US Coast Guard orders four MQ-9B unmanned aircraft

The US Coast Guard has placed a $247.8 million order with General Atomics for four MQ-9B long-range unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including ground control stations and supporting equipment. The acquisition is being facilitated through a US Customs and Border Protection contract.

The MQ-9B aircraft are intended to enhance maritime security by improving the ability to monitor offshore waters, protect critical infrastructure, and support search and rescue operations. Additionally, the systems will assist in combating drug trafficking and countering illegal or unregulated fishing through improved intelligence collection, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities far at sea.

This investment is part of a larger modernization effort funded by fiscal year 2025 budget reconciliation and fiscal year 2026 appropriations. The Coast Guard has received nearly $25 billion in recent budget reconciliation, representing one of the largest capital investments in the service’s history to upgrade assets and infrastructure.