Towed Array Sonar Market Segmentation By Type (Active, Passive and Dual Towed Array Sonar); By Acoustic Frequency (Infrasonic and Ultrasonic Sonar); By Component (Hydrophone, Cables and Others); By End-Use Industry (Marine, Oil & Gas, and Other Industries) – Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2019-2028

Introduction to Towed Array Sonar

Sound Navigation and Ranging or Sonar is a technology that uses sound propagation to map and detect objects and their location, speed, depth, size and other similar attributes underwater. Sonar is often utilized in military and submarines for detection of rival vessels and communication underwater. The towed array sonar systems comprise of linearly spaced hydrophones towed behind surface ships or submarines, that are used to detect and determine the direction and other specifics of enemy vessels. There are different types of towed array sonar systems, namely active towed array sonar, passive towed array sonar, and dual towed array sonar, that are used according to various underwater operations.

The global towed array sonar market attained USD 368 Million in 2019 and is further anticipated to garner USD 536.61 Million in 2028 by growing at a CAGR of 4.28% during the forecast period, i.e., 2020-2028.

Regional Growth Highlights during 2019–2028

Regionally, the global towed array sonar market is segmented into five major regions comprising North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Among the market in these regions, the North America towed array sonar market held the highest market share in 2019, and in terms of value, the market garnered around USD 160 Million in the same year. The rise in demand for towed array sonar systems in this region can be attributed to advancements in defense operations, increasing focus on developing robust anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability and fleet expansion initiatives, and high military spending for research and development activities. Moreover, the U.S. is estimated to have largest market for underwater surveillance systems and is involved in a massive number of exports and imports of towed array sonar systems. These are some of the major factors that are anticipated to boost the growth of the market in this region.

The study further incorporates Y-O-Y Growth, demand & supply and forecast future opportunity in North America (United States, Canada), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of LATAM), Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, BENELUX [Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg], NORDIC [Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland], Poland, Russia, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Middle East and Africa (Israel, GCC [Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman], North Africa, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa).

Market Segmentation Synopsis

By Type

The global towed array sonar market is segmented by type into active-, passive-, and dual towed array sonar, out of which, the passive towed array sonar system segment is estimated to hold leading market shares throughout the forecast period by growing at highest CAGR of nearly 4.5%. There is high demand for passive towed array sonar systems as they do not emit their own signal as compared to active towed array sonar where, with the presence of ping system, the vessels can be easily detected by the enemies. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD SAMPLE REPORT

By Acoustic Frequency

The global market is bifurcated on the basis of acoustic frequency into infrasonic and ultrasonic sonar. Among these segments, the ultrasonic sonar segment held highest market share in 2019 and is further estimated to grow with highest CAGR during the forecast period. Ultrasonic sonar systems are utilized in defense, commercial, and scientific applications.

By Component

Based on component, the global towed array sonar market is segmented into hydrophone, cables and others, out of which, the hydrophone segment is further divided into active and passive hydrophones, whereas, cables segment is sub-segmented into light weight tethered cable, optic hybrid cable, and double armored low & high voltage cable. The lightweight tethered cable segment is estimated to witness notable growth over coming years. Owing to its high tensile properties, small size and light weight, the lightweight tethered cables are widely used for defense and commercial applications.

By End-Use Industry

By end-use industry, the global market is segmented into marine-, oil & gas-, and other industries. The marine industry segment is further segmented into surface ships, submarines, and others. Towed array sonar systems are majorly used in marine applications such as seismic exploration in oil and gas industry, navy surface ships and submarines.

Growth Drivers

Augmentation in Maritime Border Security

There is high demand for towed array sonar systems owing to increase in developments related to protection operations, and advancements in anti-submarine technologies among others. Additionally, major key players are investing significantly in research and development activities to hone the underwater security operations. For instance, to meet the demand for Canada’s underwater surveillance Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems signed a sub-contract with Lockheed Martin Canada in February 2019, which will not only boost operations of Royal Canadian Navy, but it will also create high-tech jobs in Nova Scotia.

Increasing Utilization of Towed Array Sonar in Fishing and Oil & Gas Industry

There is notable demand for towed array sonar systems for seismic streamers for the offshore oil industry and fish detection by acoustic methods. With continuous developments, investments and partnerships across numerous parts of offshore energy sector, the global offshore energy sector is projected to witness robust growth in coming years. Along with that, the quantity of fish delivered at a global level is also estimated to grow at a robust pace. The year 2018 recorded a historical growth owing to high demand over supply resulting in expansion of fishery and aquaculture industry with significant production, consumption, and trade. The human consumption of fish from aquaculture is estimated to grow from 52% (av. 2016-18) to 58% in 2028 as mentioned in the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2019-2028. Therefore, the growth in these industries is estimated to boost the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Challenges

Negative Impact of Sonar Technology on Marine Ecosystem

The seismic noise or utilization of sonar technology for underwater warfare and energy exploration is negatively affecting the marine life and often results in injury or death of most marine animals. This is estimated to act as barrier to the growth of the market.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Towed Array Sonar Market

The outbreak of coronavirus in late 2019, resulting in shutdowns and slowdown of businesses and production of electronic components, followed by logistical and supply chain constraints due to lockdowns has negatively impacted the market growth. However, companies are analyzing the impact and are focusing on long-term solutions that are estimated to boost the growth of their business, both during and post pandemic.

Competitive Landscape

Some of the major key players associated with the global towed array sonar market are Ultra Electronics, Neptune Sonar, Kongsberg, L3Harris Technologies, Inc., Mind Technology Inc., General Dynamics Mission Systems Inc., Teledyne Reson, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, Nisshinbo Holdings Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, Sonardyne International Limited, and Thales Group.