Sonobuoy Market - Size, Share & Industry Analysis

Name: Sonobuoy Market - Size, Share & Industry Analysis
Creator: Mordor Intelligence
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Sonobuoy Market Size and Share

Market Overview

Study Period	2019 - 2030
Market Size (2025)	USD 482.54 Million
Market Size (2030)	USD 652.60 Million
Growth Rate (2025 - 2030)	6.22% CAGR
Fastest Growing Market	Asia-Pacific
Largest Market	North America
Market Concentration	High
Major Players *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Sonobuoy Market (2025 - 2030) — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Sonobuoy Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Sonobuoy market size stood at USD 482.54 million in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 652.60 million by 2030, advancing at a 6.22% CAGR. Rising outlays on anti-submarine warfare, quiet diesel-electric fleets, and autonomous surveillance platforms keep demand resilient, ensuring the sonobuoy market remains a strategic priority for navies and offshore operators. North America retained procurement leadership, yet Asia-Pacific posts the quickest gains as regional submarine counts grow. Advances in digital signal processing, multistatic low-frequency architectures, and platform miniaturization are lowering the cost-per-detection, expanding coverage, and opening civil energy exploration use cases. At the same time, tighter environmental rules and export controls temper growth by adding compliance costs and supply-chain friction. Competitive intensity is high because a narrow supplier pool still dominates volume contracts, although upcoming joint-production deals and unmanned-platform integration could gradually rebalance market power.

Key Report Takeaways

By type, passive systems held 53% of the sonobuoy market share in 2024, while active variants are projected to grow at an 11.8% CAGR to 2030.
By size class, Size A accounted for 70% of the sonobuoy market size in 2024; Size B units are slated to expand at 12.5% CAGR through 2030.
By deployment method, free-fall solutions led with 49% revenue share in 2024, whereas cartridge/pneumatic formats register a 9.4% CAGR outlook.
By application, defense captured 90% of the sonobuoy market size in 2024; commercial energy exploration is advancing at a 14.6% CAGR to 2030.
By geography, North America commanded a 45% share in 2024; Asia-Pacific is forecast to add the fastest 12.0% CAGR up to 2030.

Global Sonobuoy Market Trends and Insights

Drivers Impact Analysis

Driver	(~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast	Geographic Relevance	Impact Timeline
Worldwide proliferation of quiet diesel-electric and AIP submarines elevating expendable ASW demand	+1.8%	Global, Indo-Pacific and North Atlantic	Medium term (2-4 years)
Shift from analog to digital sonobuoy architectures enabling multichannel data fusion and longer RF links	+1.2%	North America, EU, expanding Asia-Pacific	Short term (≤ 2 years)
Adoption of multistatic low-frequency active concepts lowering cost-per-detection and extending range	+0.9%	Global, led by NATO fleets	Medium term (2-4 years)
Rapid uptake of unmanned aerial and surface launch platforms boosting annual buoy deployment rates	+1.1%	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific	Short term (≤ 2 years)
Global standardization via NATO STANAG 4748 and MIL-STD 2525E enhancing interoperability across fleets	+0.7%	NATO and allied nations	Long term (≥ 4 years)
Expansion of deep-water energy exploration requiring expendable acoustics for seabed characterisation	+0.5%	Gulf of Mexico, North Sea and global offshore	Medium term (2-4 years)

Source: Mordor Intelligence

Worldwide proliferation of quite diesel-electric and AIP submarines elevating expendable ASW demand

Modern diesel-electric and air-independent-propulsion boats now patrol longer in near-silence, narrowing passive detection windows and compelling navies to seed larger listening fields. Procurement plans signal this urgency: the US Navy budgets for roughly 204,000 buoys yearly to sustain inventory, while Indo-Pacific forces accelerate orders for distributed surveillance grids.^{[1]Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, “Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2024,” sipri.org} Higher exercise tempos and real-world tracking missions translate into sustained consumption, anchoring volume growth across the sonobuoy market.

Shift from analog to digital sonobuoy architectures enabling multichannel data fusion and longer RF links

Digital signal chains compress, encrypt, and forward richer acoustic packets over extended radio links, letting operators merge feeds from dozens of nodes in near real time. Automated classification cuts operator workload and improves first-pass confidence, which is key in high-tempo patrols. These architectures also future-proof fleets against congested electromagnetic environments, making them a core upgrade catalyst within the sonobuoy market.

Adoption of multistatic low-frequency active concepts lowering cost-per-detection and extending range

Distributed source-receiver geometries exploit low-frequency propagation to cover wider ocean swaths with fewer expendables, slashing per-hour costs and bolstering standoff safety. Coherent processing dampens reverberation, increasing target-signal clarity and enabling new tactics, particularly for coalition patrols that need interoperable, plug-and-play kits. Adoption momentum feeds an innovation loop that keeps the sonobuoy market technologically dynamic.

Rapid uptake of unmanned aerial and surface launch platforms boosting annual buoy deployment rates

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as the MQ-9B SeaGuardian carry up to 80 small-form-factor buoys and loiter 18 hours, blanketing open-ocean gaps at lower flight-hour costs. Surface drones extend reach into contested littorals. Their arrival drives fresh procurement cycles, broadening the sonobuoy market customer base beyond traditional maritime-patrol squadrons.

Restraints Impact Analysis

Restraint	(~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast	Geographic Relevance	Impact Timeline
High supplier concentration and export-control regimes creating procurement bottlenecks	-0.8%	Global, especially non-NATO allies	Short term (≤ 2 years)
Stricter environmental regulations on underwater acoustic emissions constraining operational usage	-0.6%	North America, Europe, spreading Asia-Pacific	Medium term (2-4 years)
Competition from non-expendable alternatives such as LF towed arrays and autonomous UUV sonars	-0.4%	Global, led by technologically mature navies	Long term (≥ 4 years)
Volatile rare-earth and piezo-ceramic feedstock prices driving up unit production costs	-0.3%	Global, with sensitivity in Asia-Pacific supply chains	Short term (≤ 2 years)

Source: Mordor Intelligence

High supplier concentration and export-control regimes creating procurement bottlenecks

ERAPSCO’s long-standing dominance meant a single joint venture fed most US orders; its dissolution forces navies to identify alternate lines while navigating International Traffic in Arms Regulations. New entrants require heavy capital and long qualification cycles, so supply remains tight even as demand climbs. The Defense Production Act funding round seeks to widen capacity, yet export license hurdles still delay deliveries to partner nations, dampening near-term momentum in the sonobuoy market.

Stricter environmental regulations on underwater acoustic emissions constraining operational usage

NOAA’s updated marine-mammal acoustic thresholds impose seasonal or geographic restrictions on sonobuoy use, prompting planners to redesign exercise patterns.^{[2]National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “Technical Guidance for Assessing Marine Mammal Acoustic Thresholds,” fisheries.noaa.gov} Compliance adds cost, limits dwell time, and calls for quieter designs, trimming some growth until new eco-friendly models mature within the sonobuoy market.

Segment Analysis

By Type: Active Sonobuoys Gain Momentum Amid Passive Strength

Passive devices held 53% of the sonobuoy market in 2024, underscoring their value for covert, low-power listening over long distances. Active variants, however, will outpace the aggregate sonobuoy market with an 11.8% CAGR through 2030. They are powered by multistatic low-frequency innovations that push detection horizons while controlling battery drain. Special-purpose models for bathymetry and range monitoring fill a niche but play a crucial role in battle-group readiness.

Digital processing lifts active effectiveness, as algorithms suppress reverberation and highlight transient contacts. The resulting performance leap keeps navies investing, making this slice a pivotal revenue accelerator across the wider sonobuoy market. Parallel civil use for seismic surveys enlarges addressable demand, reflecting growing cross-sector technology spillover within the sonobuoy industry.

Sonobuoy Market_By Type — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

By Size Class: Shift Toward Compact Size B Units

Size A forms remained dominant, accounting for 70% of the sonobuoy market in 2024, because legacy aircraft racks favor that diameter. Yet, Size B sales rose 12.5% CAGR as unmanned and light patrol planes seek lighter loads without acoustic compromise. Miniaturization advances preserve sensitivity while halving weight, aligning with broader defense trends toward distributed sensing.

SeaGuardian’s capacity to double the carriage count when switching to Size B makes a compelling case for inventory diversification.^{[3]General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, “MQ-9B SeaGuardian,” ga-asi.com} Manufacturers betting on small-form-factor lines now unlock new platform integration fees, reinforcing growth vectors in the sonobuoy market.

By Deployment Method: Pneumatic Launchers Broaden Tactical Flexibility

Free-fall delivery captured a 49% share in 2024 due to simple gravity racks requiring minimal aircraft plumbing. Cartridge or pneumatic launchers, however, draw a 9.4% CAGR outlook as they allow precision patterns and quieter drops, which are advantageous against submarine forces alert to splash signatures. Spring systems cater to niche covert drops where sound discipline trumps loading rates.

Pneumatic tubes also ease retrofit onto rotary drones and corvette decks, removing structural modifications that once limited host options. This engineering agility multiplies addressable airframes and hulls, stimulating fresh procurement across the sonobuoy market.

Sonobuoy Market_By Deployment Method — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

By Application: Civil Energy Exploration Emerges as a High-Growth Adjunct

Defense still accounts for 90% of the sonobuoy market size in 2024. Still, commercial users in oil, gas, wind, and marine research now post the fastest 14.6% CAGR as developers probe deeper fields and stricter environmental rules demand high-resolution acoustic baselines. Training and exercise allocations remain steady since realistic live-fire scenarios hinge on expendable acoustics.

Dual-use trajectories entice suppliers to tweak models for civil regulations, diversifying revenue streams, and shielding them from cyclic defense budgets. This structural broadening undergirds the sonobuoy market's long-term resilience.

Geography Analysis

North America commanded 45% of the sonobuoy market in 2024 due to sizable US Navy budgets, integrated manufacturing clusters, and a long history of experimentation with anti-submarine warfare. Annual buys of roughly 204,000 units set a volume floor that sustains local lines and accelerates R&D into digital and multistatic features. Canada’s NATO patrol commitments and Mexico’s offshore energy surveys add incremental pull, reinforcing the region’s leadership role. After ERAPSCO’s breakup, supply-risk worries pushed authorities to channel Defense Production Act funds toward redundancy. This measure should stabilize the North American share, leaving room for foreign advances.

Asia-Pacific posts the fastest 12.0% CAGR through 2030 as submarine fleets expand and maritime boundary disputes intensify. India’s co-production pact with Ultra Maritime and Bharat Dynamics Limited illustrates policy support for localized build lines and allied interoperability. Japan embeds sonobuoy upgrades into its Medium-Term Defense Plan, while Australia studies sovereign manufacturing to cut shipping risk. The regional thirst for unmanned platforms also accelerates the adoption of compact buoys, widening the sonobuoy market pipeline.

Europe grows steadily due to NATO standardization, higher Baltic patrol hours, and emerging Indo-Pacific deployments by France, Germany, and Italy. Paris awarded Thales a domestic SonoFlash contract to secure supply and hedge geopolitical uncertainty. Environmental compliance shapes procurement language, pressing suppliers to innovate quieter or shorter-duration devices. Cross-border exercises, such as Dynamic Manta, fuel routine replenishment orders, ensuring Europe remains an essential demand pillar within the sonobuoy market framework.

Sonobuoy Market_Growth Rate by Region — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Competitive Landscape

The sonobuoy market is highly concentrated: a handful of US and UK entities capture most defense volumes. The sunset triggers a strategic reshuffle. Ultra Maritime secured a USD 99 million AN/SSQ-53H award to affirm continuity, while Sparton outlines autonomous production plans to retain relevance. New entrants must hurdle tough qualification gates, yet government interest in diversified supply could ease timelines.

Technology differentiation becomes the main lever. Ultra and General Atomics align on small-form buoys tuned for SeaGuardian, chasing the edge in unmanned operations. Thales positions SonoFlash as a sovereign, dual-mode product for European navies and export customers. Suppliers eye civil exploration to smooth order cycles, positioning acoustic payloads as marine-survey tools that comply with eco-standards. These moves suggest the sonobuoy market will gradually migrate from a near-monopoly toward an oligopoly with distinct regional champions.

International joint ventures add a geopolitical layer. The India-US line links the Make-in-India policy with US technology safeguards, potentially inspiring similar tie-ups in Southeast Asia. Chinese and Russian efforts remain opaque but hint at indigenous development paths, indicating that strategic autonomy considerations may further fragment demand patterns across the global sonobuoy market.

Sonobuoy Industry Leaders

Thales Group
Lockheed Martin Corporation
General Dynamics Mission Systems (General Dynamics Corporation)
L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
Ultra Electronics Holdings Limited
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Sonobuoy Market Concentration — Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

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Recent Industry Developments

May 2025: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and Ultra Maritime formed a partnership to enhance unmanned airborne detection and tracking of submarines by combining GA-ASI's MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aerial system with Ultra Maritime's miniaturized sonobuoys and receivers. This integration enables the United States and its allies to track submarines in GPS-denied environments.
January 2025: Thales Group signed a multi-year deal to furnish the French Navy with several hundred SonoFlash units produced domestically, bolstering national supply security.
January 2025: India and the US formalized a co-production pact between Ultra Maritime and Bharat Dynamics Limited to manufacture sonobuoys in India under allied-interoperability requirements.

Table of Contents for Sonobuoy Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.2.1 Worldwide proliferation of quiet diesel-electric and AIP submarines elevating expendable ASW demand
- 4.2.2 Shift from analog to digital sonobuoy architectures enabling multichannel data fusion and longer RF links
- 4.2.3 Adoption of multistatic low-frequency active concepts lowering cost-per-detection and extending range
- 4.2.4 Rapid uptake of unmanned aerial and surface launch platforms boosting annual buoy deployment rates
- 4.2.5 Global standardization via NATO STANAG 4748 and MIL-STD 2525E enhancing interoperability across fleets
- 4.2.6 Expansion of deep-water energy exploration requiring expendable acoustics for seabed characterisation
4.3 Market Restraints
- 4.3.1 High supplier concentration and export-control regimes creating procurement bottlenecks
- 4.3.2 Stricter environmental regulations on underwater acoustic emissions constraining operational usage
- 4.3.3 Competition from non-expendable alternatives such as LF towed arrays and autonomous UUV sonars
- 4.3.4 Volatile rare-earth and piezo-ceramic feedstock prices driving up unit production costs
4.4 Value Chain Analysis
4.5 Regulatory or Technological Outlook
4.6 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
- 4.6.1 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
- 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.6.3 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.6.4 Threat of Substitute Products
- 4.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE)

5.1 By Type
- 5.1.1 Active
- 5.1.2 Passive
- 5.1.3 Special Purpose
5.2 By Size Class
- 5.2.1 Size A
- 5.2.2 Size B
5.3 By Deployment Method
- 5.3.1 Free-fall
- 5.3.2 Cartridge/Pneumatic Launch
- 5.3.3 Spring Launch Systems
5.4 By Application
- 5.4.1 Defense
- 5.4.1.1 Anti-Submarine Warfare
- 5.4.1.2 Training and Exercise
- 5.4.1.3 Acoustic Range Monitoring
- 5.4.2 Commercial
- 5.4.2.1 Off-shore Energy Exploration
- 5.4.2.2 Oceanographic Research
- 5.4.2.3 Search and Rescue
5.5 By Geography
- 5.5.1 North America
- 5.5.1.1 United States
- 5.5.1.2 Canada
- 5.5.1.3 Mexico
- 5.5.2 Europe
- 5.5.2.1 United Kingdom
- 5.5.2.2 France
- 5.5.2.3 Germany
- 5.5.2.4 Russia
- 5.5.2.5 Rest of Europe
- 5.5.3 Asia-Pacific
- 5.5.3.1 China
- 5.5.3.2 India
- 5.5.3.3 Japan
- 5.5.3.4 South Korea
- 5.5.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
- 5.5.4 South America
- 5.5.4.1 Brazil
- 5.5.4.2 Argentina
- 5.5.4.3 Rest of South America
- 5.5.5 Middle East and Africa
- 5.5.5.1 Middle East
- 5.5.5.1.1 Saudi Arabia
- 5.5.5.1.2 United Arab Emirates
- 5.5.5.1.3 Rest of Middle East
- 5.5.5.2 Africa
- 5.5.5.2.1 South Africa
- 5.5.5.2.2 Rest of Africa

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

6.1 Market Concentration
6.2 Strategic Moves
6.3 Market Share Analysis
6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
- 6.4.1 Sparton Corporation
- 6.4.2 Ultra Electronics Holdings Limited
- 6.4.3 L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
- 6.4.4 Thales Group
- 6.4.5 Lockheed Martin Corporation
- 6.4.6 General Dynamics Mission Systems (General Dynamics Corporation)
- 6.4.7 ASELSAN A.S.
- 6.4.8 Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
- 6.4.9 Leonardo S.p.A.
- 6.4.10 SAAB AB
- 6.4.11 Indra Sistemas, S.A.
- 6.4.12 Bharat Electronics Limited
- 6.4.13 Hanwha Systems (Hanwha Group)

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

7.1 White-space and Unmet-Need Assessment

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Global Sonobuoy Market Report Scope

The sonobuoy is an expandable, sonar system dropped from aircraft or ships to detect underwater submarines. It detects the aircraft, where the radio frequency (RF) transmission is received and processed to detect, locate, and track submarines at sea.

The sonobuoy market is segmented based on type, application, and geography. By type, the market is segmented into active, passive, and special purpose. By application, the market is segmented into commercial and defense. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

The market sizing and forecasts have been provided in value (USD million) for all the above segments.

By Type	Active
	Passive
	Special Purpose
By Size Class	Size A
	Size B
By Deployment Method	Free-fall
	Cartridge/Pneumatic Launch
	Spring Launch Systems

By Application	Defense	Anti-Submarine Warfare
		Training and Exercise
		Acoustic Range Monitoring

	Commercial	Off-shore Energy Exploration
		Oceanographic Research
		Search and Rescue

By Geography	North America	United States
		Canada
		Mexico

	Europe	United Kingdom
		France
		Germany
		Russia
		Rest of Europe

	Asia-Pacific	China
		India
		Japan
		South Korea
		Rest of Asia-Pacific

	South America	Brazil
		Argentina
		Rest of South America

	Middle East and Africa	Middle East	Saudi Arabia
			United Arab Emirates
			Rest of Middle East

		Africa	South Africa
			Rest of Africa

By Type

Active

Passive

Special Purpose

By Size Class

Size A

Size B

By Deployment Method

Free-fall

Cartridge/Pneumatic Launch

Spring Launch Systems

By Application

Defense	Anti-Submarine Warfare
	Training and Exercise
	Acoustic Range Monitoring
Commercial	Off-shore Energy Exploration
	Oceanographic Research
	Search and Rescue

By Geography

North America	United States
	Canada
	Mexico
Europe	United Kingdom
	France
	Germany
	Russia
	Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific	China
	India
	Japan
	South Korea
	Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America	Brazil
	Argentina
	Rest of South America

Middle East and Africa	Middle East	Saudi Arabia
		United Arab Emirates
		Rest of Middle East

	Africa	South Africa
		Rest of Africa

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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current value of the Sonobuoy market?

The Sonobuoy market size is USD 482.54 million in 2025, with a projected CAGR of 6.22% through 2030.

Which region leads global demand for sonobuoys?

North America holds 45% of global revenue, supported by large US Navy procurement volumes and established production infrastructure.

Why are active sonobuoys gaining traction?

Active units benefit from multistatic low-frequency concepts and improved digital processing, enabling longer-range detection of new quiet submarines and driving an 11.8% CAGR.

How are unmanned platforms influencing the Sonobuoy market?

Uncrewed aircraft and surface vessels carry more buoys for longer periods, expanding coverage at lower cost and widening the customer base beyond traditional patrol aircraft.

What challenges could slow market growth?

High supplier concentration, export-control limits, and stricter acoustic-emission regulations introduce procurement delays and compliance costs that offset some demand momentum.

Which civil sectors are adopting sonobuoy technology?

Deep-water oil, gas, and offshore wind projects deploy buoys for seabed mapping and environmental monitoring, propelling a 14.6% CAGR in commercial applications.