Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Companies

The autonomous underwater vehicle market is expected to reach USD 4.64 billion by 2030, from USD 3.13 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 8.2%. In terms of volume, it is likely to grow from 997 units in 2025 to 1,424 units by 2030. The demand for AUVs is rising steadily, as defense, energy, and research organizations require autonomous systems that can perform underwater missions more safely, efficiently, and at greater depths than manned operations. Advancements in navigation, sensing, endurance, and autonomy now enable AUVs to execute complex tasks with high reliability and minimal human intervention. Key players operating in the autonomous underwater vehicle market include Kongsberg (Norway), Saab AB (Sweden), BAE Systems (UK), Exail Technologies (France), and Saipem S.p.A (Italy). These companies have employed various organic and inorganic strategies, including acquisitions, agreements, collaborations, expansions, partnerships, and product launches, to expand their international footprint and capture a significant market share.

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Major Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Equipment Include:

• Kongsberg (Norway)
• Saab AB (Sweden)
• BAE Systems (UK)
• Exail Technologies (France)
• Saipem S.p.A (Italy)

Kongsberg is a Norwegian technology company operating through four divisions: Defence & Aerospace, Maritime, Discovery, and Digital. The company develops and delivers advanced systems for defense, maritime operations, energy, and digital industries. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace provides defense technologies, including command, control, and surveillance systems. Kongsberg Maritime supplies equipment and automation systems for commercial and naval vessels. Kongsberg Digital offers data-driven industrial software for operational optimization. Kongsberg Discovery focuses on subsea and ocean technologies, producing acoustic, navigation, and positioning systems, including AUVs. Its AUV portfolio includes the HUGIN family, used for seabed mapping, research, and defense surveillance, as well as the MUNIN series, designed for offshore survey and inspection. These systems are applied in environmental monitoring, subsea infrastructure assessment, and military operations. The company operates in nearly 40 countries, employs around 14,600 people, and is 50.004% owned by the Norwegian government through the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries.

Saab AB is a Swedish defense and security company that supplies systems, services, and products to governments, authorities, and commercial customers worldwide. The company’s portfolio encompasses military defense, civil security, underwater systems, sensors, training, and related services, supported by significant R&D, as well as a global operational presence. Its underwater vehicle portfolio includes Sabertooth, a hybrid AUV/ROV inspection, maintenance, and repair platform available in single- and double-hull variants with depth ratings up to 3,000 m and subsea docking capability; AUV62-MR, designed for autonomous mine countermeasures and seabed mapping; and Tethys, a long-range AUV produced under license from MBARI for oceanographic, commercial, and defense missions. The company also produces systems, such as the Sea Wasp and the electric eWROV, for specialized underwater operations. Saab’s autonomous platforms are used for mine countermeasures, hydrographic surveys, environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspection, and search-and-recovery missions.

BAE Systems is a UK-based defense, aerospace, and security company that designs, develops, and supports advanced systems for military and government customers. Its business operations are classified into five segments: Electronic Systems, Platforms & Services, Air, Maritime, and Cyber & Intelligence. The company provides capabilities spanning air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains, including combat aircraft, naval vessels, command and control systems, and secure communication networks. For undersea applications, BAE develops AUVs such as the Herne XLAUV and the Riptide series. These vehicles are designed for extended, autonomous undersea operations supporting defense missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and mine countermeasures. The company focuses on engineering, integration, and lifecycle support to enhance operational readiness and maintain technological capability across its global defense portfolio.

Exail Technologies, formed through the merger of ECA Group and iXblue, is a French industrial technology company that develops and manufactures systems for robotics, maritime, navigation, aerospace, and photonics. These include autonomous vehicles, navigation systems, optical technologies, and training simulators. For underwater applications, the company produces autonomous underwater vehicles, such as the A9-M and A18-M, which are used for mine countermeasures, seabed mapping, surveillance, and environmental data collection. These vehicles are designed for integration into multi-domain naval systems and comply with NATO and cybersecurity standards. Exail maintains in-house production and research capabilities to support product development, lifecycle management, and technical support for its international clients.

Saipem S.p.A is an Italian engineering and construction company that provides design, development, and operational services for complex energy infrastructure projects across offshore and onshore sectors. The company operates through five divisions: Offshore Drilling, Asset-Based Services, Energy Carriers, Offshore Wind, and Sustainable Infrastructures. Its activities encompass engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and maintenance of industrial plants, pipelines, and subsea systems. Saipem applies digitalized and process-driven approaches to project execution, emphasizing operational safety, environmental compliance, and efficiency. With a presence in over 50 countries and a workforce comprising more than 30,000 employees from over 120 nationalities, the company maintains an integrated global structure for project delivery. Its operations are supported by multiple fabrication yards and engineering centers, enabling it to serve clients across the energy transition landscape, including conventional hydrocarbons, as well as emerging renewable and low-carbon energy solutions.

Market Ranking

The autonomous underwater vehicle market is highly competitive, with five major companies shaping technology leadership and operational capability. Kongsberg leads the market with its long-range HUGIN platforms and advanced mission systems that support defense, deep-sea research, and offshore energy operations. Saab follows with its AUV62 family, offering strong capabilities in naval training, mine countermeasures, and high-precision underwater surveillance. BAE Systems maintains a strong position by integrating autonomous underwater technologies across its maritime portfolio, enhancing mission endurance and situational awareness for naval customers. Exail contributes significantly through its high-autonomy, compact AUVs optimized for hydrography, environmental monitoring, and subsea inspection, supported by continued innovation in navigation and payload design. Saipem further strengthens the competitive landscape with industrial-grade AUVs used extensively for pipeline inspection, subsea asset monitoring, and complex offshore operations. The broader market consists of specialized and regional providers, with competition driven by advancements in autonomy, endurance, payload integration, and reliability. Continuous innovation and expanding multi-mission capability remain central to sustaining market leadership.

Related Reports:

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Market by Shape (Torpedo, Laminar Flow Body, Streamlined Rectangular Style, Multi-Hull Vehicle), Type (Shallow, Medium, Large), System, Speed, Propulsion, Application, Cost and Region - Global Forecast to 2030

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