Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By UUV Platform (Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), and Supervised Underwater Vehicle (SUV)), By Water Depth (Surf Zone (0-4m), Very Shallow Water (4-10m), Shallow Water (10-25m), and Deep water (below 25 m)), By Operation (Survey, Mapping and Intelligence, Organic Mine Countermeasure (OMCM), and Dedicated Mine Countermeasure (DMCM)), By Solutions (Sensors, Communication, Payload, and Propulsion), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The mine countermeasures Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) market is a specialized segment within the broader UUV market, focused specifically on developing, producing, and selling UUVs designed for Mine Countermeasures (MCM) operations. MCM UUVs are typically used by military forces, such as navies, for detecting, locating, and neutralizing underwater mines and other explosive devices. These UUVs are equipped with a range of sensors, including acoustic and magnetic sensors, that allow them to detect and classify underwater objects. They may also be equipped with specialized tools, such as robotic arms, cutting tools, or explosive charges, for safely neutralizing or removing mines.

Key Market Insights:

The key driver of the mine countermeasures UUV market is maritime security. As threats to maritime security continue to evolve, the Navy and other security forces are investing in new technologies and systems to address these threats. MCM UUVs are an essential part of this investment. They effectively detect and neutralize underwater mines and other explosive devices, which significantly threaten shipping and naval vessels. For instance, in 2023 U.S. Navy invested USD 65.98 billion for procurement.

The development of new technologies, such as advanced sensors and autonomy, along with the use of autonomous systems is driving growth in the MCM UUV market. These technologies enable UUVs to operate more effectively and efficiently, reducing the workforce requirements, time, and cost required for mine clearance operations.

The key restraining factor for the mine countermeasures UUV market is the limited endurance and range compared to other types of UUVs. According to a report by Frost & Sullivan, the average endurance of an MCM UUV is around 16 hours, while the average range is around 20 nautical miles. This limited endurance and range could impact the effectiveness of MCM UUVs in certain environments. Also, MCM UUVs face challenges in detecting non-metallic mines, such as those made from plastic or wood. This is because non-metallic mines do not generate magnetic or acoustic signatures that traditional mine detection sensors can detect.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly impacted negatively the mine countermeasures Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) market. The restrictions on International travel, lockdowns, and social distancing measures imposed by governments worldwide have disrupted the supply chain and manufacturing processes, leading to delays in the production and delivery of UUVs. Moreover, the pandemic has affected the economies of many countries, leading to budget cuts and financial constraints for governments and businesses alike. This economic uncertainty has forced some customers to delay or cancel their orders for Mine Countermeasures UUVs, resulting in a drop in demand.

The global mine countermeasures Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) market is segmented into four types. By UUV Platform, it is segmented into Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV), Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), and Supervised Underwater Vehicle (SUV). Based on water depth, this market is fragmented into surf zone (0-4m), very shallow water (4-10m), shallow water (10-25m), and deep water (below 25 m). Based on operation, the market is divided into Survey, Mapping and Intelligence, Organic Mine Countermeasure (OMCM), and Dedicated Mine Countermeasure (DMCM). By Solutions, it is divided into sensors, communication, payload, and propulsion. From a geographical view, the market is categorized into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World.

Key Insights:

The report will describe the following key insights:

• The report analyzes a detailed industry overview, including qualitative and quantitative information.


• The report analyzes an overview and forecast of the Global Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) UUV Market based on various segments.


• The report also analyzes comprehensive PEST analysis for all four regions, i.e. North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World, after evaluating economic, social, political, and technological factors affecting the Global Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) UUV market in these regions.

Regional Analysis:

North America is a significant market for Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) due to the presence of top players in the market, such as Lockheed Martin Corporation, General Dynamics Corporation, and Textron Inc. Additionally, the region has a strong naval presence, and countries like the United States and Canada invest heavily in mine countermeasures to secure their territorial waters. In 2022, the U.S. Navy's budget request included funding to procure 13 Knifefish UUVs, an autonomous mine countermeasures system. The Knifefish UUVs are designed to detect and classify undersea mines, allowing the Navy to clear mines from vital waterways. Additionally, the budget request included funds for the continued development of the Orca XLUUV, a large, long-endurance UUV that can be used for various missions, including mine countermeasures.

Key Players Covered:

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Atlas Elektronik, Fugro, General Dynamics Corporation, International Submarine Engineering, HII Corporate, Bluefin Robotics, Teledyne Marine, SeaBotix, Kongsberg, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Oceaneering International, Inc., Saab and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and others.

Segmentation:

Key Industry Developments:

• In May 2023, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) began to deploy the OZZ-5 mine-countermeasures (MCM) unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), designed and manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) on its four in-service Mogami-class frigates. This UUV has a four-meter length, 500 mm width, and a weight of 200 kg. It can reach a top speed of five kt, and its permanence is nine hours through a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.


• In April 2022, Bollinger Shipyard, a US-based manufacturer of military and commercial vessels, received a cumulative contract of 122 million USD from U.S. Navy for the production of the mine countermeasures unmanned surface vehicle (MCM USV). The preliminary contract was for three vessels in exchange for USD 13 million, which was modified by thirty vessels.