"The global Sonar Systems Market was valued at $ 5.7 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $ 12.5 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 9.1%."
The sonar systems market is an integral part of global maritime and underwater surveillance infrastructure, with applications spanning naval defense, commercial shipping, scientific research, and offshore exploration. Sonar—short for Sound Navigation and Ranging—utilizes sound propagation to detect, locate, and classify objects underwater. It plays a critical role in anti-submarine warfare, mine detection, navigation, fisheries, and seabed mapping. As geopolitical tensions rise and nations invest in strengthening maritime security, demand for advanced sonar systems has surged. Simultaneously, the offshore oil and gas industry, along with the growth of undersea cable networks and deep-sea research, continues to fuel commercial demand. The market encompasses a range of systems, including active and passive sonar, side-scan, hull-mounted, towed arrays, and dipping sonars, with technology rapidly evolving toward miniaturization, AI-enabled data analysis, and unmanned system integration. Increasing environmental awareness is also prompting efforts to minimize the ecological impact of sonar operations on marine life, steering development toward low-impact acoustic solutions.
In 2024, the sonar systems market experienced significant advancements in both defense and commercial sectors. Naval forces across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific upgraded sonar capabilities in new-generation submarines and surface vessels, integrating multi-frequency active-passive systems and AI-enhanced signal processing to counter advanced stealth threats. The rise in unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) led to a spike in demand for compact, energy-efficient sonar modules. On the commercial side, offshore wind projects and seabed mineral exploration gained momentum, requiring high-resolution sonar systems for underwater surveying and environmental impact assessments. Additionally, fisheries began adopting advanced sonar technologies to enhance catch efficiency while reducing bycatch. Collaborative research efforts between defense contractors, marine institutes, and private manufacturers led to breakthroughs in underwater acoustic communication and mapping precision. At the same time, concerns over sonar-related disturbances to marine mammals brought regulatory scrutiny, prompting manufacturers to refine emission controls and explore more sustainable sonar deployment techniques.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the sonar systems market is expected to evolve rapidly through the integration of artificial intelligence, cloud-based data processing, and hybrid acoustic sensing technologies. Military programs will continue emphasizing sonar modernization, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where underwater domain awareness is critical to strategic deterrence. The next generation of sonar systems will prioritize stealth, modularity, and interoperability with multi-domain platforms, including aerial drones and satellite-linked maritime command centers. In commercial markets, demand for sonar will rise in support of expanding offshore wind farms, undersea cable networks, and autonomous shipping corridors, driving innovation in long-range detection and real-time 3D seabed imaging. Environmental compliance will become more stringent, pushing manufacturers to invest in eco-acoustic sonar designs that reduce acoustic footprint and mitigate harm to marine biodiversity. As underwater ecosystems become more central to global security, infrastructure, and resource management, the sonar systems market is poised to grow both in scale and technological sophistication.
Key Insights_ Sonar Systems Market
- AI-powered sonar systems are transforming underwater detection by enabling real-time target classification, noise reduction, and anomaly detection, improving operational efficiency in both defense and commercial applications.
- Miniaturized sonar modules designed for UUVs and autonomous surface vessels are gaining momentum, supporting surveillance and inspection missions in areas inaccessible to manned systems.
- Multi-frequency sonar technologies are becoming standard in naval fleets, offering enhanced detection across varying depths and conditions to counter stealth submarines and underwater mines.
- High-resolution imaging sonar is seeing increased adoption in offshore wind development and deep-sea exploration, aiding precise seabed mapping and subsea infrastructure placement.
- Environmental stewardship is influencing sonar design, with manufacturers developing low-impact acoustic systems that reduce the risk of disturbing marine mammals and sensitive underwater ecosystems.
- Heightened maritime security concerns and geopolitical tensions are driving naval investments in advanced sonar systems for improved anti-submarine warfare and underwater surveillance capabilities.
- Growth in offshore energy projects and undersea communication infrastructure is boosting demand for sonar systems used in site surveys, cable laying, and environmental assessments.
- Rising adoption of autonomous underwater vehicles in commercial, scientific, and defense applications is increasing the need for compact and intelligent sonar payloads.
- Technological advancements in underwater acoustics and digital signal processing are enabling more accurate, energy-efficient, and user-friendly sonar systems.
- Environmental regulations and growing awareness of sonar’s impact on marine life present a major challenge, requiring manufacturers to innovate quieter, low-impact sonar systems that meet ecological compliance without compromising performance.
Market Scope
| Parameter | sonar systems market scope Detail |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Estimated Year | 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2032 |
| Market Size-Units | USD billion |
| Market Splits Covered | By Product, By Installation, By Acoustic Frequency, By Application |
|
Countries Covered | North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) |
| Analysis Covered | Latest Trends, Driving Factors, Challenges, Trade Analysis, Price Analysis, 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 Data file |
Sonar Systems Market Segmentation
By Product
- Hull-Mounted Sonar
- Stern-Mounted Sonar
- Dipping Sonar
- Sonobuoy
By Installation
- Fixed
- Deployable
By Acoustic Frequency
- Ultrasonic
- Infrasonic
By Application
- Anti-Submarine Warfare
- Port Security
- Mine Detection and Countermeasure Systems
- Search and Rescue
- Navigation
- Diver Detection
- Seabed Terrain Investigation
- Scientific
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)
Major Companies Analysed
Asea Brown Boveri, Sma Solar Technology AG, Canadian Solar, Solaredge Technologies Inc, Delta Electronics Inc., Solectria Renewables LLC, Omron Corporation, Hitachi Hi-rel Power Electronics Private Limited, Power Electronics S.L, Schneider Electric, SunPower Corporation, imer S.p.A, Tabuchi Electric Co. Ltd, General Electric Company, Enphase Energy Inc., Advanced Energy Industries Inc., Chint Power Systems Co. Ltd., Eaton Corporation plc, Ginlong Technologies Co. Ltd., GoodWe Power Supply Technology Co. Ltd., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Ingeteam S.A., KACO new energy GmbH, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Sungrow Power Supply Co. Ltd., Tebian Electric Apparatus Co. Ltd., Toshiba Corporation, Trina Solar Limited, Wuxi Suntech Power Co. Ltd., Yaskawa Electric Corporation, Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited, Zeversolar, Zhejiang Chint Electrics Co. Ltd.
Recent Developments
-
March 2025: Ultra Maritime secured a USD 23 million contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply sonobuoys supporting the Royal Navy’s Merlin HM2 maritime helicopter fleet.
-
November 2024: The French Navy announced it has fielded SonoFlash on upgraded Atlantique 2 (ATL2) maritime patrol aircraft and NH90 Caïman helicopters. Thales is simultaneously advancing international marketing efforts to win early export customers; SonoFlash is described as a next-generation A-size sonobuoy designed for French ASW requirements.
-
November 2024: JFD—the submarine rescue and escape training arm of James Fisher and Sons plc—signed a contract to enhance the Indian Navy’s underwater capabilities. JFD’s DSRV can operate with a three-person crew and accommodate up to 16 rescued personnel.
-
October 2024: The U.S. Navy demonstrated hand-deployment of sonobuoys from a Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion while exploring new concepts of operations for potential Pacific scenarios. The test involved a crew member dropping a sonobuoy from the open rear cargo ramp.
-
January 2024: The MoD’s Capability Development, Underwater and Electronic Warfare (CD UEW) Project Team indicated its intent to place a single-source contract with BAE Systems to deliver in-service support for Sonar 2117.
Research Methodology
Our research methodology combines primary and secondary research techniques to ensure comprehensive market analysis.
Primary Research
We conduct extensive interviews with industry experts, key opinion leaders, and market participants to gather first-hand insights.
Secondary Research
Our team analyzes published reports, company websites, financial statements, and industry databases to validate our findings.
Data Analysis
We employ advanced analytical tools and statistical methods to process and interpret market data accurately.
Get Free Sample
At OG Analysis, we understand the importance of informed decision-making in today's dynamic business landscape. To help you experience the depth and quality of our market research reports, we offer complimentary samples tailored to your specific needs.
Start Now! Please fill the form below for your free sample.
Why Request a Free Sample?
Evaluate Our Expertise: Our reports are crafted by industry experts and seasoned analysts. Requesting a sample allows you to assess the depth of research and the caliber of insights we provide.
Tailored to Your Needs: Let us know your industry, market segment, or specific topic of interest. Our free samples are customized to ensure relevance to your business objectives.
Witness Actionable Insights: See firsthand how our reports go beyond data, offering actionable insights and strategic recommendations that can drive your business forward.
Embark on your journey towards strategic decision-making by requesting a free sample from OG Analysis. Experience the caliber of insights that can transform the way you approach your business challenges.
FAQ's
The Global Sonar Systems Market is estimated to generate USD 5.7 billion in revenue in 2025.
The Global Sonar Systems Market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.99% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.
The Sonar Systems Market is estimated to reach USD 12.5 billion by 2034.
$3950- 30%
$6450- 40%
$8450- 50%
$2850- 20%
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? TALK TO OUR ANALYST TEAM
Need something within your budget? NO WORRIES! WE GOT YOU COVERED!
