Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market to Reach $1.92 Billion by 2031

According to MarketsandMarkets™, the unmanned surface vehicles market is projected to grow from USD 0.98 billion in 2026 to USD 1.92 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 14.3%. In terms of volume (new deliveries), the market is projected to reach 4615 units by 2031, rising from 2,318 units in 2026.

Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market Size & Forecast:

• Market Size Available for Years: 2021–2031
• 2026 Market Size: USD 0.98 billion
• 2031 Projected Market Size: USD 1.92 billion
• CAGR (2026–2031): 14.3%

Unmanned Surface Vehicles Market Trends & Insights:

• The growth of the unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) market is driven by the rising adoption of these vehicles for various applications, including naval surveying, operations, ocean monitoring, and maritime security. In 2026, the US Navy reported that it was operating hundreds of small USVs and expanding their use across multiple theaters. Additionally, seven companies were selected for at-sea testing as part of the Navy's Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel program. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is also utilizing USVs for multi-day hydrographic surveys and coordinated ocean observation missions. These developments are increasing the demand for features such as autonomous navigation, longer endurance, modular payloads, reliable communications, and coordinated operations involving multiple USVs.
• By application, the defense & security segment is expected to register the highest growth rate of 15.8% during the forecast period.
• By length overall, the extra-large (>50 meters) segment will register the highest CAGR of 19.1% during the forecast period.
• By region, the Asia Pacific region is projected to register a CAGR of 16.5% during the forecast period.

The unmanned surface vehicles market is expanding due to increasing adoption of uncrewed platforms for maritime surveillance, mine countermeasures, hydrographic surveying, ocean monitoring and naval operations. Growing requirements for persistent maritime coverage and reduced dependence on onboard personnel are increasing demand for USVs. In addition, advances in autonomous navigation, long-endurance propulsion, modular payloads, secure communications, and remote command-and-control systems are supporting continued investment by defense and commercial maritime operators.

By power source, the renewable & energy harvesting segment is expected to account for the largest market share in the forecast period.

By power source, the renewable & energy harvesting segment is expected to account for the largest market share in the forecast period, supported by the need for longer USV operating periods with limited human intervention. Solar and wind energy can provide continuous power for onboard sensors, communication, navigation and computing systems, reducing dependence on frequent refueling or battery replacement. This makes renewable energy particularly suitable for persistent ocean monitoring, surveillance, and long-duration maritime missions.

By hull configuration, the twin hull/catamaran segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period.

By hull configuration, the twin hull/catamaran segment is anticipated to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, supported by its high stability, larger deck area and efficient use of space for mission equipment. The design can accommodate multiple sensors, communication systems and payloads while maintaining good maneuverability and reduced vessel motion, making it suitable for surveillance, hydrographic surveying, as well as other maritime missions.

Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the unmanned surface vehicles market during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the unmanned surface vehicles industry during the forecast period, supported by strong naval modernization programs, increasing maritime security requirements, and rising investment in autonomous defense technologies. Countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia are developing and deploying unmanned maritime systems for surveillance, mine countermeasures, reconnaissance, and ocean monitoring. Growing maritime activity and the need for persistent monitoring across the region are further supporting USV adoption.

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), Thales (France), Exail Technologies (France), Textron Inc. (US), and Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (US) are the major players in the unmanned surface vehicles companies. These companies have strong distribution networks across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.