"The Global GPS Sonobuoy Market was valued at USD 985 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1872.3 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.36%."
GPS Sonobuoy Market Introduction and Summary
The GPS sonobuoy market represents a crucial segment in maritime defense and oceanographic research, integrating traditional sonar buoy technology with precise Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking capabilities. These devices are deployed by naval forces and research institutions to detect, locate, and monitor underwater activities such as submarine movements or marine mammal behaviors. Unlike conventional sonobuoys, GPS-enabled units offer improved geolocation accuracy, real-time tracking, and enhanced communication with aircraft or ships. Growing geopolitical tensions, especially in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions, are increasing defense budgets, which in turn is driving demand for more sophisticated surveillance tools. Additionally, as nations modernize their anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, the reliance on smart and autonomous tracking devices such as GPS sonobuoys is expected to grow. Market growth is further supported by technological advancements in telemetry, miniaturization, and longer operational endurance.
Throughout 2024, the GPS sonobuoy market experienced steady expansion, particularly due to naval modernization efforts by countries including the United States, India, and Australia. Defense contractors focused on producing cost-effective, multi-use sonobuoys capable of both passive and active detection. Some innovations integrated AI-driven signal analysis, which helped in differentiating between false positives and genuine underwater threats. The year also witnessed increased joint development efforts between defense organizations and private-sector R&D firms, resulting in improved buoy lifespans, signal clarity, and deployment systems. Additionally, new contracts were awarded in the Asia-Pacific region, reinforcing its position as a high-opportunity zone for vendors. As climate change heightened the urgency for better oceanic monitoring, GPS sonobuoys also gained attention from scientific communities tracking marine ecosystem changes and seismic activities.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the GPS sonobuoy market is expected to evolve with the incorporation of autonomous swarm deployment strategies and satellite-linked data fusion. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and the UK are anticipated to expand their underwater surveillance capabilities, creating new procurement opportunities. There will be increasing convergence between unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and GPS sonobuoy systems, enabling dynamic tracking in deep-sea zones. Furthermore, sustainability will become a growing consideration, with biodegradable components gaining traction to reduce marine waste. Market players are expected to focus on integrating 5G or satellite IoT connectivity, offering seamless data transmission across long distances. Civil applications in marine biology and ocean mapping will also grow modestly, widening the market scope beyond defense. As underwater threats become more elusive, smart sonobuoys equipped with adaptive sensors and machine learning capabilities are projected to dominate new deployments.
Key Market Trends, Drivers and Challenges
- Artificial Intelligence is being integrated into GPS sonobuoy systems to enhance detection accuracy, automate threat classification, and reduce operator workload. This trend is significantly improving underwater situational awareness, particularly for anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance operations.
- There is growing deployment of autonomous sonobuoy swarms controlled via UAVs or satellites. This networked approach allows for wider area coverage, real-time coordination, and more efficient use of naval resources, particularly in vast or remote ocean territories.
- Dual-use technology adoption is rising, where GPS sonobuoys are utilized for both defense and environmental applications. Oceanographers are leveraging these tools for seismic tracking and marine biodiversity studies, expanding market scope beyond military contracts.
- Rising geopolitical tensions, especially in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic zones, are prompting increased naval surveillance investments. Nations are boosting anti-submarine warfare capabilities to safeguard territorial waters and shipping lanes, spurring demand for advanced sonobuoy systems.
- Technological advances in satellite GPS and signal processing are enhancing sonobuoy performance, allowing for better detection precision and wider communication ranges. These improvements make GPS sonobuoys indispensable tools in modern maritime strategies.
- Growing use of unmanned surface and underwater vehicles (USVs/UUVs) is creating synergies with GPS sonobuoys, where data collected from multiple sources is fused in real time for more reliable threat tracking and situational monitoring.
- High development and deployment costs of GPS-enabled sonobuoys pose budget constraints for smaller navies or developing countries. Advanced versions require significant investments in communication, software, and maintenance infrastructure.
- Environmental concerns about marine debris from non-recoverable sonobuoys are rising. This is pressuring manufacturers to design biodegradable or recyclable solutions, which adds complexity and cost to production pipelines.
Report Scope
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Estimated Year | 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2034 |
| Market Size-Units | USD billion |
| Market Splits Covered | By Product, By Application, By End User and By Technology |
| Countries Covered | North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, Rest of APAC) The Middle East and Africa (Middle East, Africa) South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SCA) |
| Analysis Covered | Latest Trends, Driving Factors, Challenges, Supply-Chain Analysis, Competitive Landscape, Company Strategies |
| Customization | 10 % free customization (up to 10 analyst hours) to modify segments, geographies, and companies analyzed |
| Post-Sale Support | 4 analyst hours, available up to 4 weeks |
| Delivery Format | The Latest Updated PDF and Excel Datafile |
GPS Sonobuoy Market Segmentation
By Product
- Passive Sonobuoys
- Active Sonobuoys
By Application
- Military
- Commercial
- Research
By End User
- Defense
- Environmental Agencies
- Research Institutions
By Technology
- Buoyancy-Driven
- Battery-Powered
By Geography
- North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)
- Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe)
- Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Rest of APAC)
- The Middle East and Africa (Middle East, Africa)
- South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SCA)
Top Companies Analysed
- Sparton Corporation
- Ultra Electronics Holdings
- Thales Group
- General Dynamics Mission Systems
- Lockheed Martin Corporation
- L3Harris Technologies
- Raytheon Technologies Corporation
- Northrop Grumman Corporation
- Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
- SAAB AB
- DSIT Solutions Ltd.
- BAE Systems
- Leonardo DRS
- Elbit Systems Ltd.
- Hanwha Systems
What You Receive
• Global GPS Sonobuoy market size and growth projections (CAGR), 2024- 2034• Impact of recent changes in geopolitical, economic, and trade policies on the demand and supply chain of GPS Sonobuoy.
• GPS Sonobuoy market size, share, and outlook across 5 regions and 27 countries, 2025- 2034.
• GPS Sonobuoy market size, CAGR, and Market Share of key products, applications, and end-user verticals, 2025- 2034.
• Short and long-term GPS Sonobuoy market trends, drivers, restraints, and opportunities.
• Porter’s Five Forces analysis, Technological developments in the GPS Sonobuoy market, GPS Sonobuoy supply chain analysis.
• GPS Sonobuoy trade analysis, GPS Sonobuoy market price analysis, GPS Sonobuoy Value Chain Analysis.
• Profiles of 5 leading companies in the industry- overview, key strategies, financials, and products.
• Latest GPS Sonobuoy market news and developments.
The GPS Sonobuoy Market international scenario is well established in the report with separate chapters on North America GPS Sonobuoy Market, Europe GPS Sonobuoy Market, Asia-Pacific GPS Sonobuoy Market, Middle East and Africa GPS Sonobuoy Market, and South and Central America GPS Sonobuoy Markets. These sections further fragment the regional GPS Sonobuoy market by type, application, end-user, and country.
Who can benefit from this research
The research would help top management/strategy formulators/business/product development/sales managers and investors in this market in the following ways1. The report provides 2024 GPS Sonobuoy market sales data at the global, regional, and key country levels with a detailed outlook to 2034, allowing companies to calculate their market share and analyze prospects, uncover new markets, and plan market entry strategy.
2. The research includes the GPS Sonobuoy market split into different types and applications. This segmentation helps managers plan their products and budgets based on the future growth rates of each segment
3. The GPS Sonobuoy market study helps stakeholders understand the breadth and stance of the market giving them information on key drivers, restraints, challenges, and growth opportunities of the market and mitigating risks
4. This report would help top management understand competition better with a detailed SWOT analysis and key strategies of their competitors, and plan their position in the business
5. The study assists investors in analyzing GPS Sonobuoy business prospects by region, key countries, and top companies' information to channel their investments.
Available Customizations
The standard syndicate report is designed to serve the common interests of GPS Sonobuoy Market players across the value chain and include selective data and analysis from entire research findings as per the scope and price of the publication.However, to precisely match the specific research requirements of individual clients, we offer several customization options to include the data and analysis of interest in the final deliverable.
Some of the customization requests are as mentioned below :
Segmentation of choice – Our clients can seek customization to modify/add a market division for types/applications/end-uses/processes of their choice.
GPS Sonobuoy Pricing and Margins Across the Supply Chain, GPS Sonobuoy Price Analysis / International Trade Data / Import-Export Analysis
Supply Chain Analysis, Supply–Demand Gap Analysis, PESTLE Analysis, Macro-Economic Analysis, and other GPS Sonobuoy market analytics
Processing and manufacturing requirements, Patent Analysis, Technology Trends, and Product Innovations
Further, the client can seek customization to break down geographies as per their requirements for specific countries/country groups such as South East Asia, Central Asia, Emerging and Developing Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Benelux, Emerging and Developing Europe, Nordic countries, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Caribbean, The Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) or any other.
Capital Requirements, Income Projections, Profit Forecasts, and other parameters to prepare a detailed project report to present to Banks/Investment Agencies.
Customization of up to 10% of the content can be done without any additional charges.
Note: Latest developments will be updated in the report and delivered within 2 to 3 working days.
1.1 List of Tables
1.2 List of Figures
2. GPS Sonobuoy Market Latest Trends, Drivers and Challenges, 2024- 2034
2.1 GPS Sonobuoy Market Overview
2.2 Market Strategies of Leading GPS Sonobuoy Companies
2.3 GPS Sonobuoy Market Insights, 2024- 2034
2.3.1 Leading GPS Sonobuoy Types, 2024- 2034
2.3.2 Leading GPS Sonobuoy End-User industries, 2024- 2034
2.3.3 Fast-Growing countries for GPS Sonobuoy sales, 2024- 2034
2.4 GPS Sonobuoy Market Drivers and Restraints
2.4.1 GPS Sonobuoy Demand Drivers to 2034
2.4.2 GPS Sonobuoy Challenges to 2034
2.5 GPS Sonobuoy Market- Five Forces Analysis
2.5.1 GPS Sonobuoy Industry Attractiveness Index, 2024
2.5.2 Threat of New Entrants
2.5.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
2.5.4 Bargaining Power of Buyers
2.5.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
2.5.6 Threat of Substitutes
3. Global GPS Sonobuoy Market Value, Market Share, and Forecast to 2034
3.1 Global GPS Sonobuoy Market Overview, 2024
3.2 Global GPS Sonobuoy Market Revenue and Forecast, 2024- 2034 (US$ Million)
3.3 Global GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Product, 2024- 2034
3.4 Global GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Application, 2024- 2034
3.5 Global GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By End User, 2024- 2034
3.6 Global GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Technology, 2024- 2034
3.7 Global GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook by Region, 2024- 2034
4. Asia Pacific GPS Sonobuoy Market Value, Market Share and Forecast to 2034
4.1 Asia Pacific GPS Sonobuoy Market Overview, 2024
4.2 Asia Pacific GPS Sonobuoy Market Revenue and Forecast, 2024- 2034 (US$ Million)
4.3 Asia Pacific GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Product, 2024- 2034
4.4 Asia Pacific GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Application, 2024- 2034
4.5 Asia Pacific GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By End User, 2024- 2034
4.6 Asia Pacific GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Technology, 2024- 2034
4.7 Asia Pacific GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook by Country, 2024- 2034
5. Europe GPS Sonobuoy Market Value, Market Share, and Forecast to 2034
5.1 Europe GPS Sonobuoy Market Overview, 2024
5.2 Europe GPS Sonobuoy Market Revenue and Forecast, 2024- 2034 (US$ Million)
5.3 Europe GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Product, 2024- 2034
5.4 Europe GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Application, 2024- 2034
5.5 Europe GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By End User, 2024- 2034
5.6 Europe GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Technology, 2024- 2034
5.7 Europe GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook by Country, 2024- 2034
6. North America GPS Sonobuoy Market Value, Market Share and Forecast to 2034
6.1 North America GPS Sonobuoy Market Overview, 2024
6.2 North America GPS Sonobuoy Market Revenue and Forecast, 2024- 2034 (US$ Million)
6.3 North America GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Product, 2024- 2034
6.4 North America GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Application, 2024- 2034
6.5 North America GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By End User, 2024- 2034
6.6 North America GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Technology, 2024- 2034
6.7 North America GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook by Country, 2024- 2034
7. South and Central America GPS Sonobuoy Market Value, Market Share and Forecast to 2034
7.1 South and Central America GPS Sonobuoy Market Overview, 2024
7.2 South and Central America GPS Sonobuoy Market Revenue and Forecast, 2024- 2034 (US$ Million)
7.3 South and Central America GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Product, 2024- 2034
7.4 South and Central America GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Application, 2024- 2034
7.5 South and Central America GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By End User, 2024- 2034
7.6 South and Central America GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Technology, 2024- 2034
7.7 South and Central America GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook by Country, 2024- 2034
8. Middle East Africa GPS Sonobuoy Market Value, Market Share and Forecast to 2034
8.1 Middle East Africa GPS Sonobuoy Market Overview, 2024
8.2 Middle East and Africa GPS Sonobuoy Market Revenue and Forecast, 2024- 2034 (US$ Million)
8.3 Middle East Africa GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Product, 2024- 2034
8.4 Middle East Africa GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Application, 2024- 2034
8.5 Middle East Africa GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By End User, 2024- 2034
8.6 Middle East Africa GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook By Technology, 2024- 2034
8.7 Middle East Africa GPS Sonobuoy Market Size and Share Outlook by Country, 2024- 2034
9. GPS Sonobuoy Market Structure
9.1 Key Players
9.2 GPS Sonobuoy Companies - Key Strategies and Financial Analysis
9.2.1 Snapshot
9.2.3 Business Description
9.2.4 Products and Services
9.2.5 Financial Analysis
10. GPS Sonobuoy Industry Recent Developments
11 Appendix
11.1 Publisher Expertise
11.2 Research Methodology
11.3 Annual Subscription Plans
11.4 Contact Information
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FAQ's
The Global GPS Sonobuoy Market is estimated to generate USD 985 million in revenue in 2025.
The Global GPS Sonobuoy Market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.36% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.
The GPS Sonobuoy Market is estimated to reach USD 1872.3 million by 2034.
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