Visiongain has released its new Sonar Systems Market Report 2027-2037, forecasting that the global market will reach US$9.84bn by 2037 from US$4.59bn in 2027.

The market is forecast to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% between 2027 and 2037, driven by growing naval investment in anti-submarine warfare and underwater surveillance, the shift towards integrated and autonomous sonar architectures, and increasing demand for synthetic aperture sonar and advanced digital signal processing across naval and maritime security applications.

Key Market Growth Drivers & Industry Transformations

Shift Toward Advanced and Integrated Sonar Architectures: Modern sonar programmes are increasingly moving beyond standalone acoustic sensors towards integrated systems that combine active, passive, and digital signal-processing capabilities with wider naval combat and surveillance architectures. This transition is increasing demand for systems that can deliver higher-resolution acoustic information while supporting interoperability across platforms. Advanced sonar systems can extend the sensing perimeter of naval forces and autonomous underwater platforms, supporting persistent underwater surveillance and anti-submarine warfare missions. The growth of deployable systems is particularly significant: deployable sonar is projected to increase from US$3.87bn in 2027 to US$8.38bn by 2037, representing an 8.0% CAGR.

Sonar for Underwater Surveillance and Anti-Submarine Warfare: Naval forces are increasingly integrating sonar into broader anti-submarine warfare and underwater surveillance architectures. Lockheed Martin’s AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 programme combines active and passive sonar capabilities with tactical data fusion and threat-detection software, illustrating the growing convergence between acoustic sensing, software, and naval combat systems. Mine countermeasures represent another important application area, where sonar-enabled systems can detect and classify underwater mines while supporting increasingly autonomous mine-countermeasure operations.

Synthetic Aperture Sonar, Digital Processing, and Autonomous Operations: Synthetic aperture sonar and advanced digital processing are expanding the resolution, coverage, and flexibility of underwater acoustic sensing. Kongsberg Discovery’s February 2026 launch of HISAS2020 as a standalone, platform-agnostic synthetic aperture sonar illustrates the movement towards flexible sonar technologies that can be deployed across different platforms and operating environments. The integration of sonar with autonomous underwater systems is also creating new opportunities for persistent surveillance, mapping, mine countermeasures, and underwater intelligence. As onboard processing capabilities improve, sonar data can increasingly support automated detection, classification, and mission decisions closer to the point of collection.

Regional Naval Modernisation and Indigenous Capability Development: Asia Pacific is projected to record the fastest growth among the major regional sonar systems markets, expanding from US$1.35bn in 2027 to US$3.23bn in 2037 at a 9.1% CAGR. Europe is projected to grow at 8.2%, while North America is projected to grow at 7.0% during the same period. The regional expansion reflects continuing investment in submarine and surface-combatant modernisation, anti-submarine warfare capabilities, maritime security, and underwater surveillance. Regional suppliers are also developing indigenous sonar and underwater-acoustic portfolios, supporting local technology development and international market opportunities.

What This Means for the Sonar Systems Market

The global sonar systems market is evolving from standalone acoustic detection equipment towards increasingly integrated, digital, and autonomous sensing architectures. Advances in active, passive, hybrid, and synthetic aperture sonar are expanding detection and surveillance capabilities, while integration with autonomous underwater platforms and wider undersea intelligence systems is increasing the strategic importance of acoustic sensing across naval and maritime security applications.

Scope of the Visiongain Report

The report provides robust quantitative and qualitative analysis across all key facets of the global sonar systems market:

By Installation: Fixed Systems; Deployable Systems.

By Technology: Active Systems; Passive Systems; Active-Passive Combined (Hybrid) Systems.

By End-User: National Navies; Maritime Security Agencies; Commercial / Offshore; Other End-Users.

By Application: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW); Mine Detection & Countermeasures; Port & Harbour Security; Search & Rescue; Diver / Swimmer Detection.

By Platform: Vessel-Mounted (Hull); Towed Array; Airborne (incl. Sonobuoy / Dipping); Port-Security Installed; Diver-Held / Portable; Other Platforms.

By Regional & Country Markets: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and MEA.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape is characterised by a mix of global defence contractors, maritime technology providers, specialist sonar manufacturers, and underwater systems developers. Companies are increasingly focused on advanced acoustic sensing, system integration, autonomous operations, digital processing, and lifecycle support. Companies profiled in the report include:

• Thales Group
• RTX Corporation (Raytheon)
• Lockheed Martin
• L3Harris Technologies
• Fincantieri S.p.A. (WASS Submarine Systems)
• Kongsberg
• Saab AB
• Atlas Elektronik (TKMS)
• Ultra Maritime
• ELAC SONAR (Cohort plc)
• Sonardyne International
• Teledyne Marine (Teledyne Technologies)
• Japan Radio Co. (JRC)
• Aselsan

Recent Developments

• 1 Sep 2026 – KONGSBERG completed its acquisition of Sonatech, a U.S.-based underwater-acoustics specialist, strengthening its U.S. sonar and underwater-communications capabilities.

• 24 Aug 2026 – KONGSBERG launched the Aegir SSA family of commercial sonars for continuous subsea situational awareness around ports, coastal areas, offshore assets and other critical maritime environments.

• 26 Feb 2026 – Kongsberg Discovery launched HISAS2020 as a standalone, platform-agnostic synthetic aperture sonar product, making the HISAS technology available across AUVs, USVs, ROVs and towed assets.

• 23 Feb 2026 – Lockheed Martin secured a potential five-year, US$479.9 million U.S. Navy contract for AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 anti-submarine warfare system engineering support, including tactical data-fusion integration and sustainment.

• 18 Feb 2026 – Ultra Maritime was awarded a U.S. Navy development contract for the next-generation Acoustic Device Countermeasure (ADC) MK6, focused on advanced acoustic countermeasure capability.

• 2025 – ASELSAN reported continued development and acceptance activity across its sonar portfolio, including DUFAS 100-CU system-level sea tests, the start of mass production of DUFAS 100/LR, the first sales contract for FERSAH 100-N/RT dipping sonar, the first sales contract for FERSAH 100-H hull-mounted sonar, and a sales contract for the MATES 100-VDS variable-depth mine-hunting sonar.

• 14 Jan 2025 – Fincantieri completed the acquisition of Leonardo’s Underwater Armaments & Systems business through WASS Submarine Systems, strengthening Fincantieri’s underwater-acoustics and naval-underwater portfolio.

Related Reports

• Undersea Defence Market 2026-2036
• Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) Market 2026-2036
• Naval Vessels & Surface Combatants Market 2026-2036
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Market 2026-2036

About Visiongain

Established in 1998, Visiongain is an independent publisher of analyst-led market intelligence, delivering data-driven research, forecasts, and strategic insight across global industries and emerging markets. Visiongain supports evidence-based decision-making for investment, procurement, and long-term strategic planning.

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