U.S. Coast Guard orders four MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones

The U.S. Coast Guard has ordered four MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft from General Atomics in a deal valued at $247.8 million. The contract, formalized through the agency of Customs and Border Protection, includes ground control stations and support equipment.

The aircraft are intended to enhance maritime surveillance, combat narcotics trafficking, and support search and rescue operations. They will also be used for protecting critical infrastructure, intelligence, and monitoring illegal fishing. The SeaGuardian is capable of remaining in flight for more than 30 hours.

According to the delivery schedule, two aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2028, with the remaining two arriving in 2029. This acquisition aims to expand the Coast Guard's operational reach across its 153,000 kilometers of coastline and its 11.7 million square kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone.