Overview of the global submarine air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems market
Research analysis on the global submarine air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems market identifies that enhancement in underwater endurance of non-nuclear submarines will be one of the major factors that will have a positive impact on the growth of the market. The engines of the submarine require contact with the surface atmosphere to intake fresh air and to vent out engine exhaust. An AIP system helps a submarine to recharge its batteries without the need to contact surface atmosphere. Due to this, the submarine's snorkeling frequencies reduce and its underwater endurance increases. Owing to such benefits for the implementation of submarine AIP systems by armed forces globally, will propel the market growth. Technavio's market research analysts predict that this market will grow at a CAGR of around 14% by 2021.

Development of second-generation submarine AIP batteries and fuel cells will be one of the latest trends that will gain traction in the AIP systems market during the next four years. The fuel cell-based AIP systems are the most efficient which will improve the submerged endurance of conventional-propulsion submarines. Therefore, defense contractors are focusing their innovation efforts in the development of next-generation fuel cells and associated batteries for the second-generation fuel cell-based AIP systems. The development of such fuel cell technologies will improve the performance of fuel cell submarine AIP systems, and thus boost the interest of naval forces worldwide in submarine AIP systems.
Competitive landscape and key vendors
Owing to the presence of few vendors, this market appears to be highly concentrated. Submarine AIP developers are involved in several projects to develop advanced AIP technologies, that can meet the higher load capacities to support the increasing number of electrical and electronic systems in submarines. The emergence of fuel cell AIP systems to provide higher efficiency when compared to other submarine AIP systems which will propel the demand from naval forces and submarine contractors acoss the globe.
The leading vendors in the market are -
- United Shipbuilding Corporation
- Saab
- Thyssenkrupp
- United Technologies
The other prominent vendors in the market are Kawasaki Heavy Industries, SENER, and Siemens.
Segmentation by product and analysis of the submarine AIP systems market
- Stirling engine submarine AIP systems
- Fuel cell submarine AIP systems
During 2016, the stirling engine submarine AIP systems segment accounted for the major shares of this market. In the Stirling engine, the heat, which enables the engine's functionality, is produced in a combustion chamber that is separate from the actual engine. Owing to the advantages such as AIP systems offer low-power operations and are much quieter than conventional diesel generators of submarines.
Geographical segmentation and analysis of the submarine AIP systems market
This market study estimates that in terms of geographic regions, APAC will be the major revenue contributor to the market by 2021. The region has a vast stretch of shared maritime waters which requires vessels with high endurance capabilities. So, procurement and modernization of vessels with high endurance like AIP-equipped submarines is being promoted by these countries.
Key questions answered in the report include
- What will the market size and the growth rate be in 2021?
- What are the key factors driving the global submarine air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems market?
- What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the global submarine air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems market?
- What are the challenges to market growth?
- Who are the key vendors in the global submarine air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems market?
- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global submarine air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems market?
- Trending factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA.
- What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the global submarine air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems market?
Technavio also offers customization on reports based on specific client requirement.
Technavio gathers information within the aerospace and defense industry on the total market size, overall sales, demand patterns, potential growth, and emerging markets. The upcoming report on the global submarine air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems market covers the major and niche players operating in the defense sector such as SAAB, Siemens, Naval Group, General Dynamics, UTC Aerospace Systems, ThyssenKrupp Marine System, and SENER.
The report also covers prominent geographic market along with emerging markets analyzing markets within the Americas, APAC, and EMEA regions. The research analyst at Technavio performs full-fledged primary and secondary research by gathering data from defense departments, manufacturers, vendors, suppliers, and other key stakeholders.
The upcoming report on the global submarine air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems market also considers the growth of related markets such as the military floating bridge market and military wearable sensors market which are expected to grow at the rate of 4% and 11%, respectively, for the forecast period of 2017 to 2021. Increasing focus on development of low-cost non-nuclear submarine is expected to drive the demand in the submarine air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems market.
The upcoming market research report for the global submarine air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems market also covers market intelligence factors such as market size, comprehensive vendor profiling, product innovations, key growth drivers, and opportunities within the defense sector. Technavio also provides an in-depth market assessment into the homeland security and defense technology.
Our market research methodology for the global submarine air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems market

Technavio also offers clients the option to customize every report to suit their specific requirements and offers attractive discounts on all upcoming reports and future purchases.
PART 01: Executive summary
PART 02: Scope of the report
PART 03: Research Methodology
PART 04: Introduction
- Market outline
- Key takeaways
PART 05: Market landscape
- Market overview
- Five forces analysis
PART 06: Market segmentation by product
- Market overview
- Global Stirling engine submarine AIP systems market
- Global fuel cell submarine AIP systems market
- Global market for other submarine AIP systems
PART 07: Geographical segmentation
- Market overview
- Submarine AIP systems market in APAC
- Submarine AIP systems market in EMEA
- Submarine AIP systems market in Americas
PART 08: Decision framework
PART 09: Drivers and challenges
- Market drivers
- Market challenges
PART 10: Market trends
- Development of second-generation submarine AIP batteries and fuel cells
- Emergence of hydrogen reforming modules for submarine AIP systems
- Growing endurance demands to meet multi-purpose submarine requirements
PART 11: Vendor landscape
- Competitive scenario
- United Shipbuilding Corporation
- Naval Group
- Saab
- thyssenkrupp
- United Technologies
- Other prominent vendors
PART 12: Appendix
Research Framework
Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The analysts have presented the various facets of the market with a particular focus on identifying the key industry influencers. The data thus presented is comprehensive, reliable, and the result of extensive research, both primary and secondary.
INFORMATION SOURCES
Primary sources
- Manufacturers and suppliers
- Channel partners
- Industry experts
- Strategic decision makers
Secondary sources
- Industry journals and periodicals
- Government data
- Financial reports of key industry players
- Historical data
- Press releases
DATA ANALYSIS
Data Synthesis
- Collation of data
- Estimation of key figures
- Analysis of derived insights
Data Validation
- Triangulation with data models
- Reference against proprietary databases
- Corroboration with industry experts
REPORT WRITING
Qualitative
- Market drivers
- Market challenges
- Market trends
- Five forces analysis
Quantitative
- Market size and forecast
- Market segmentation
- Geographical insights
- Competitive landscape