The modern non-nuclear submarines are more covert than the nuclear ones because of air-independent propulsion systems which are noiseless and help in avoiding detectable noises. Non-nuclear submarines can be virtually silent and easily maneuverable, and this is highly effective for coastal operations and pose a threat to nuclear submarines. The naval sector has researched extensively to increase the underwater endurance of diesel-electric submarines, and the solution to this predicament is in the form of an efficient air-independent propulsion system. This propulsion system helps submarines to remain submerged for a longer duration, without the need for oxygen to recharge the batteries.

The current AIP technology is under development in order to make it more sophisticated and efficient, and the total market size of AIP systems for submarines was estimated to be $174.1 million in 2016. The increase in underwater military operations worldwide has fuelled the demand for AIP systems in the market. In addition to this, the modernization plans of naval forces for the submarines is further driving the growth of the market. Currently, four types of AIP system have been developed, which are: closed cycle diesel engine (CCD), autonomous submarine energy module (MESMA), stirling engine, and fuel cells.

Stirling engine and fuel cell AIP were the most prominently used form of engines in the year 2016, and these are expected to experience higher demand as compared to others during the period of 2017 to 2026. The fuel cell AIP system is expected to generate the highest revenue in the coming years. These AIP systems are being integrated not only into the new submarines whilst they are being manufactured, but also into the old submarines. The former type of fitting is called line fit, while the latter is called retro fit, which is a labor intensive and complex task. Due to these factors, line fit segment of the market is expected to have the highest demand as compared to retro fit during the forecast period 2017-2026.

The market is expected to have the most beneficial opportunities in the Asia Pacific region in the future, followed by Middle-East and Europe. The countries in the Asia Pacific region are actively attempting to upgrade their naval fleets and are aiming towards the expansion of the same. Japan, China, India, Australia, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea are the most prominent countries which are investing in the development of AIP systems. Asia Pacific is significantly ahead of other regions because China currently holds the largest fleet of AIP equipped submarines, globally.

In the European region, countries which are at the forefront of this market are: Germany, Sweden, Greece, Italy, Russia, Spain, and Portugal. These countries are proactively involved in the development of AIP systems, and in addition to this, the region also provides ample opportunities for the new entrants as the demand for AIP technology in conventional submarines is increasing to enhance their endurance capability.

BIS Research has conducted an extensive market research on ‘Global Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) Systems for Submarines Market- Analysis and Forecast 2017-2026‘. The market intelligence report aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the key development strategies, marketing strategies and market trend dynamics which include drivers, restraints, and opportunities prevailing in the industry.

For further queries, please write to us at sales@bisresearch.com or call us at +1 650 228 0182.