Sonar Systems Global Market Report 2024

Sonar systems are based on SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) technology, a technique that utilizes sound waves propagated at a specific frequency for mapping distances and objects. This technology is particularly employed in marine navigation, as sound waves can travel greater distances in water compared to radar and light waves. Sonar systems play a crucial role in various applications, including mapping the seafloor, locating underwater hazards, identifying objects like shipwrecks, and creating nautical charts.

The sonar systems market is categorized by product types, including hull-mounted sonar, stern-mounted sonar, dipping sonar, and sonobuoy. Hull-mounted sonar is utilized in naval platforms as sensors to detect submarines, underwater objects, unmanned underwater vehicles, and seafloors, contributing to the creation of navigation charts for enhanced naval security. The market is further segmented based on installation into fixed and deployable, and by acoustic frequency into ultrasonic and infrasonic. Major applications of sonar systems encompass anti-submarine warfare, port security, mine detection and countermeasure systems, search and rescue, navigation, diver detection, seabed terrain investigation, and scientific research applications.

The sonar systems market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides sonar systems statistics, including global sonar systems market size, regional shares, competitors with sonar systems market share, detailed sonar systems market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the sonar systems industry. This sonar systems market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

The sonar systems market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.97 billion in 2023 to $4.33 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%.
The growth observed during the historical period can be attributed to several factors, including investments in naval defense, exploration of underwater resources, the development and deployment of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), activities in the commercial fishing industry, and the increased focus on environmental monitoring.

The sonar systems market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.8 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to factors such as the increasing number of solar power projects, the rising popularity of off-grid solar trackers for power generation, a growing demand for energy, increased awareness about the environmental benefits of solar power, and favorable government policies and initiatives. Major trends expected in the forecast period include the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in sonar systems, the utilization of 3D sonar imaging and mapping technologies, advancements in counter-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, the implementation of sensor fusion and data integration techniques, and the use of smart inverters for optimized energy production.

The increasing frequency of terrorist attacks is playing a significant role in the expansion of the sonar systems market. Terrorism, characterized by violence in asymmetrical conflicts aimed at instilling terror and psychological fear, necessitates the use of sonar systems for detecting and addressing potential threats such as bombings, underground explosive devices, unidentified submarines in oceans, and more. As of March 2023, the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) reported that the number of deaths more than doubled, though from a low base, rising from nine deaths in 2021 to 19 in 2022, with 11 of these occurring in the US during terrorist attacks. Hence, the escalating instances of terrorist attacks are a driving force behind the demand for sonar systems.

The growth of seaborne trade activities is expected to propel the sonar systems market. Seaborne trade involves the exchange of goods and commodities through maritime transportation on oceans and seas. Sonar systems contribute to enhancing navigation safety, safeguarding against potential threats, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and improving overall efficiency in maritime logistics for seaborne trade activities. For instance, as of October 2022, according to the UNCTAD Handbook of Statistics, Asian ports received approximately 7.1 billion tons, accounting for 64% of the total commodities transported globally in 2021. Therefore, the increasing volume of seaborne trade activities is set to drive the growth of the sonar systems market.

A prominent trend in the sonar systems market is the technological advancement of sonar systems. Companies are actively engaged in innovating to develop technologically advanced sonar systems, particularly for military and warfare applications. For instance, in 2021, Thales Group, a France-based multinational company specializing in aerospace and defense security, secured a contract from the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) to develop, test, and manufacture the SonoFlash air-droppable sonobuoy. This contract aims to strengthen anti-submarine warfare systems in the French Naval force, providing a sophisticated sonar system suitable for open-ocean environments with extended endurance.

Major players in the sonar systems market are focusing on establishing test and evaluation facilities for sonar systems to improve performance, reliability, and competitiveness in the industry. These specialized facilities are dedicated to assessing and enhancing the functionality, accuracy, and quality of sonar technology. For instance, in November 2022, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), based in India, launched the sonar systems test and evaluation facility for the Indian Navy, known as the hull module of the submersible platform for acoustic characterization and evaluation (SPACE). This facility is designed to test and evaluate sonar equipment across various types of navy vessels, including submarines, warships, maritime aviation, and helicopters.

In July 2022, Thales Defense & Security, Inc., a US-based manufacturer of aerospace and defense products, completed the acquisition of Advanced Acoustic Concepts (AAC) for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Thales Defense & Security Inc. aims to strengthen its support for the US Department of Defense (DOD) by enhancing skills and experience in surface ship Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), airborne ASW, and mine countermeasures. Advanced Acoustic Concepts (AAC) is a US-based provider of innovative solutions for sonar detection.

Major companies operating in the sonar systems market include Ultra Electronics Holdings PLC, Thales Group, Navico Holding AS, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Atlas Elektronik GmbH, Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, Sonardyne International Ltd., Aselsan Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., Furuno Electric Co. Ltd., Japan Radio Co. Ltd., DSIT Solutions Ltd., Northrop Grumman Corporation, General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc., Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Nautel Limited, Mistral Solutions Pvt. Ltd., thyssenkrupp AG, Western Marine Electronics Inc., Koç Bilgi ve Savunma Teknolojileri A.S., SonarTech Underwater Systems LLC, Meteksan Defense Industry Inc., GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc., Koc Bilgi ve Savunma Teknolojileri AS

North America was the largest region in the sonar systems market in 2023. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the sonar systems market analysis report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.

The countries covered in the sonar systems market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.

The sonar systems market consists of sales of active and passive sonar systems. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


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