Submarine Market Forecasts to 2028 – Global Analysis By Type (Diesel-Electric Submarine (SSK), Nuclear Powered Submarine (SSN) and Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN)), Propulsion (Nuclear and Non Nuclear), Application (Marine Weather Monitoring and Scientific Research, Military Surveillance and Combat and Other Applications) and Geography
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Submarine Market is accounted for $24.69 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $35.03 billion by 2028 growing at a CAGR of 6% during the forecast period. A submarine (or sub) is a submerged watercraft capable of free operation. It varies from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capabilities. It's also been used historically or informally to refer to remotely controlled vehicles and robotics, as well as medium-sized or smaller vessels, such as the midget submarine and therefore the wet sub. Submarines are referred to as ""boats"" rather than ""ships"" regardless of their size. Military applications include attacking enemy surface ships or other submarines, carrier defence, blockade running, missile submarines as part of a nuclear strike force, surveillance, conventional land attack, and clandestine insertion of Special Forces. Submarines are also used for tourism and undersea archaeology.
According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), from April 2020 – June 2021, the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity flow in the Indian Defense sector was valued at $10.15 million.
Market Dynamics:
Driver:
Rising investment in submarines
Rising submarine investment is likely to drive the growth of the submarine market during the forecast period. A submarine is a type of vessel that can travel both above and below sea level. Governments throughout the world are investing in submarines to strengthen local shipyards and address gaps in the Navy's underwater warfare capability. For example, the United Kingdom government announced a £170 million investment in the next generation of Royal Navy submarines in September 2021. BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce have each been granted £85 million contracts to deliver design and concept work for a future type of Royal Navy submarine. As a result, increased submarine investment fuels the growth of the submarine market.
Restraint:
High cost of maintenance and repair
The high expense of submarine maintenance and repair is limiting submarine adoption by developing and underdeveloped countries. The submarines have cost millions of dollars to operate, and as a result, underdeveloped countries such as Afghanistan, Angola, and Bangladesh, among others, are unable to keep them operational. For example, the Congressional Budget Office organisation stated in an April 2019 report that the United States spends an average of $30 million on each submarine to maintain its capabilities and performance.
Opportunity:
Integration of 3D printing
The incorporation of 3D printing or additive manufacturing in submarines is a crucial topic that is gaining traction in the submarine business. Major submarine firms are adopting 3D printing to create optimal submersible components and increase performance by reducing important qualities such as weight. It can print complex parts such as submarine parts, missile fins, and guidance systems. It offers several advantages such as cost-efficient, quick design, rapid internal feature changes, and just-in-time parts manufacturing.
Threat:
Threats of data breaches
Submarine development is typically a top-secret project between states. This is done to prevent opponents from learning about the advanced technologies and components utilised in submarines. Data breaches or leaks regarding projects can cause governments to lose military superiority, posing a significant threat to national security. The announcement of a large data dump exposing the combat and stealth capabilities of the Indian Navy's soon-to-be-inducted French Scorpene submarines occurred at a time when India's first Scorpene-class submarine, INS Kalvari, was undergoing sea trials and armament testing.
Covid-19 Impact
COVID-19 had a significant influence on the submarine market because to the closure of manufacturing sites, supply chain interruptions, and international trade restrictions. COVID-19 prompted at least one submarine manufacturer to cease or shut down manufacturing operations on a monthly basis. The introduction of new projects, as well as increased demand for the renovation of current submarine systems and overall networking infrastructure, are likely to drive submarine demand in the future years.
The Nuclear Powered Submarine (SSN) segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The Nuclear Powered Submarine (SSN) segment is estimated to have a lucrative growth, due to their advantages, such as being faster, more efficient, and having longer endurance capabilities. Furthermore, SSN submarines do not need to dive to the surface for breath on a regular basis, which keeps their stealth. In comparison to diesel-electric submarines, these submarines have lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan. Because of these benefits, countries are investing in nuclear submarine purchase. Nuclear submarines are now in service in six countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, France, China, and India.
The military surveillance and combat segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
The military surveillance and combat segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR growth during the forecast period, due to the increasing demand for military submarines. Submarines are regularly employed for surveillance to ensure safety in the event of an ambush or attack. Furthermore, with increased terror concerns and border tensions, demand for Submarine is projected to increase. Moreover, global organizations are increasing their military budget for innovations in submarines that enhance the capabilities of submarines strengthen the country’s security and protect the threats.
Region with highest share:
North America is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period owing to the highest military spending of the United States globally. As a result of the increased need for combat technologies, North America places a great dependence on nuclear-powered submarines. With Russia and China posing an increasing danger, the US Department of Defense is working to improve its naval capabilities through the introduction of new surface boats and submarines.
Region with highest CAGR:
Europe is projected to have the highest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to the scheduled deployment of many submarine programs such as the Astute, Successor, Yasen, and Borei classes that had been initiated a few years back. These submarines are intended to replace the UK Navy's ageing fleet of Vanguard-class submarines by 2028. The Israeli Navy had acquired its fifth Dolphin-class submarine, built in Germany. European countries such as the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, and Cyprus are expected to increase their market share during the forecast period.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players profiled in the Submarine Market include Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, General Dynamics Electric Boat, BAE Systems PLC, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Huntington Ingalls Industries, United Shipbuilding Corp, Thyssenkrupp AG, Saab AB, Naval Group, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, Fincantieri Spa, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Lockheed Martin Corporation and Bollinger Shipyards
Key Developments:
In February 2022, PT PAL Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Naval Group to cooperate on the research and development of submarines, which will boost the maritime defense of Indonesia.
In January 2022, the Israeli Defense Ministry signed an agreement with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems worth EUR 3 billion (USD 3.4 billion) to acquire three Darker class diesel submarines for the Israeli Navy. The new submarines are expected to replace three aging Dolphin-class submarines and the first submarine is expected to be delivered by 2031.
Types Covered:
• Diesel-Electric Submarine (SSK)
• Nuclear Powered Submarine (SSN)
• Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN)
Propulsions Covered:
• Nuclear
• Non Nuclear
Applications Covered:
• Marine Weather Monitoring and Scientific Research
• Military Surveillance and Combat
• Other Applications
Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2025, and 2028
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements
Learn how to effectively navigate the market research process to help guide your organization on the journey to success.
Download eBook