Global Sonobuoy Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Sonobuoy Market Outlook

The global sonobuoy market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% between 2024 and 2032.

Key Takeaways

• Beyond traditional military applications, companies are exploring uses for sonobuoys in fields such as oil and gas exploration.

• There is a noticeable trend towards integrating sonobuoys with unmanned vehicles to enhance operational flexibility and coverage area.

• As geopolitical tensions rise, manufacturers are looking to expand their presence into emerging markets.

Sonobuoy refers to a SONAR portable device (SOund NAvigation and Ranging). When a Sonobuoy is released from an aircraft or ship, it helps to detect submarines and perform underwater research and it is dependent on sound waves to detect/locate objects in a specific area. It is an integral part of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tactics and has various configurations for different maritime research and military purposes.

Sonobuoys are acoustic sensing devices that are released from aircraft or ships in the ocean to detect underwater sound signals and early detection of enemy submarines could help avoid possible attacks and loss of resources. These factors are pushing naval forces around the world to deploy sonobuoys, thereby driving the sonobuoys market growth.

Some sonobuoys are also used for echo sounding, to determine the depth of the waterbod as sonobuoy emits a sound wave that is reflected from the seafloor. The time it would take for the wave to return to the ship is reported and used to measure the depth and thickness of the seabed, to assess the composition of the layers in the seabed, and to detect salt domes and seeps. Over time, the salt accumulates to create a dome from which oil and gas can be derived and as oil and gas are valuable resources, a number of governments are making major investments in the installation of sonobuoys to locate sand domes and seeps.

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Key Trends and Developments

Integration with unmanned systems; emphasis on durability and deployability; advancements in acoustic sensor technology; and development of multi-function sonobuoys are the major trends impacting the sonobuoy market expansion

September 12th, 2023

UMS SKELDAR and Ultra Maritime collaborated for the development of a UAS-Based ASW Solution, which involves the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) equipped with sonobuoys or other ASW equipment.

April 5th, 2023

Thales company announced the launch of SonoFlash, a next-gen sonobuoy, for the anti-submarine warfare operations of the French Navy.

December 28th, 2022

The US Naval Air Systems Command granted contract modifications valued at USD 222.5 million to Lockheed Martin and ERAPSCO, a collaborative venture between Ultra Electronics and Sparton for the provision of additional sonobuoys.

October 6th, 2022

The U.S. Navy announced that it has established a five-year contract with Ultra Group company for the deployment of next-gen sonobuoy systems.

Integration with unmanned systems

The integration of sonobuoys with unmanned vehicles, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), is a key trend propelling the sonobuoy market.

Emphasis on durability and deployability

Enhancements in materials and design aim to extend the operational life of sonobuoys in harsh marine environments and simplify their deployment from various platforms.

Advancements in acoustic sensor technology

Technological improvements in acoustic sensors and signal processing are making sonobuoys more effective and sensitive.

Development of multi-function sonobuoys

There is a trend towards developing sonobuoys that can perform multiple functions, such as combining passive and active acoustic detection capabilities in a single buoy.

Sonobuoy Market Trends

The integration of sonobuoys with unmanned vehicles, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), is a significant trend propelling the sonobuoy market development. By deploying sonobuoys from UAVs, the operational range for ASW and surveillance missions is greatly expanded beyond the limitations of traditional, manned aircraft or ships. UAVs can cover vast areas of the ocean quickly and can deploy sonobuoys in remote or hostile environments without risking human lives.

Market players are collaborating with various government bodies to deliver high-end sonobuoys. Thales unveiled SonoFlash, a cutting-edge sonobuoy in April 2023 which is designed to enhance the French Navy's capabilities in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations. This new sonobuoy represents a significant advancement in ASW technology, aiming to provide the French Navy with improved detection, tracking, and engagement of submarine threats.

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Market Segmentation

“Sonobuoy Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Function

• Active

• Passive

• Special Purpose

Market Breakup by Size

• Size A

• Size B

• Size C

• Others

Market Breakup by Range

• Short Range

• Long Range

Market Breakup by Installation

• Spring

• Pneumatic

• Free-fall

• Cartridge

Market Breakup by Application

• Detection and Tracking

• Safety and Security

• Oil and Gas

• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East and Africa

Passive sonobuoys account for a major sonobuoy market share as they are widely used for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare activities

As per the sonobuoy market analysis, passive sonobuoys have held the largest share of the market. Their widespread use is primarily due to their critical role in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime patrol activities, where detecting the acoustic signatures of submarines without alerting them is crucial. These buoys are less expensive to produce and deploy than their active counterparts, and their silent operation means they can listen to underwater noises over extended periods without revealing their location. The demand for passive sonobuoys is consistently high among naval forces around the world, supporting their large market share.

Active sonobuoys are anticipated to gain sizeable growth in the sonobuoy market in the coming years as they are essential in scenarios where precise localisation of underwater objects is necessary. By emitting sonar pulses and analysing the returning echoes, active sonobuoys can accurately determine the distance and direction of underwater objects. This capability is vital for anti-submarine warfare, underwater mapping, and search and rescue operations.

Detection and tracking applications of sonobuoy maintain their dominance in the market as sonobuoy can effectively detect any underwater threats

Detection and tracking occupy a major market share as sonobuoys are extensively used in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and in the detection and tracking of underwater threats or objects. The military sector drives substantial demand in this category, given the strategic importance of maintaining awareness of submarine activities and ensuring maritime domain awareness. The capabilities of both passive and active sonobuoys to detect, locate, and track underwater vehicles and marine life are crucial for national defence and scientific research, making this segment dominant in the market.

Safety and security segment is expected to witness robust growth in the sonobuoy market in the forecast period. Beyond military applications, sonobuoys play a vital role in civilian safety and security operations, such as search and rescue missions, monitoring of restricted waters, and enforcement of maritime laws. The deployment of sonobuoys to enhance maritime safety, prevent illegal fishing, and piracy, and ensure the security of critical infrastructure like ports and harbors.

Competitive Landscape

The market players are forming strategic alliances, partnerships, and collaborations with other companies, government agencies, and research institutions to gain a competitive edge in the sonobuoy market

Sparton Corporation was founded in 2000 and is based in Illinois, the United States. The company is known for its contributions to the defence and aerospace sectors, including sonobuoys for anti-submarine warfare.

Thales Group was incorporated in 2000 and is based in Paris, France. Its offerings include radar, communication systems, satellite technology, cybersecurity solutions, and transportation systems, among others.

Radixon Group is a multinational company based in Sydney, Australia. It is known for its work in software-defined radio (SDR) technology, offering products that include radio receivers and signal intelligence.

Ultra Electronics Limited was founded in 1920 and is based in London, United Kingdom. It provides a wide range of electronic systems and components for defence applications such as naval systems.

Market players in sonobuoy market are heavily investing in research and development to enhance the capabilities of sonobuoys, including improvements in detection range, durability, data processing, and transmission. Advances in acoustic sensor technology, signal processing, and materials science are among the key areas of focus in the research.

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Sonobuoy Market Analysis by Region

North America is the leading region in the market. The growth in the region could be attributed to consumer demand as well as various technological advances, including the use of advanced sensing, range, and directional capabilities. The growing defence spending and the increasing adoption of unmanned underwater vehicles are also expected further to provide an impetus to the growth of the sonobuoy launcher market. Beyond military applications, there is a growing emphasis on maritime security in the region, including border control, counter-narcotics operations, and protection against illegal fishing and piracy. Sonobuoys contribute to these efforts by providing a means to monitor vast areas of water discreetly and efficiently, supporting law enforcement and coastal guard operations.

The sonobuoy market in Europe is also witnessing robust growth and is likely to grow further in the forecast period. Europe has a significant interest in anti-submarine warfare due to its geopolitical landscape and the presence of potential underwater threats. Many European countries are members of NATO and thus participate in collective defence efforts, which include monitoring submarine activity in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The need to detect, track, and, if necessary, neutralise potentially hostile submarines is a critical component of these nations' defense strategies, driving the demand for both active and passive sonobuoys.

Key Highlights of the Report