Sonobuoy Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Active, Passive), By Application (Defense, Commercial), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

“2030 sonobuoy market value to reach USD 667.0 million.”

Sonobuoy Market Size & Trends

The global sonobuoy market size was estimated at USD 429.2 million in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030. Increasing focus on maritime security, with nations worldwide aiming to enhance their undersea warfare capabilities is expected to boost the market growth in the long run.

Increasing demand for submarine products is likely to be driven by the rising geopolitical tensions in various maritime regions, leading to an increased deployment of submarines and other underwater assets that necessitate advanced detection technologies. Sonobuoys, being crucial for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations, have witnessed a growing traction in the defense sector, thus benefiting the market growth.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

Advancements in sonar technology, which have significantly improved the efficiency and reliability of systems used in anti-submarine operations. With the integration of AI and machine learning, modern sonobuoys can now offer enhanced data analysis capabilities, providing more accurate and timely information. This technological evolution is anticipated to improve the operational effectiveness of sonobuoys but along with new applications in environmental monitoring and research.

Stringent regulatory and environmental challenges associated with deployment of sonobuoys is anticipated to hinder the market growth over the coming years. These regulations aim to mitigate the potential harm to marine life caused by the active sonar systems deployed in sonobuoys. The need to comply with such regulations adds to the manufacturing complexity and cost, critically impacting the market growth.

The move towards developing sonobuoys with minimized environmental impact represents new avenues for market participants. Innovations aimed at reducing the ecological footprint of these systems, such as the development of biodegradable sonobuoys is anticipated to address regulatory concerns and open up new sale avenues for market players.

Type Insights & Trends

“Active type segment held the largest revenue share of over 71% in 2023.”

Active type products have key role in real-time data transmission during ASW operations. Active products emit sonar pulses to detect underwater objects and are necessary for tracking submarines and other underwater threats. This segment is expected to benefit from continuous technological enhancements that improve detection capabilities and data accuracy.

Additionally, the incorporation of advanced communication technologies in active sonobuoys has revolutionized how data is collected and analyzed, allowing for a more synchronized and efficient approach to undersea surveillance. This has enhanced the effectiveness of ASW operations and enhance the maritime capabilities of the key countries.

Application Insights & Trends

“Defense application held the largest revenue share of over 55% in 2023.”

In defense, sonobuoys play integral role in ASW operations by naval forces. Their ability to detect and track submarines is crucial for maintaining maritime security and protecting strategic interests. Amidst rising global tensions rise there is need to protect the underwater domain, this is anticipated to benefit the demand for surveillance products and thus market growth.

There are limited commercial applications compared with defense sector. Sonobuoys are used in oil and gas exploration, these systems aid in the detailed mapping of the seabed, identifying potential drilling sites, and monitoring environmental conditions. There is rising need efficient and environmentally responsible exploration methods in the energy sector. Thus, the role of sonobuoys in commercial applications is expected to benefit the market growth over the forecast period.

Regional Insights

“North America held over 46% revenue share of the overall sonobuoy market.”

North America Sonobuoy Market Trends

Rising focus on reinforcing maritime defense capabilities in countries such as U.S. and Canada is likely to drive the market growth. North American market benefits from substantial military budgets and a strong technological base, fostering the development and deployment of advanced marine products.

U.S. Sonobuoy Market Trends

The U.S. market growth is expected to fuel by the extensive naval operations and rising investments in security-related products. The investments in defense to improve its ASW capabilities directly influence the demand for modern sonobuoy systems, thus benefiting the market growth.

Europe Sonobuoy Market Trends

European market is characterized by emphasis on improving naval capabilities in response to evolving maritime threats, particularly in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean. European nations are investing in upgrading their ASW technologies, including sonobuoys, to safeguard their maritime borders and protect critical sea lanes.

Asia Pacific Sonobuoy Market Trends

Escalating maritime disputes and need for enhanced maritime domain awareness is expected to benefit the market growth. Also, increasing defense expenditures among countries like China, India, and Australia is projected to act as a major contributor in the Asia Pacific market.

Key Sonobuoy Company Insights

Some of key players operating in market include ERAPSCO, Thales Group and Radixon

• Thales Group is a leading company in the aerospace, defense, transportation, and security markets. The company has business operations in over 68 countries. The company’s product portfolio includes advanced radars and cybersecurity to urban mobility solutions and satellite systems.

• Radixon is a technology company with a focus on radio frequency (RF) software and equipment. The company has advanced RF technology and focuses on their offerings to meet the evolving needs of their diverse clientele.

Recent Developments

• In June 2024, Thales Group announced successful launch and deployment for its new Sonobuoy from maritime patrol aircraft. This new product comes with advanced sonar and acoustic sensors that will help to improve the naval operations. The product will be delivered to French navy by 2025

• In March 2024, GA-ASI along with NAVAIR conducted series of tests for sonobuoy system using Unmanned Aircraft System in test range of Southern California. This successful demonstration is expected to improve the company’s Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities.

Sonobuoy Market Report Scope

Global Sonobuoy Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at global, country, and regional levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global sonobuoy market report based on type, application, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Active

  • Passive

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Defense

  • Commercial

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • Russia

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • GCC

    • South Africa