Sonobuoy Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2024-2032)

Sonobuoy Market Size & Forecast

The Sonobuoy market was valued at USD 409.3 Million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of around 6.2% during the forecast period (2024-2032) owing to the increasing investment in advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities and maritime security by nations worldwide.

Sonobuoy Market Analysis

The Sonobuoy market is poised for significant growth, driven by the critical need for advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities and enhanced maritime security. With increasing geopolitical tensions and territorial disputes, particularly in regions like the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, nations are investing heavily in their naval defense systems. Sonobuoys, which are essential for detecting, tracking, and classifying underwater threats, are at the forefront of these investments. Major defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Thales Group, and Ultra Electronics are leading the way in technological innovations, developing sophisticated sonobuoys that leverage cutting-edge sonar and acoustic systems.

Technological advancements, such as the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into sonar systems, are expected to further propel the market. These innovations will enable sonobuoys to provide more accurate real-time data, reducing the likelihood of false detections and improving operational efficiency. Additionally, the development of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with sonobuoys represents a promising future direction for the market, offering enhanced capabilities for unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance missions.​

The Sonobuoy market is driven by several key factors. Increasing investment in naval defense and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities is a primary driver, as nations prioritize the protection of their maritime interests amidst rising geopolitical tensions and territorial disputes. The demand for real-time, precise underwater threat detection has spurred the development of advanced sonobuoys equipped with cutting-edge sonar and acoustic technologies. Technological advancements, including the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning, have significantly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of sonobuoys, making them indispensable tools for modern navies. Additionally, substantial defense spending and naval modernization programs, particularly in regions like North America and Asia-Pacific, are boosting market growth. Countries such as the United States, China, and India are investing heavily in their naval fleets and ASW systems, reflecting the strategic importance of maintaining maritime superiority and security. The operational efficiency provided by sonobuoys, through accurate and real-time data, further underscores their critical role in contemporary naval operations.

Sonobuoy Market Trends

This section discusses the key market trends that are influencing the various segments of the Sonobuoy as identified by our team of research experts.

Government Policies Supporting the Sonobuoy Market Industry

National Defense Strategy (United States): The U.S. Department of Defense’s National Defense Strategy emphasizes the need for advanced maritime capabilities, including anti-submarine warfare systems, driving significant investments in sonobuoy technologies to maintain naval superiority and ensure national security. This policy has led to substantial funding for research, development, and procurement of cutting-edge sonobuoy systems by the U.S. Navy.

‘Make in India’ Initiative: India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative encourages domestic production of defense equipment, including sonobuoys, by offering incentives to local manufacturers and fostering collaborations with international defense contractors. This policy aims to enhance self-reliance in defense production and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, thereby boosting the local sonobuoy manufacturing industry and creating a robust defense ecosystem.

China’s 14th Five-Year Plan: This comprehensive policy prioritizes technological advancements in defense, including underwater surveillance systems like sonobuoys. The plan outlines substantial funding and support for research and development in cutting-edge defense technologies to strengthen China’s maritime security and ASW capabilities. It also emphasizes the integration of modern sonar and acoustic technologies into the naval forces to ensure effective monitoring and defense against underwater threats.

Australia’s Defence White Paper: The Australian Government’s Defence White Paper sets out a strategic framework for strengthening the country’s maritime security, including significant investments in ASW capabilities. This policy highlights the need for advanced sonar and sonobuoy systems to protect Australia’s vast maritime interests and ensure readiness against potential underwater threats.

Japan’s National Defense Program Guidelines: Japan’s National Defense Program Guidelines focus on enhancing the country’s maritime surveillance and ASW capabilities. This policy includes substantial investments in sonobuoy technologies as part of broader efforts to modernize Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and improve their ability to monitor and respond to submarine activities in the surrounding waters.

South Korea’s Defense Reform Plan: South Korea’s Defense Reform Plan aims to enhance the nation’s military capabilities, including a strong emphasis on improving ASW operations. This policy involves investing in advanced sonobuoy systems and other underwater surveillance technologies to ensure effective monitoring and defense against North Korean submarine threats.

These government policies play a crucial role in shaping the sonobuoy industry by providing strategic direction, funding, and incentives for the development and deployment of advanced maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare technologies. Through these policies, countries are enhancing their naval capabilities, ensuring maritime security, and driving innovation in the sonobuoy market.

APAC is Expected to Grow with Significant CAGR During Forecast Period

The Sonobuoy market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is experiencing robust growth, driven by several key factors. The Sonobuoy market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is driven by a substantial increase in defense spending and extensive naval modernization programs, particularly in countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia. These nations are investing heavily in enhancing their anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities to address regional security concerns and maintain maritime dominance amidst rising geopolitical tensions and territorial disputes. The strategic importance of the South China Sea, the East China Sea, and other critical maritime routes has compelled these countries to bolster their naval capabilities, ensuring they can effectively monitor and counter potential underwater threats. Advanced sonobuoys, with their state-of-the-art sonar and acoustic technologies, play a crucial role in this endeavor by providing reliable and precise underwater detection and tracking. Additionally, collaborations with leading defense contractors and technological advancements in sonar systems have further propelled the demand for sophisticated sonobuoys in the region. The emphasis on real-time data acquisition and the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into ASW systems have enhanced the operational efficiency and accuracy of these sonobuoys, making them indispensable tools for modern naval operations. Overall, the APAC region’s commitment to strengthening its maritime security and the continuous evolution of underwater threat detection technologies drive the robust growth of the Sonobuoy market in this region​.

Sonobuoy Market Industry Overview

The Sonobuoy market is competitive and fragmented, with the presence of several global and international market players. The key players are adopting different growth strategies to enhance their market presence, such as partnerships, agreements, collaborations, new product launches, geographical expansions, and mergers and acquisitions. Some of the major players operating in the market are Lockheed Martin Corporation, Sparton, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Ultra Electronics Limited, Thales Group, Aselsan AS, General Dynamics Corporation, SeaLandAire Technologies, Inc., Radixon Group Pty Ltd., and Saab AB.

Sonobuoy Market News

December 2022 – Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and ERAPSCO, a joint venture between Ultra Electronics and Sparton, $222.5 million in combined firm-fixed-price contract modifications to supply additional sonobuoys to the U.S. Navy.

October 2022 – The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin, USSI, and Sparton Corporation a $5.1 billion contract for sonobuoy production.

Sonobuoy Report Market Coverage

Reasons to buy this report:

• The study includes market sizing and forecasting analysis validated by authenticated key industry experts.


• The report presents a quick review of overall industry performance at one glance.


• The report covers an in-depth analysis of prominent industry peers with a primary focus on key business financials, product portfolios, expansion strategies, and recent developments.


• Detailed examination of drivers, restraints, key trends, and opportunities prevailing in the industry.


• The study comprehensively covers the market across different segments.


• Deep dive regional level analysis of the industry.

Customization Options:

The global Sonobuoy Market can further be customized as per the requirement or any other market segment. Besides this, UMI understands that you may have your own business needs, hence feel free to contact us to get a report that completely suits your requirements.