U.S. Coast Guard seeks laser systems and a lead role in Western Hemisphere maritime security

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to assess the availability and technical readiness of high‑energy laser (HEL) technologies for use against unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned surface vessels (USV) in maritime environments. The RFI asks for details on system weight, power and cooling requirements, cost estimates, wavelength, output power, area of effect and range, with responses due August 20.

Separately, a policy analysis argues that the USCG should be designated the lead agency for maritime security across the Western Hemisphere. The proposal cites the 2025 National Security Strategy and the 2026 National Defense Strategy, which call for stronger control of sea lanes, reduced illegal migration, and curbed drug trafficking. It contends that maritime security is a persistence problem best addressed by the Coast Guard’s capabilities rather than traditional Navy command structures.