U.S. Coast Guard Orders $247.8 Million Drone Fleet
The U.S. Coast Guard purchased four MQ-9B long-range unmanned aircraft from General Atomics to enhance maritime surveillance and combat illegal trafficking.
The United States Coast Guard ordered four MQ-9B long-range unmanned aircraft systems, ground control stations, and supporting equipment from General Atomics on September 25, 2026. The acquisition is valued at $247.8 million and was executed through a United States Customs and Border Protection contract.
These unarmed aircraft are designed to monitor offshore waters, protect critical infrastructure, and support search and rescue operations. The service intends to use the drones to combat drug trafficking and illegal fishing. The MQ-9B SeaGuardian can operate for over 30 hours with a mission radius of approximately 1,200 nautical miles. The Coast Guard noted that similar MQ-9A aircraft contributed to the seizure of 60,700 pounds of illegal drugs and the apprehension of 20 smugglers in fiscal year 2026.
Funding for the purchase comes from fiscal year 2026 appropriations and a fiscal year 2025 budget reconciliation package that provided nearly $25 billion for the service. Anthony Antognoli, the Assistant Commandant and Program Executive Officer for Robotics and Autonomous Systems, stated the investment will allow crews to detect threats earlier and act faster across missions.
