Warships & Naval Vessels Market Guaranteed to be Strong

Thursday 19 May 2011, Amsterdam

Warships and naval vessels are an integral part of most armed forces. They are a physical manifestation of economic and military power, as well as being essential to force projection. As countries such as India and China continue their economic rise, they will seek to back up their would-be superpower credentials with naval power.

Moreover, in spite of the recent economic turmoil, many countries have affirmed their commitment to the procurement of prestige naval platforms. As a result, the market for warships and naval vessels is guaranteed to be strong, almost regardless of the prevailing economic conditions.

The new market study on Warships & Naval Vessels available on ASDReports calculates that in 2011 the global market for warships and naval vessels will amount to $75.4bn.

In terms of combatant vessels, a host of Western and emerging nations are seeking to acquire a range of capabilities. The US has resurrected production of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, as well as continuing to build three Zumwalt-class vessels. Moreover, the US Navy is in the process of procuring a new fleet of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

The UK Royal Navy has scrapped some existing vessels, but is pushing ahead with the procurement of two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, as well as Type 45 destroyers. The Franco-Italian FREMM frigate programme is continuing, while the French Navy is also taking delivery of Mistral-class amphibious warfare ships.

Both China and India are expanding their surface fleet, which has give impetus to naval developments in the region, with both Japan and South Korea planning to acquire improved naval capabilities.

The Russian Navy is to benefit from an ambitious programme to replenish equipment, with plans to introduce modern vessels in place of ex-Soviet platforms. Elsewhere, countries such as Brazil and Indonesia are also looking to expand their naval capabilities.

In terms of non-combatant vessels, the general expansion in amphibious warfare capabilities will necessarily entail procurement of supply ships. Numerous countries are looking to establish or improve their expeditionary forces, while demand for mine counter-measures vehicles is also expected to be in evidence.

Submarines are among the most complex and expensive of naval platforms, but developed and developing countries alike are in the process of procuring them. The US is continuing the commissioning of Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines. The UK is also pushing ahead with plans to field up to seven Astute-class submarines. Moreover, both countries are formulating plans to replace their ballistic missile submarines.

China and India are likewise upgrading and expanding their submarine fleets. Developing countries are keen to buy platforms from countries such as Germany, France and Russia as well as developing indigenous submarine capabilities.