an exclusive report published by MarketsandMarkets, unit volumes are expected to follow a similarly steep trajectory, rising from approximately 1,123 units in 2026 to significantly higher deployment numbers by the end of the forecast period. The findings underscore the accelerating adoption of unmanned underwater systems across a broad range of maritime applications, including seabed mapping, pipeline and cable inspection, mine countermeasures, oceanographic research, and offshore energy infrastructure monitoring. Defence procurement programmes — particularly in the United States, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region — are widely regarded as a primary growth driver, as naval forces invest in autonomous platforms capable of operating in contested or hazardous underwater environments. The commercial offshore sector is also contributing meaningfully to demand. As oil and gas operators and offshore wind developers seek to reduce the cost and risk associated with subsea inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) operations, AUVs offer a compelling alternative to crewed submersibles and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for certain mission profiles. The report's growth projections align with broader trends visible across the maritime technology landscape, where autonomy, artificial intelligence, and advanced sensor integration are reshaping how underwater operations are conducted. Manufacturers and system integrators operating in this space — ranging from established defence primes to specialist subsea technology firms — are scaling production capacity and investing in next-generation payload capabilities to meet anticipated demand. For maritime operators, port authorities, and offshore asset owners, the rapid maturation of the AUV market signals a near-term shift in how subsea survey, security, and inspection tasks will be resourced and executed. Industry stakeholders are advised to monitor procurement trends and evolving regulatory frameworks governing the deployment of autonomous underwater systems in commercial and sovereign waters. *Source: MarketsandMarkets Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Market Report, October 2026.*