Amphibious Landing Craft Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2025 - 2032)

By Type:

Based on the type, the market is segmented into Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM), Landing Craft Utility (LCU), and Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC).

Trends in the Type:

• Continuous technological advancements in amphibious vehicle design, propulsion systems, and materials are propelling market growth.
• Innovations such as enhanced amphibious capabilities, improved speed, and greater payload capacities are modernizing military fleets and encouraging defense forces globally to adopt these vehicles.

The Landing Craft Utility (LCU) segment accounted for the largest revenue in the year 2024.

• The rising threats of piracy, terrorism, and other maritime security issues are amplifying the necessity for versatile and capable vessels, such as LCUs, for coastal patrol, search and rescue, and disaster relief operations.
• LCUs are essential for amphibious operations, facilitating the swift transfer of troops and equipment from sea to shore. The heightened focus on amphibious capabilities by numerous navies is fuelling the demand for these vessels.
• Economic growth and infrastructure development in various coastal areas are generating a need for vessels that can transport heavy equipment and materials, including construction supplies and large machinery.
• These developments would further drive the amphibious landing craft trends during the forecast period.

The Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vessels provide high-speed transportation between ships and shore by employing air cushion technology to glide over water. LCACs are well-suited for quick deployment and logistical support in shallow waters and challenging terrains.
• Naval operations utilize amphibious landing craft for fleet support, logistics, and replenishment missions, facilitating the movement of personnel and supplies between ships at sea or to coastal facilities. Additionally, maritime security operations depend on these vessels for coastal patrols, surveillance, and anti-piracy missions, enhancing the protection of maritime borders and critical infrastructure.
• LCACs demonstrate remarkable payload capacities, enabling the transportation of heavy armor and personnel at high speeds, thus serving as essential assets for naval and marine forces engaged in amphibious assault operations. Their capability to quickly transfer troops and equipment from ship to shore is crucial for achieving tactical surprise and sustaining operational tempo in littoral environments.
• Thus, based on the analysis and trends these factors are driving the amphibious landing craft market size during the forecast period.

By Propulsion Type:

Based on the propulsion type, the market is segmented into Water Jets, Screw Propellers, Diesel Engines, and Others.

Trends in propulsion type:

• Several countries are investing in the modernization of their military forces, particularly in enhancing their amphibious capabilities. This effort is increasing the need for new and upgraded landing craft.
• These vessels play a critical role in counterterrorism operations, especially in coastal and island regions, thereby elevating the necessity for amphibious vehicles.

The diesel engines segment accounted for the largest revenue in the year 2024

• Ongoing advancements in diesel engine technology, including improved fuel efficiency and decreased emissions, are further increasing their attractiveness.
• Diesel engines provide the significant power and torque required for navigating vessels through water and across diverse terrains.
• These engines are designed to endure challenging marine environments and rigorous operational demands, diesel engines are recognized for their durability and resilience.
• Therefore, based on the above amphibious landing craft market analysis, the diesel engines will be dominating the market share.

The water jets segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Water jets offer outstanding manoeuvrability, facilitating precise control in tight spaces and shallow waters. This capability is vital for navigating intricate coastal environments and working in confined areas.
• Water jets allow for operation in shallower waters than traditional propellers, lowering the risk of grounding and enhancing operational flexibility.
• The stealth and manoeuvrability provided by water jets are beneficial for counterterrorism operations in coastal and riverine regions.
• Thus, based on the above analysis and trends such factors are fostering innovation and broadening the market opportunity.

By Payload Capacity:

Based on the payload capacity, the market is segmented into Light-duty, Medium-duty, and Heavy-duty.

Trends in the payload capacity:

• Advancements in materials science, propulsion technology, and automation are facilitating the creation of more efficient and capable landing craft, featuring enhanced payload capacities.
• A heightened focus on sustainability in military operations is promoting the development of more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient landing craft.

Heavy-duty accounted for the largest revenue share of 38.85% in the year 2024 and is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Heavy-duty amphibious vehicles are engineered to function in demanding environments, capable of navigating both land and water while carrying substantial payloads. These vehicles are utilized across various sectors, including the military, construction, disaster relief, and exploration.
• Heavy duty amphibious landing crafts have become essential assets in addressing the challenges of evolving security concerns and natural disasters due to their ability to quickly transport personnel, equipment, and supplies.
• These factors would further supplement the amphibious landing craft market trends during the forecast period.

By Application:

Based on application, the market is segmented into Vehicles landing, Troop Transport, Civilian logistics, Coast Guard Functions, Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief, Command and Control Operations, Patrolling and Escort, Combat Support, Excavation, and Others.

Trends in the application:

• Amphibious vehicles offer a distinct advantage in search and rescue and surveillance operations, owing to their advanced surveillance and communication systems that facilitate real-time information gathering, reconnaissance, and monitoring of remote terrains, both on land and in water.
• The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters have escalated the need for vessels capable of responding to humanitarian crises.
• Amphibious vehicles serve as a discreet and adaptable platform for various surveillance applications, including border security, environmental monitoring, and wildlife conservation, due to their access to waterlogged areas. These attributes render amphibious vehicles essential tools for protecting lives and enhancing security.

Troop transport accounted for the largest revenue share of 56.21% in the year 2024 and is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Modern landing craft feature advanced armor, countermeasures such as electronic warfare suites, and superior seakeeping capabilities to endure enemy fire and function in challenging sea conditions.
• The integration of autonomous navigation systems unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and artificial intelligence (AI) enhances situational awareness, optimizes mission planning, and minimizes personnel risk.
• The use of lightweight and high-strength materials increases payload capacity, decreases weight, and bolsters durability.
• For instance, In November 2024, The U.S. armed forces conducted a rehearsal utilizing a new amphibious combat vehicle in an exercise that involved several marines and sailors. This represents the inaugural instance of an ACV successfully transporting infantry marines to and from a ship during both nighttime and daytime operations. The exercise, termed Quarterly Underway Amphibious Readiness Training (QUART), was conducted to enhance the practice of the country’s marine corps and navy and amphibious capabilities to.
• These factors and trends would further drive the market during the forecast period.

By End User:

Based on end user, the market is segmented into Defense and Commercial.

Trends in the end user:

• End users require landing craft capable of performing various functions, including troop, vehicle, and cargo transport, to enhance operational flexibility and cost efficiency.
• Interoperability with other military assets, such as helicopters, aircraft, and ground vehicles are crucial for amphibious operations.

The defense segment accounted for the largest revenue in the year 2024

• The defense platform of the amphibious vehicle market is essential for providing specialized military vehicles. These vehicles, engineered for multiple functions such as troop transport, reconnaissance, and amphibious assaults, are equipped with advanced weaponry, communication systems, and armor.
• They can swiftly navigate various terrains, including rivers, lakes, marshes, and coastal regions, ensuring a prompt response to potential threats or crises. Their ability to transition seamlessly between land and water makes them a valuable component of modern military forces, serving as a versatile and adaptable asset to effectively tackle security challenges.
• For instance, in October 2024, the Indian Defense Ministry, announced the collaboration with Chowgule & Company Pvt., to procure six air cushion amphibious vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard. These amphibious vehicles, known as Hovercrafts, will be procured under the Buy type, and will be manufactured in India for the first time, aligning with the government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision and marking a significant advancement in the nation's shipping sector. The procurement aims to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard and underscores the heightened emphasis on maritime security.
• These developments and analysis would further supplement the amphibious landing craft market during the forecast period.

The commercial segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• The rising incidence and intensity of natural disasters are necessitating enhanced disaster response capabilities.
• The heightened focus on passenger comfort and safety features includes comfortable seating, air conditioning, and advanced safety systems.
• Amphibious landing craft support construction initiatives in coastal and riverine regions, such as the construction of bridges, pipelines, and coastal infrastructure.
• These factors would further supplement the amphibious landing craft market growth during the forecast period.