세계의 무인 해상 차량 시장 규모는 2024년에 47억 8,000만 달러에 달했습니다. IMARC Group은 향후 이 시장이 2033년까지 109억 1,000만 달러에 달할 전망이며, 2025-2033년 9.12%의 연평균 복합 성장률(CAGR)로 성장할 것으로 예측하고 있습니다. 현재 북미가 시장을 독점하고 있으며 2024년에는 39.8%라는 큰 시장 점유율을 차지했습니다. 미국 해군이 대형 무인수상기(LUSV)와 초대형 무인해중기(XLUUV)를 포함한 무인시스템을 전략적으로 중시해 모니터링 능력 및 기뢰 대책 능력을 높이고 있는 것이 시장의 성장으로 이어지고 있습니다. 인공지능, 센서 통합, 자율성의 진보도 운용 효율을 높이고 있습니다. 오프쇼어 에너지 및 환경 모니터링 등의 상업 부문에서는, 효율적이고 비용 삭감을 위해서 UMV의 활용이 진행되고 있습니다.
시장은 기술적, 전략적, 경제적 촉진요인의 조합으로 빠른 속도로 성장하고 있습니다. 방위와 상업 시장에서의 선진적 해상 모니터링, 정찰, 수중 탐사에 대한 수요 증대도 큰 성장 요인입니다. 특히 미국에서는 지뢰탐지, 대잠수함전, 국경 경비대 등 인적 위험을 최소화하면서 해군의 능력을 향상시키기 위해 전 세계 군사들이 UMV에 많은 예산을 투입하고 있습니다. 산업 시장에서는 석유 및 가스 사업이 해양에서의 환경 모니터링, 해저 매핑, 파이프라인 검사에 UMV를 채택하고 있습니다. 왜냐하면 이러한 무인차량은 승조원이 있는 선박보다 경제적이고 안전하게 접근하기 어려운 환경이나 위험한 장소를 탐사할 수 있기 때문입니다. 게다가 자율주행 기술, AI, 센서 통합, 배터리의 진보로 차량의 성능, 내구성, 실시간 분석 능력이 비약적으로 향상되고 있습니다. 게다가 환경 문제의 고조나 해양 보호에 관한 정부 규제가, 에코 프렌들리 해양 탐사나 오염 검지를 위한 UMV의 도입을 자극하고 있어, 국제적으로 무인 해상 수송차 시장의 성장을 한층 더 촉진하고 있습니다.
미국은 엄청난 국방 예산, 기술적 우위, 전략적 해양 권익을 배경으로 주요 시장 파괴자로 두드러지고 있습니다. 미국 해군이 자율 시스템을 도입하는 데 주력하고 있는 것은 모니터링과 기뢰 소해 등의 작전을 목적으로 한 초대형 무인잠수정(XLUUV) '오르카(Orca)' 등의 노력을 통해 볼 수 있습니다. 오르카는 록히드마틴과 보잉이 개발한 제품으로 모듈형 구조와 긴 내구성을 자랑하며 운용 유연성을 뒷받침합니다. 게다가 블루 워터 오토노미사가 개발하고 있는 것과 같은 비용 대비 효과가 높은 무인 군함은 한정된 플릿 규모나 긴장된 조선 능력을 극복하고 유인 군함으로는 불가능한 간극을 메울 수 있습니다. 장거리 해양 임무를 위해 건조된 무인 군함은 기존 유인 군함을 보강하고 해군의 활동 범위를 확대합니다. 게다가 앤드릴 인더스트리즈사의 카퍼헤드 자율형 수중 항주체 패밀리는 재사용 가능한 고속 시스템이며, 여러 플랫폼에서 전개 가능하며, 일반 어뢰와 비교하여 예산 친화적인 선택지를 기재하고 있습니다.
AUV 및 ROV 정보 수집 및 수중 작전에 대한 수요 증가
무인 해상 차량(UMVs) 시장에서 가장 중요한 동향 중 하나는 정보 수집, 모니터링, 틈새 수중 작전을 위한 자율형 수중 로봇(AUVs)과 원격조작 차량(ROVs)에 대한 의존도 고조입니다. IISS에 따르면 안보상 과제가 산적한 가운데 세계 국방비는 2024년 급증해 2023년 2조 2,400억 달러에서 2조 4,600억 달러에 달했습니다. 이 증가로 국방 예산은 세계 GDP의 평균 1.9%에 달했고 2023년은 1.8%, 2022년은 1.6%였습니다. 따라서 해역을 둘러싼 지정학적 긴장 및 영토 분쟁이 격화되는 가운데 정부와 민간 기업은 중요한 정보를 비밀리에 효과적으로 수집하기 위해 이러한 선진적 시스템에 주목하고 있습니다. AUV 및 ROV는 어렵고 접근하기 어려운 수중 조건 하에서도 단독으로 행동할 수 있기 때문에 해양 조사, 환경 모니터링, 심해 탐사에 점점 더 많이 사용되고 있습니다. 이러한 플랫폼은 운용 스태미나의 향상, 데이터 취득의 정확성, 다양한 페이로드에 대한 다용도성을 제공해, 현대의 해군이나 조사 미션에 있어서 귀중한 존재가 되고 있습니다. 또한 선진적 센서, AI 프로세스, 실시간 통신 기술의 신속한 통합으로 AUV 및 ROV의 능력이 향상되어 인간의 개입 없이 다영역의 정보 활동을 지원할 수 있게 되었습니다.
해상 방위 강화를 위한 전략적 정부 투자
기술 선진국의 정부는 해상 방위 능력을 강화하기 위해 무인 해상 기술에 많은 투자를 실시하고 있으며, 이것이 무인 해상 차량 시장 전망을 더욱 크게 바꾸고 있습니다. 해저 기뢰 및 적 잠수함의 활동에서부터 불법 밀수와 국경 침범에 이르기까지 바다 안보 위협의 양상이 변화하고 있어 유연하고 내구성이 뛰어난 모니터링 솔루션이 요구되고 있습니다. 이에 따라 방위기관은 군사예산의 큰 비중을 들여 넓은 해역에서 정찰, 기뢰대책, 모니터링 임무를 수행할 수 있는 UMV를 개발 및 배치하고 있습니다. 이를 위해 인도는 2024년 해상 안보를 강화하기 위해 151척의 함정과 6대의 ALH 헬리콥터를 포함한 2,177억 2,000만 인도 루피의 방위 포장을 승인했습니다. 이에 따라 선박의 안전한 항행을 위한 해도를 작성하고 항만 개발을 위한 담수 환경을 이해하기 위한 수로 조사에 있어 자율형 해상 차량이 널리 채용되고 있는 것은 현저한 무인 해상 수송차 시장의 성장 요인 중 하나입니다. 그 결과 2025년 Seasats는 자율형 해상 솔루션 확대를 위해 Shield Capital 주도로 1,000만 달러를 조달했습니다. 2023년부터 가동하고 있는 동사의 11 ft 솔라 파워 ASV '라이트 피쉬'는, 7,000 마일과 2,500 마일의 미션을 완료해, 해저 매핑이나 국경 경비 등 방위 및 업무 용도에서 신뢰성을 실증했습니다. 이러한 차량은 적대적인 환경에서 인명에 대한 위험을 최소화하고 미션 시간의 연장과 상황 인식 강화를 가능하게 합니다. 방위 산업체와 해군 연구기관은 모듈형 페이로드와 더 높은 자율성을 통해 UMV의 운용 범위를 확대하기 위해 협력하고 있습니다.
다용도 모듈형 UMV 플랫폼으로 마이그레이션
무인 해상 차량 시장 예측에 영향을 미치는 중요한 동향 중 하나는 다양한 미션에 대응할 수 있는 멀티롤 모듈 차량 플랫폼의 개발입니다. 이 동향은 업무용 및 군사용을 약간의 재구성으로 이행할 수 있는 범용성 높은 시스템에 대한 수요에 기초하고 있습니다. 해저 케이블 점검, 석유 및 가스 인프라 점검, 해군 정찰 등 최종 사용자들은 현재 유연성과 신속한 대응력을 갖춘 차량을 찾고 있습니다. 페이로드 교체 및 아키텍처 확대가 가능한 모듈형 UMV는 총 소유 비용을 낮추고 로지스틱스를 용이하게 하기 때문에 인기가 높아지고 있습니다. 이러한 플랫폼을 통해 운영자는 현장에서 시스템 스킨을 변경할 수 있으며 개별 작업을 위해 여러 차량을 보유할 필요 없이 미션 성능을 최대화할 수 있습니다. 방위군과 산업이 보다 비용 효율적이고 서스테이너블 솔루션을 요구하는 가운데 모듈성을 중시함으로써 유지보수 간소화와 기술 갱신의 신속화도 가능해 빠르게 변화하는 운용 환경에서도 최신 기술을 유지할 수 있습니다.
The global unmanned marine vehicles market size was valued at USD 4.78 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 10.91 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.12% during 2025-2033. North America currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of 39.8% in 2024. The market is growing due to the US Navy's strategic emphasis on unmanned systems, including Large Unmanned Surface Vehicles (LUSVs) and Extra-Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (XLUUVs), which increases surveillance and mine countermeasure capabilities. Advances in artificial intelligence, sensor integration, and autonomy also enhance operational efficiency. Offshore energy and environmental monitoring, among other commercial sectors, increasingly utilize UMVs for efficient and cost-saving operations, while government initiatives in terms of research funding and regulation further increases the unmanned marine vehicles market share.
The market is growing at a fast pace, fueled by a combination of technological, strategic, and economic drivers. Growing demand for sophisticated maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, and underwater exploration in defense and commercial markets is another significant growth driver. Militaries globally, especially in the United States, are spending heavily on UMVs to improve naval capabilities while minimizing human risk, especially in mine detection, anti-submarine warfare, and border patrol. In the industrial market, oil and gas operations offshore employ UMVs for environmental monitoring, seabed mapping, and pipeline inspection because these unmanned vehicles can explore hard-to-approach environments and dangerous locales more economically and safely than crewed ships. Moreover, advances in autonomous technology, AI, sensor integration, and batteries have dramatically increased vehicle performance, endurance, and real-time analytics capabilities. Additionally, growing environmental issues and governmental regulations pertaining to marine conservation are stimulating the implementation of UMVs for eco-friendly oceanographic exploration and pollution detection, further driving the unmanned marine vehicles market growth internationally.
The United States stands out as a key market disruptor, driven by its large defense budget, technological superiority, and strategic maritime interests. The United States Navy's focus on embedding autonomous systems can be seen through initiatives such as the Orca Extra-Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (XLUUV), intended for operations like surveillance and mine sweeping. Orca is a product developed by Lockheed Martin and Boeing and boasts modular build and long-endurance, supporting operational flexibility. Further, the cost-effective unmanned warships, such as Blue Water Autonomy is developing them to overcome limited fleet size and strained shipbuilding capacity, can fill gaps where manned warships cannot. Built for long-distance ocean missions, they augment the traditional manned warships, enlarging the operating envelope of the Navy. In addition, the Copperhead autonomous underwater vehicle family of Anduril Industries are reusable, high-speed systems, deployable from multiple platforms that present a budget-friendly option relative to the usual torpedoes.
Increased Demand for AUVs and ROVs for Intelligence and Underwater Operations
One of the most important trends in the unmanned marine vehicles (UMVs) market is increasing dependence on Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for gathering intelligence, surveillance, and niche underwater operations. According to the IISS, global defense spending rose sharply in 2024 amid mounting security challenges, reaching USD 2.46 Trillion, up from USD 2.24 Trillion in 2023. This rise pushed defense budgets to an average of 1.9% of global GDP, compared to 1.8% in 2023 and 1.6% in 2022. Hence, as geopolitical tensions and territorial conflicts over maritime areas intensify, governments and private enterprises are looking toward these sophisticated systems to gather important information covertly and effectively. AUVs and ROVs are increasingly used for oceanographic surveys, monitoring the environment, and deep-sea exploration because they can act independently in difficult and inaccessible underwater conditions. These platforms provide increased operational stamina, accuracy in data acquisition, and versatility to different payloads, making them invaluable in contemporary naval and research missions. Furthermore, the quick integration of sophisticated sensors, AI processes, and real-time communication technology is improving the capacity of AUVs and ROVs to aid multi-domain intelligence operations without human intervention.
Strategic Government Investments to Enhance Maritime Defense
Governments in technologically developed countries, are investing heavily in unmanned maritime technologies to enhance their naval defense capabilities, which is further transforming the unmanned marine vehicles market outlook. The changing face of sea security threats ranging from underwater mines and enemy submarine operations to illegal smuggling and border violations calls for flexible and endurance-based surveillance solutions. In turn, defense agencies are spending large percentages of their military budgets to create and deploy UMVs that can conduct reconnaissance, mine countermeasures, and surveillance missions over large ocean areas. As such, in 2024, India approved an INR 21,772 Crore defense package, including 151 naval boats and 6 ALH helicopters, to enhance maritime security. In line with this, the widespread uptake of autonomous marine vehicles in hydrographic surveys to produce navigational charts for safer transit of vessels and understand the freshwater environment for port and harbor development is one of the prominent unmanned marine vehicles market growth factors. Consequently, in 2025, Seasats raised USD 10 Million, led by Shield Capital, to expand its autonomous maritime solutions. Its 11ft solar-powered Lightfish ASV, operational since 2023, completed 7,000- and 2,500-mile missions, showcasing reliability in defense and commercial applications like subsea mapping and border protection. These vehicles minimize the risks to human life in hostile environments while allowing for longer mission times and enhanced situational awareness. Defense industries and naval research bodies are coming together to expand the operational envelope of UMVs through modular payloads and greater autonomy.
Transition Toward Multi-Role and Modular UMV Platforms
One of the significant trends influencing the unmanned marine vehicles market forecast is the development of multi-role and module vehicle platforms that can be tailored to various missions. This trend is based on the demand for versatile systems that can shift between commercial and military uses with little reconfiguration. Whether it is inspecting undersea cables, oil and gas infrastructure, or naval reconnaissance, end-users now require vehicles that provide flexibility and quick responsiveness. Modular UMVs, with the ability to swap payloads and scale architecture, are becoming more popular because they lower the total cost of ownership and make logistics easier. These platforms enable operators to re-skin their systems in the field, maximizing mission performance without the necessity of having multiple vehicles for individual tasks. As defense forces and industries seek more cost-efficient and sustainable solutions, the emphasis on modularity also enables simpler maintenance and faster technological updates, which will keep technology up to date in fast-changing operating environments.
Surface vehicles represent the leading unmanned marine vehicles market segment due to their versatility, advanced technological integration, and broad applicability across defense, commercial, and research sectors. Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) are increasingly favored for tasks such as maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, mine detection, port security, and environmental monitoring. Their ability to operate autonomously or via remote control enables extended missions without exposing human operators to risk. In defense, surface vehicles offer force-multiplying capabilities, acting as forward surveillance units or decoys. Commercially, they are used for hydrographic surveys, offshore infrastructure inspections, and marine data collection. Technological advancements in autonomous navigation, real-time communication, and AI-based decision-making have enhanced their efficiency and reliability. Unlike underwater vehicles, surface units benefit from constant GPS access and easier communication with control stations, making them highly efficient for continuous monitoring. This adaptability and performance edge have positioned surface vehicles at the forefront of the UMV market.
Remotely operated leads the market with around 72.6% of market share in 2024. Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are the dominant control type segmentation in the unmanned marine vehicles (UMVs) market because of their accuracy, real-time control, and general applicability to a wide range of marine operations. Human pilots control ROVs from a remote-control station tended to be on a vessel or on land making them the general favorite choice for operations in complicated underwater situations where the presence of humans is risky or impossible. Fields like offshore oil and gas, defense, marine science, and subsea facilities largely depend on ROVs for inspection, maintenance, and repair activities. Due to their capacity to transport high-resolution cameras, manipulator arms, and sensors, ROVs play a crucial role in providing detailed underwater inspections. In military applications, ROVs have been deployed for mine detection, hull inspection, and intelligence. The need for accurate control in deep-water conditions, combined with increasing mission complexity in water, has kept ROVs the market leaders, even as autonomous systems pick up traction in concurrent applications.
Defense leads the market with around 62.3% of market share in 2024. Defense is the prime application segment in the unmanned marine vehicles (UMVs) market, spurred by increasing demand for improved maritime security, surveillance, and operational effectiveness. UMVs, especially unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), are being used more and more by global military forces for intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, mine detection, anti-submarine warfare, and border patrol. They provide considerable benefits in minimizing human personnel risks and supporting sustained operations in hostile situations without loss of life. AUVs are used primarily for deep-sea missions such as mine hunting or intelligence gathering, while USVs undertake surveillance operations in adversarial waters. With the increasing sophistication of modern warfare and the necessity for ongoing, real-time data, the military forces are integrating the UMVs into larger defense strategies, including fleet protection and threat warning. With nations placing greater emphasis on modernization and affordable solutions to defense, demand for UMVs for military use continues to increase, making defense the leading sector for the market.
In 2024, North America accounted for the largest market share of over 39.8%. North America is the dominant regional segment of the unmanned marine vehicles (UMVs) market, led by aggressive technological developments, high defense expenditure, and growing demand from commercial and research markets. The United States, specifically, is at the forefront of developing and deploying unmanned marine systems, with considerable investment from the government as well as the private sector. The continuous efforts of the US Navy, including the inclusion of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in defense operations, are behind this dominance. Additionally, the offshore oil and gas sectors of North America, combined with its focus on environmental monitoring and sea research, greatly contribute to the market development. Favorable regulatory conditions in the region and high research investments in autonomous maritime technologies spur innovation, with North America being a hub for the UMV market. North America thus remains at the forefront both in technological advancements and market leadership.
United States Unmanned Marine Vehicles Market Analysis
In 2024, the United States accounted for 96.70% of the unmanned marine vehicles market in North America. The United States unmanned marine vehicles market is primarily driven by the growing emphasis on maritime domain awareness necessitating persistent surveillance capabilities. In line with this, increased geopolitical tensions and contested maritime zones leading to expanded defense budgets focused on undersea and surface autonomy, are propelling market growth. Similarly, the rapid integration of advanced communication networks such as 5G and satellite-based systems enhancing real-time data transmission, is augmenting operational efficiency and product sales. Furthermore, climate change research intensifying the need for extended-duration oceanographic missions supported by UMVs, is bolstering market development. The continual advancements in miniaturized sensors and AI algorithms enabling more intelligent, adaptive behavior in dynamic marine environments, are stimulating market appeal. Additionally, the rise in commercial shipping and offshore energy sectors relying on UMVs for asset inspection and maintenance, is strengthening market demand. According to the United States Trade Representative, ships are essential to U.S. economic security and global commerce, transporting over 80% of goods worldwide. Specifically, 61% of U.S. international trade with Asia and 45% with Europe is conducted via sea. Moreover, favorable naval modernization initiatives accelerating procurement of autonomous platforms, are providing an impetus to the market.
Europe Unmanned Marine Vehicles Market Analysis
The European unmanned marine vehicles market is majorly influenced by the commitment to sustainable maritime operations promoting the adoption of low-emission autonomous vessels. Similarly, increasing investments in marine robotics under EU research programs, such as Horizon Europe, supporting innovation in UMV development, are fostering market expansion. As such, in February 2025, the UK's National Oceanography Centre awarded GBP 4 million to develop three advanced sensor projects targeting 10 essential ocean variables. These sensors will be integrated into autonomous platforms like gliders and Autosub Long Range (ALR) vehicles, enhancing national marine research infrastructure and capabilities. Furthermore, heightened focus on securing maritime borders against illegal trafficking and migration elevating demand for autonomous surveillance platforms, is impelling the market. The growing need for infrastructure monitoring in offshore wind farms and subsea pipelines is encouraging higher UMV integration in the market. Additionally, favorable naval modernization initiatives across NATO member states prioritizing unmanned capabilities for marine countermeasures and intelligence gathering, are bolstering market development. Besides this, various collaborations between academia and industry fostering continuous innovation, are supporting market growth. The growing emphasis on digital sovereignty is hence one of the significant unmanned marine vehicles market drivers, fueling domestic production and development of strategic autonomous marine systems.
Asia Pacific Unmanned Marine Vehicles Market Analysis
The Asia Pacific market is advancing attributed to the rising territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. In accordance with this, growing demand for real-time environmental and oceanographic data supporting climate resilience efforts is encouraging higher product adoption. Furthermore, the growth in the shipbuilding industry, fostering innovation in autonomous systems, is strengthening market demand. An industry report indicates that China's total shipbuilding output increased by 12% in 2024, reaching 47.8 million deadweight tons (dwt). The orderbook-to-annual output ratio also hit a record high of 5.5 in 2024, up from 3.8 in 2023 and 3.2 in 2022. Additionally, rising funding in maritime infrastructure, particularly under initiatives such as China's Belt and Road, necessitating advanced marine monitoring tools, is enhancing market accessibility. Apart from this, heightened government-backed modernization of naval fleets, particularly in countries like India, Japan, and South Korea, is accelerating market deployment. Likewise, strong collaboration between academic institutions and industry players fueling research in smart ocean technologies across the region, is expanding the market scope.
Latin America Unmanned Marine Vehicles Market Analysis
In Latin America, the unmanned marine vehicles market is progressing due to the increasing investments in coastal surveillance to address illegal fishing and maritime trafficking, particularly in regions such as the Pacific coasts of Colombia and Peru. In 2024, Peruvian fishing industry representatives reported that 70 foreign ships entered Peru, many allegedly linked to illegal fishing and crew human rights violations. In addition to this, rising interest in deep-sea resource exploration, including offshore hydrocarbons and minerals, is also fueling market demand. Furthermore, governments are expanding partnerships with international defense firms to modernize naval fleets with autonomous technologies, thereby significantly driving the market. Besides this, heightened focus on climate monitoring and marine biodiversity preservation is accelerating the adoption of UMVs for scientific and environmental research across regional waters.
Middle East and Africa Unmanned Marine Vehicles Market Analysis
The market in the Middle East and Africa is experiencing growth, attributed to increasing maritime border security requirements driven by regional conflicts and piracy threats. Furthermore, the growing interest in offshore oil and gas exploration, necessitating autonomous systems for deep-sea surveys and monitoring is impelling the market. Accordingly, in 2024, ADNOC announced a 25% production boost at the SARB offshore field, raising output to 140,000 bpd. Enabled by AI and digital technologies, remote operations reduced emissions and costs, supporting ADNOC's 5 MMbopd goal by 2027. Additionally, governments are enhancing naval modernization programs, incorporating UMVs to reduce human risk and operational costs, thereby bolstering market reach. Moreover, rising investments in marine research to assess climate impacts fueling the deployment of advanced data-gathering and monitoring technologies, are positively influencing the market.
Several companies in the unmanned marine vehicles (UMVs) industry are exerting considerable efforts to spur innovation, market growth, and technological developments. Major players such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Ocean Infinity, and others are investing significantly in research and development to improve autonomous system capabilities, extending the limits of artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and vehicle endurance. Such developments are aimed at enhancing the reliability and autonomy of both autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). An example is Boeing's Orca XLUUV (Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle), a game-changer in delivering extended-duration missions for military use, including anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures. On the other hand, Ocean Infinity is developing AUVs to explore the deep sea and perform offshore surveying, with use cases varying from environmental monitoring to seabed mapping. Additionally, industry leaders are working together with government defense departments to deploy UMVs into national defense policy, enhancing military preparedness and operational effectiveness. Commercial companies are also investigating opportunities for partnerships with energy corporations, providing solutions for offshore oil and gas inspection while, at the same time, mitigating environmental issues through oceanographic exploration. Apart from this, firms are concentrating on cost-efficient, modular solutions that can be easily customized for varied mission profiles, bringing UMVs within reach of various industries. The ongoing quest for greater performance, reliability, and versatility by these players is essentially defining the future of the UMV market.