Dublin, Jan. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Autonomous Diving Drones Market Report 2026" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
The autonomous diving drones market is poised for significant growth, projected to expand from $1.5 billion in 2025 to $1.71 billion in 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5%. This surge is driven by increasing demands for underwater inspections, advancements in navigation and sonar technology, and key adoption in marine research and monitoring. Fuelled by improvements in battery longevity and underwater propulsion, these drones enhance data accuracy and operational safety across various industries.
Looking ahead, the market is expected to reach $2.8 billion by 2030, maintaining a CAGR of 13.2%. Growth will be supported by AI-driven underwater mapping integrations, introductions into subsea construction, sensor advancements for hazard detection, and deep-sea exploration. Innovations like long-endurance power solutions and compact drone designs are set to redefine capabilities, emphasizing autonomous surveying and multi-sensor payload applications.
Global investments in offshore energy projects underpin market expansion opportunities. With governments and corporations intensifying funding for offshore renewable energy to address global energy demands, there's an escalating need for autonomous diving drones. These drones facilitate cost-effective and precise underwater surveys and inspections. For instance, the UK government allocated £1.1 billion for offshore wind projects in July 2024, underscoring the increasing necessity for cutting-edge underwater technologies.
Pioneering companies, including Anduril Industries, are enhancing Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) to redefine deep-sea exploration efficiencies. In April 2025, Anduril launched the Copperhead-a drone family engineered for rapid-response missions across both defense and commercial sectors, including environmental monitoring and search and rescue. Additionally, Anduril's partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit highlights efforts to scale submarine-type drones for extended missions.
Prominent players in the market comprise Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris Technologies, and more, reflecting strong competition and technological innovation. North America leads the market's regional landscape, while Asia-Pacific is expected to grow rapidly. Strategic regions include Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.
The market landscape is evolving amid shifting trade relations and tariffs, affecting production costs and deployment rates, especially in Asia-Pacific and Europe. Tariffs challenge traditional supply chains, prompting enhanced domestic manufacturing and fostering innovation to reduce import reliance.
Autonomous diving drones incorporate advanced hardware, software, and service capabilities for a variety of applications in industries like oil and gas, aquaculture, logistics, and marine research. As the sector adapts to global market dynamics, there is an emphasis on the significance of local sourcing strategies and innovation to navigate international trade complexities.
Key Attributes:
| Report Attribute | Details |
| No. of Pages | 250 |
| Forecast Period | 2026 - 2030 |
| Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2026 | $1.71 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 | $2.8 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 13.2% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
Key Technologies & Future Trends
- Artificial Intelligence & Autonomous Intelligence
- Autonomous Systems, Robotics & Smart Mobility
- Digitalization, Cloud, Big Data & Cybersecurity
- Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Infrastructure & Connected Ecosystems
- Sustainability, Climate Tech & Circular Economy
- Expansion of Long-Endurance Battery and Power Solutions
- Increased Adoption of Compact Modular Underwater Drone Designs
- Growth in Autonomous Deep-Sea Surveying and Mapping Capabilities
- Integration of Multi-Sensor Payloads for High-Resolution Monitoring
- Rising Use of Autonomous Diving Drones for Hazardous Zone Inspections
Market Segments Include:
- Components: Hardware, Software, Services
- Products: Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles, Hybrid Drones, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, Swimming Drones
- Technology: Navigation Systems, Communication Systems, Power Systems, Sensors, and Cameras
- Applications: Commercial, Defense, Scientific Research, Environmental Monitoring, Underwater Inspection
- Industry End Users: Oil and Gas, Aquaculture, Shipping, Marine Research, Infrastructure Inspection
Companies Featured
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- L3Harris Technologies Inc.
- Huntington Ingalls Industries
- Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd.
- Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
- General Dynamics Mission Systems
- Anduril Industries
- Teledyne Technologies Inc.
- Exail
- Saab Seaeye Ltd.
- Advanced Navigation Pty Ltd.
- Sublue Technology Co. Ltd.
- Deep Trekker Inc.
- QYSEA Technology Co. Ltd.
- Cellula Robotics Ltd.
- PowerVision Robot Corporation
- Notilo Plus
- Hydromea SA
- Seaber Robotics
- Shark Marine Technologies Ltd.
- Aquabotix Technology Corporation
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4goi71
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