Abstract: Conventional signal processing algorithms with relatively simple prerequisites can not meet the actual situa-tion of non-stationary and low SNR etc.in the underwater acoustic signal processing problem.Model-based processing technology incorporates physical models into signal processing scheme and can effectively utilize any a priori informa-tion to improve the overall performance of the processor.With several years of research on model-based acoustic signal processing,this paper first introduces the basic concept of model-based processing,and then describes the brief frame-work of model-based processor and its main advantages.The current situation of model-based acoustic signal processing technology in various application areas are comprehensively summarized and briefly analyzed.Some aspects worthy of further research are mentioned in the end.