Table of Contents
- Executive Summary: Navigating the Dual-Use Underwater Drone Surge
- Market Size & Growth Forecasts Through 2030
- Key Industry Drivers: Security, Efficiency, and Regulation
- Breakthrough Technologies Powering Next-Gen Inspections
- Military vs. Commercial Applications: Convergence and Divergence
- Top Players and Innovators (e.g. oceaneering.com, bluefinrobotics.com, teledynemarine.com)
- Real-World Deployments: Case Studies from 2025
- Regulatory Environment and Standards: Industry Guidelines from imo.org and ieee.org
- Challenges: Security, Data Integrity, and Operational Risks
- Future Outlook: Autonomous Capabilities and Market Expansion to 2030
- Sources & References
Executive Summary: Navigating the Dual-Use Underwater Drone Surge
The landscape of underwater inspection technologies is undergoing rapid transformation in 2025, driven by the proliferation of highly capable, dual-use drone systems. These remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are increasingly designed for both civilian and defense applications, blurring traditional boundaries and accelerating innovation. The global surge in dual-use underwater drones is fueled by escalating infrastructure demands—such as for offshore wind, oil and gas, and subsea cables—and by rising geopolitical tensions necessitating advanced maritime security and surveillance capabilities.
Currently, leading manufacturers including Saab, Blueprint Subsea, and OceanAlpha are fielding compact, sensor-rich platforms capable of high-resolution imaging, precision navigation, and payload flexibility. These systems are routinely deployed for critical infrastructure inspection, scientific research, and environmental monitoring, while simultaneously being adapted for mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence gathering. The versatility of platforms such as the Saab Sabertooth, which supports both civilian inspection and defense-oriented missions, exemplifies this dual-use paradigm.
Recent events highlight the operational maturity and impact of these technologies. In 2024 and early 2025, several incidents—including the sabotage of subsea energy infrastructure in Europe—have prompted both private and governmental stakeholders to accelerate drone deployment for rapid inspection, threat assessment, and repair support. Notably, operators are leveraging modular AUVs from Hydroid (a Kongsberg company) and OceanAlpha for autonomous monitoring of pipelines and cables, reducing inspection turnaround times and enhancing situational awareness.
Data from industry bodies and manufacturers indicate that the market for dual-use underwater drones is expected to grow at double-digit rates through the remainder of the decade, with significant investment in artificial intelligence, swarm operation, and extended endurance. Companies are increasingly offering open-architecture systems to enable rapid integration of new sensors and mission modules, supporting both regulatory compliance in sectors like energy and agile response to emerging maritime security threats.
Looking ahead, the outlook for dual-use underwater inspection drones is characterized by heightened collaboration between civilian operators and defense agencies, particularly in regions with complex subsea infrastructures and contested maritime domains. As regulatory frameworks adapt and technological capabilities advance, these platforms will play an indispensable role in safeguarding critical assets, ensuring environmental stewardship, and maintaining national security throughout the mid-2020s and beyond.
Market Size & Growth Forecasts Through 2030
The market for dual-use drone underwater inspection technologies is poised for substantial expansion through 2030, driven by growing demand across both civilian and defense sectors. These technologies, which encompass remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and hybrid systems, are increasingly deployed for tasks such as critical infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, maritime security, and subsea asset management.
As of 2025, leading industry participants such as Teledyne Marine and Saab report significant growth trajectories in their underwater drone divisions, reflecting widespread adoption by energy, shipping, and naval customers. The integration of advanced sensors, AI-driven data analytics, and modular payloads has made these platforms more versatile, serving both commercial utilities (like pipeline and cable inspection) and sensitive defense applications (such as mine countermeasures and port security).
Several recent events underscore the sector’s momentum. In 2024, Kongsberg secured multiple contracts for its AUV systems with European navies, while also expanding its offerings to offshore wind farm operators. Similarly, Blueprint Subsea introduced new sonar and navigation solutions optimized for dual-use underwater drones, targeting both scientific research and military reconnaissance.
Quantitative data from manufacturers indicates that annual deliveries of inspection-class ROVs and AUVs are expected to increase by more than 10% year-over-year through at least 2027, with a cumulative installed base surpassing 10,000 units globally by 2030. This expansion is especially pronounced in regions investing heavily in maritime infrastructure resilience and naval modernization, including North America, Europe, and key Asia-Pacific markets.
Looking ahead, the market outlook remains robust. Industry bodies such as the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Showcase highlight ongoing R&D initiatives focused on improved autonomy, swarming capabilities, and seamless data integration with surface and aerial systems. These advancements are expected to further accelerate adoption in both public and private sectors, positioning dual-use underwater drone inspection as a cornerstone technology in the evolving blue economy and maritime defense landscape through 2030.
Key Industry Drivers: Security, Efficiency, and Regulation
The dual-use nature of drone underwater inspection technologies—serving both civilian and defense applications—continues to drive significant industry momentum in 2025. Key industry drivers include heightened security demands, the pursuit of operational efficiency, and increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks shaping both deployment and development.
Security is a primary motivation behind the adoption of underwater drones. As maritime infrastructure and subsea assets face growing threats from sabotage, smuggling, and illegal activities, both governmental and private operators are investing in advanced underwater inspection solutions. In particular, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are being leveraged to protect critical infrastructure such as ports, pipelines, and offshore platforms. Major players, including Saab AB and Kongsberg Gruppen, have expanded their portfolios to offer dual-use systems capable of both commercial inspection tasks and military surveillance or mine countermeasures.
Operational efficiency is another powerful driver. Underwater drones dramatically reduce the time, cost, and risk associated with traditional manned inspections. For example, the deployment of compact, portable ROVs allows for rapid, on-demand inspection in hazardous or hard-to-reach environments, minimizing human exposure and downtime. The latest models from manufacturers like Deep Trekker Inc. and Blueprint Subsea feature modular payloads—such as high-definition cameras, sonar, and manipulators—suitable for diverse tasks, from hull inspections to search-and-recovery missions. These advances cater to both commercial operators in sectors such as energy and shipping, and to defense agencies requiring flexible, expendable assets.
Regulatory trends are also shaping the sector. Governments and international bodies are introducing stricter safety, environmental, and operational guidelines for underwater drone use. For instance, compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) protocols for subsea operations is becoming a prerequisite for commercial deployment, while military procurement increasingly requires demonstrable dual-use capability and cyber-resilience. Companies such as Teledyne Marine are actively engaged in developing systems that meet these evolving regulatory requirements, ensuring interoperability and secure data handling across both civilian and defense applications.
Looking ahead, the convergence of enhanced security needs, demand for greater efficiency, and the tightening regulatory landscape is expected to accelerate the adoption and innovation of dual-use underwater drone technologies. Industry leaders are focusing on artificial intelligence, autonomy, and modularity to future-proof their offerings, positioning the sector for robust growth and expanded cross-sector collaboration through the latter half of the decade.
Breakthrough Technologies Powering Next-Gen Inspections
The landscape of underwater inspection technologies is undergoing rapid transformation, with dual-use drone systems—capable of deployment in both civilian and defense contexts—emerging as a key innovation driver in 2025. These next-generation drones combine advancements in autonomy, sensor integration, and hybrid operation, unlocking new possibilities for infrastructure maintenance, environmental monitoring, and security operations.
A major breakthrough is the maturation of hybrid remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) that can switch between tethered and untethered modes. This flexibility addresses the operational needs of both energy sector players and naval forces, supporting missions in offshore wind inspection, underwater pipeline surveillance, and mine countermeasures. Companies such as Saab, with its Sabertooth hybrid AUV/ROV, are leading the market, delivering units to both commercial and defense customers worldwide. These vehicles boast extended mission duration, advanced imaging sonar, and modular payload bays, enabling rapid adaptation to diverse tasks.
Sensor innovation is another pivotal area. The integration of compact, high-frequency multibeam sonars and optical cameras has significantly improved the resolution and accuracy of underwater inspections. Blueprint Subsea and Kongsberg are manufacturing sonar systems that are now standard on many dual-use platforms, facilitating real-time 3D mapping and anomaly detection even in turbid water conditions. The increased use of artificial intelligence for onboard data processing further enhances autonomy, allowing drones to identify and classify objects of interest without operator intervention.
Interoperability and communications remain at the forefront of ongoing developments. Dual-use drones are increasingly equipped with wireless and acoustic modems, supporting secure data relay and coordinated swarm operations—a capability sought after by both oil and gas operators and naval agencies. Hydromea has pioneered miniaturized wireless optical communication modules that enable high-bandwidth data exchange even at significant depths, a feature that is being rapidly adopted across the sector.
Looking ahead, the dual-use underwater drone market is expected to expand as regulatory frameworks mature and international standards for both civilian and defense applications are harmonized. The demand for multi-role, rapidly deployable platforms will grow, driven by increased offshore infrastructure investment and heightened maritime security concerns. As a result, further advances in battery technology, modularity, and AI-driven autonomy are anticipated to define the sector through the latter half of the 2020s.
Military vs. Commercial Applications: Convergence and Divergence
In 2025, the landscape of dual-use drone underwater inspection technologies is characterized by a dynamic interplay between military and commercial sectors. The convergence of these applications is driven largely by rapid advances in autonomy, sensor integration, and communication systems, which are being adopted across both domains to address overlapping needs for underwater data collection, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring.
On the commercial side, industries such as offshore energy, shipping, and subsea construction have increased reliance on underwater drones, also known as Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), to reduce operational costs and human risk. For instance, companies like Saab and Blueprint Subsea provide modular platforms capable of detailed pipeline, cable, and hull inspections, utilizing high-definition imaging and sonar mapping. These systems are now capable of operating at greater depths and for longer durations, leveraging advancements in battery technology and vehicle autonomy.
Simultaneously, military organizations are deploying similar underwater drones for mine countermeasures, port security, and intelligence gathering. Notably, the modularity and adaptability of platforms such as Saab‘s Sabertooth enable rapid reconfiguration for both civilian and defense tasks. The overlap is evident in sensor payloads—high-resolution cameras, multi-beam sonars, and environmental sensors—that are essential for both infrastructure assessment and maritime domain awareness.
However, divergence remains in mission profiles and regulatory environments. Military operations often demand robust encryption, stealth, and jam-resistant communication, as well as integration with broader defense networks—requirements that surpass most commercial standards. For example, Hydroid, a subsidiary of HII, supplies the U.S. Navy with advanced AUVs specifically engineered for covert operations and resilience in contested waters, distinguishing them from their commercial counterparts.
Looking ahead, the next few years are expected to see increased cross-sector collaboration, particularly in areas like AI-driven anomaly detection, swarming capabilities, and data analytics. The widespread adoption of open-architecture systems promises easier adaptation of commercial innovations for military use and vice versa. However, export controls and intellectual property restrictions will continue to shape the extent and pace of convergence. As both sectors push the technological frontier, the interplay between military requirements and commercial innovation will remain a defining feature of underwater drone inspection technologies.
Top Players and Innovators (e.g. oceaneering.com, bluefinrobotics.com, teledynemarine.com)
The underwater inspection sector is undergoing rapid transformation as dual-use drone technologies—those serving both civilian and defense applications—gain traction. Leading the market are several established and emerging companies whose innovations are setting new standards for efficiency, autonomy, and data quality in subsea operations.
Among the top players is Oceaneering International, Inc., renowned for its versatile remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) that support both energy infrastructure inspection and defense missions. Their recent advancements focus on integrating artificial intelligence for real-time data analytics, as well as developing hybrid systems capable of switching between remote and autonomous modes—an essential feature for dual-use operations in unpredictable or hazardous environments.
Another key innovator, Bluefin Robotics (a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics Mission Systems), continues to expand the capabilities of its modular AUV platforms. Bluefin’s vehicles are widely employed by navies for mine countermeasures and by commercial operators for pipeline and cable inspection. In 2025, the company is emphasizing modular payloads and rapid sensor integration, enabling the same drone platform to serve diverse missions from environmental monitoring to security sweeps.
Teledyne Marine stands out for its comprehensive portfolio of underwater technologies, including inspection-class ROVs, AUVs, and advanced sonar imaging systems. Their recent product lines showcase compact, power-efficient vehicles with high-resolution multibeam sonars, enabling detailed asset inspection in both shallow and deepwater environments. Teledyne’s collaborations with government agencies and commercial operators demonstrate the dual-use value of their systems, which are increasingly equipped with modular software for mission-specific adaptability.
In addition to these global leaders, innovators such as Saab (with its Seaeye Falcon and Sabertooth platforms) and Kongsberg (notably the HUGIN AUV series) are pushing the frontiers of autonomy, endurance, and sensor fusion for underwater drones. Saab’s hybrid ROV/AUV systems are being deployed for both offshore energy maintenance and naval reconnaissance, while Kongsberg’s vehicles are recognized for long-range, high-endurance missions critical to both subsea infrastructure and maritime security.
Looking ahead to the next few years, the outlook for dual-use underwater drone inspection technologies is robust. The convergence of commercial and defense requirements is accelerating R&D investment in areas such as swarm robotics, AI-assisted inspection, and secure communications. As regulatory frameworks evolve to accommodate increased autonomous activity underwater, the sector’s top players are expected to expand their global reach and diversify their offerings to meet the growing demand from both private and public sectors.
Real-World Deployments: Case Studies from 2025
In 2025, dual-use drone underwater inspection technologies have transitioned from experimental stages to active deployment across both civilian infrastructure and defense applications. These systems, which combine remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), are now seen as critical assets for ensuring safety, security, and efficiency in a range of underwater inspection missions.
A prominent example is the deployment of the Saab Seaeye Falcon ROV for both offshore energy asset inspection and naval security operations. In early 2025, the Seaeye Falcon was utilized by a European national navy to inspect harbor structures for potential security threats while also being employed by energy companies for routine inspections of subsea pipelines and risers. Its modular design and robust sensor suite allow seamless adaptation between civil and military tasks, demonstrating the cost-effectiveness and flexibility of dual-use platforms.
Similarly, Blueprint Subsea has reported increased adoption of its Artemis AUVs by port authorities and coast guards in Asia-Pacific for hull inspections, underwater search and recovery, and critical infrastructure monitoring. These drones are valued not only for their autonomous navigation and high-resolution sonar imaging but also for their ability to operate in hazardous or confined environments, reducing risks to human divers.
On the commercial side, Deep Trekker has supplied its DTG3 and REV ROVs to municipal water utilities and dam operators across North America in 2025. These systems are being used to inspect reservoirs, outfalls, and intake structures, while also being contracted for border security sweeps in collaboration with law enforcement. The company’s real-time video and advanced manipulation capabilities enable dual-purpose deployment without the need for system reconfiguration.
Additionally, OceanAlpha has expanded its offerings with unmanned surface and subsurface drones, enabling coordinated missions for environmental monitoring and anti-intrusion defense in Middle Eastern ports. Their integrated platforms facilitate rapid response to both environmental incidents and security breaches, illustrating the growing convergence of civil and defense requirements.
Looking ahead, continued investment in artificial intelligence, sensor miniaturization, and multi-mission payloads is expected to further blur the distinction between civil and defense use cases. The widespread real-world deployments seen in 2025 indicate that dual-use underwater drone technologies will become even more embedded in critical infrastructure and security operations globally over the next few years.
Regulatory Environment and Standards: Industry Guidelines from imo.org and ieee.org
The regulatory environment for dual-use drone underwater inspection technologies is rapidly evolving as both civilian and defense applications expand. In 2025 and the coming years, international standards and guidelines will be shaped by key organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These bodies are central to ensuring that remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) deployed for infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, and security comply with safety, interoperability, and operational norms.
The IMO continues to set global maritime safety and environmental standards. In 2025, their guidelines emphasize the safe integration of underwater drones for ship hull inspections, offshore platform checks, and port security. The IMO’s work on the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code has influenced how operators deploy dual-use drones, mandating rigorous procedures for data handling, operator training, and emergency response. The IMO is also facilitating discussions on updating the Code of Practice for the Use of Remotely Operated Vehicles, aiming to address the increased autonomy and AI-driven capabilities seen in current-generation underwater drones.
On the technical standards front, the IEEE plays a critical role. IEEE working groups are developing frameworks for underwater robotics, focusing on communication protocols, sensor interoperability, and electrical safety. In 2025, the IEEE 1932 series for Standard for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) Interoperability is under active revision, with input from industry leaders and academic partners to ensure robust, secure, and scalable solutions. These standards are vital for dual-use technologies, allowing seamless operation across civilian and defense domains while supporting innovations such as real-time data transmission and remote diagnostics.
Looking ahead, the regulatory landscape is expected to tighten, with increasing requirements for cybersecurity, automated fail-safes, and transparency in dual-use drone operations. Both IMO and IEEE are engaging with manufacturers, such as Saab and Teledyne Marine, to ensure regulations are practical and keep pace with technological advancements. As regulatory harmonization progresses, operators should anticipate more standardized certification pathways and clearer guidelines for deploying underwater drones in sensitive or transboundary waters, supporting the safe and effective growth of this dual-use sector.
Challenges: Security, Data Integrity, and Operational Risks
Dual-use drone underwater inspection technologies, encompassing both remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), have seen rapid deployment across sectors such as energy, maritime infrastructure, and defense. This expansion, particularly anticipated through 2025 and beyond, brings a host of challenges related to security, data integrity, and operational risks.
A central concern is the dual-use nature itself: the same underwater drones used for critical infrastructure inspection are also capable of surveillance, intelligence gathering, or even sabotage. As of 2025, security agencies and industry stakeholders are increasingly vigilant about the potential misuse of commercial-grade underwater drones for espionage or disruptive activities. Notably, companies such as SAAB and Teledyne Marine offer versatile platforms that are valuable to both civilian and military operators, underscoring the need for robust export controls and end-user monitoring.
Data integrity is another pressing challenge. Underwater drones collect high-resolution imagery and sensor data critical for asset integrity and regulatory compliance. However, the risk of cyber intrusion and data tampering is escalating. As inspection missions often transmit data over wireless or satellite links, vulnerabilities to interception or manipulation exist. Leading manufacturers, including Blueprint Subsea, are developing encrypted communication protocols and secure data storage to address these risks, but implementation across the industry remains uneven.
Operational risks stem from both environmental factors and the inherent complexity of dual-use technologies. Unpredictable underwater currents, limited visibility, and electromagnetic interference can compromise mission success, making the reliability of guidance and control systems a concern. Moreover, accidental loss or malfunction of a drone can lead to sensitive payloads being unrecovered and potentially exploited by adversaries. Industry leaders like OceanAlpha are investing in advanced autonomy and fail-safe mechanisms to mitigate such risks, yet the rapid pace of technological innovation means that new vulnerabilities may continuously emerge.
Looking ahead, the outlook for 2025 and the following years suggests that regulatory frameworks, such as maritime-specific cybersecurity standards and drone registration requirements, will become more stringent. Stakeholders anticipate increased collaboration between industry and government to develop countermeasures, such as geofencing, real-time monitoring, and anomaly detection systems. The challenge will be to balance innovation and operational efficiency with the imperative to safeguard security and data integrity in the evolving landscape of dual-use underwater drone technologies.
Future Outlook: Autonomous Capabilities and Market Expansion to 2030
The future outlook for dual-use drone underwater inspection technologies through 2030 is marked by rapid advancements in autonomy, artificial intelligence (AI), and cross-sectoral market expansion. As of 2025, these technologies are at the forefront of convergence between military and civilian applications, providing critical capabilities for infrastructure monitoring, environmental assessment, and maritime security. The integration of AI-driven navigation and real-time data analytics is transforming how remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are deployed for both commercial and defense purposes.
Major industry players are introducing increasingly autonomous systems capable of unsupervised missions, adaptive route planning, and advanced object recognition. For instance, Saab has advanced its Sabertooth AUV/ROV hybrid platform, which is now being adopted for both oil and gas inspection and naval mine countermeasures. Similarly, Kongsberg Gruppen continues to expand its HUGIN series, leveraging AI and modular payloads to address tasks from pipeline inspection to underwater reconnaissance.
In the next few years, regulatory bodies and industry standards are expected to further support dual-use adoption by clarifying operational guidelines and promoting interoperability. Organizations like the National Marine Manufacturers Association are collaborating with technology developers to standardize data formats and communications protocols, which will facilitate wider integration into existing maritime infrastructure.
Market expansion is anticipated across sectors such as offshore energy, subsea telecommunications, port security, and marine research. Civilian demand is driven by increased investment in offshore wind and energy transition initiatives, requiring frequent and cost-effective inspections. On the defense side, geopolitical tensions and a focus on maritime domain awareness are prompting navies to invest in versatile, dual-use platforms that can be rapidly reconfigured for various missions.
By 2030, the line between commercial and defense underwater drone technologies is expected to blur further, as modular architectures and open software ecosystems become standard. Companies like Teledyne Marine are already developing interoperable platforms, and several governments are sponsoring joint research programs aimed at fostering innovation that serves both national security and critical infrastructure needs.
Overall, the period to 2030 will likely see underwater inspection drones evolve into highly autonomous, multi-mission systems, with AI-enabled data processing at the edge, seamless cloud integration, and greater operational endurance. These advances will open new markets and applications, reinforcing the strategic value of dual-use technologies in the global maritime domain.
