GPS sonobuoy or GPS intelligent buoy (GIB) are a type of inverted long-baseline (LBL) acoustic positioning devices where the transducers are installed on GPS-equipped sonobuoys that are either drifting or moored. GIBs may be used in conjunction with an active underwater device (such as a pinger equipped torpedo), or with a passive acoustic sound source (such as an inert bomb striking the surface of the water).

Typically, the sound source or impact event is tracked or localized using a time of arrival (TOA) technique. Typically, several GIBs are deployed over a given area of operation; with the total number determined by the size of the test area and the accuracy of the results desired. Different methods of GPS positioning may be used for positioning the array of GIBs, with accuracies of cm to meter level in realtime possible.

Figure00001. Global GPS Sonobuoy Market Size (US$ Million), 2020-2031

Source: QYResearch, "GPS Sonobuoy - Global Market Share and Ranking, Overall Sales and Demand Forecast 2025-2031”

According to the new market research report “GPS Sonobuoy - Global Market Share and Ranking, Overall Sales and Demand Forecast 2025-2031”, published by QYResearch, the global GPS Sonobuoy market size is projected to reach USD 1.16 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 10.6% during the forecast period.

Figure00002. Global GPS Sonobuoy Top 5 Players Ranking and Market Share (Ranking is based on the revenue of 2025, continually updated)

Source: QYResearch, "GPS Sonobuoy - Global Market Share and Ranking, Overall Sales and Demand Forecast 2025-2031”

According to QYResearch Top Players Research Center, the global key manufacturers of GPS Sonobuoy include Lockheed Martin, Ultra Maritime, etc. In 2024, the global top three players had a share approximately 86.0% in terms of revenue.

Market Drivers:

Use machine learning algorithms to analyze sonar data in real time, automatically identify target types (such as ships and marine life), and reduce human intervention.

The civilian field has expanded to include fishery resource surveys, submarine pipeline monitoring, search and rescue, etc., driving cost reduction and technical standardization.

Restraint:

Communication and data transmission bottleneck. The speed of sound waves in water is much lower than that of radio (about 1500 m/s vs. the speed of light), and real-time performance is limited. When relying on satellites such as Iridium or Starlink to transmit data, delays or interruptions may occur due to weather, orbital coverage or bandwidth limitations.

High R&D and manufacturing costs. High-precision sensors and anti-interference designs push up unit prices (a single unit can reach tens of thousands of dollars), and large-scale networking costs are under great pressure.

Opportunity:

Driven by military needs. Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) upgrades and advances in modern submarine silent technology (such as AIP submarines and nuclear submarines) have forced countries to improve their detection capabilities, and GPS sonar buoys have become a key means of wide-area monitoring. The U.S. military's "mosaic warfare" and other concepts emphasize flexible networking, and buoys can be integrated into system operations as low-cost sensor nodes. Regional security competition and the competition for strategic waters such as the South China Sea and the Arctic have accelerated the deployment of underwater monitoring systems.

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