# US Coast Guard unmanned technology acquisitions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-coast-guard-unmanned-technology-acquisitions
> Updated: 2026-10-22T19:46:03.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The US Coast Guard is expanding its use of unmanned systems for maritime surveillance and domain awareness through new contracts.

In October 2026, the agency ordered four MQ-9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft from General Atomics in a $247.8 million deal. These aircraft, scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029, are intended to support narcotics trafficking combat, search and rescue, and the protection of critical infrastructure.

Concurrently, the Coast Guard awarded an $8.5 million contract extension to Saildrone to utilize unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) off the coast of New England. This operation, which continues through spring 2027, uses radar and onboard cameras to monitor domestic fisheries and deter illegal fishing activities.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: US Coast Guard expands unmanned vessel contract with Saildrone

The US Coast Guard awarded Saildrone an $8.5 million contract extension to use unmanned surface vehicles for monitoring fisheries off the New England coast through 2027.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-coast-guard-expands-unmanned-vessel-contract-with-saildrone

### 2026-10-19: U.S. Coast Guard orders four MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones

The U.S. Coast Guard has ordered four MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones from General Atomics for $247.8 million to bolster maritime surveillance, drug interdiction, and search and rescue capabilities.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-coast-guard-orders-four-mq-9b-seaguardian-drones-1

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Cite as: US Coast Guard unmanned technology acquisitions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-coast-guard-unmanned-technology-acquisitions