Coast Guard Awards $248 Million Contract for Inaugural MQ-9B Drone Fleet

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard has placed its first order for MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles, procuring four of the high-altitude drones for approximately $248 million.

According to a service announcement, the aircraft will enhance offshore surveillance, search and rescue capabilities, and counter-narcotics operations. A Coast Guard spokesperson confirmed to Breaking Defense that the platforms are not expected to be armed.

“The MQ-9B long-range unmanned aircraft systems will expand our reach and strengthen our ability to protect the nation,” said Anthony Antognoli, Assistant Commandant and Program Executive Officer for Robotics and Autonomous Systems. “This investment provides Coast Guard crews with a longer-range view of the maritime domain, enabling earlier threat detection, better-informed decisions, and faster response across our missions.”

The Coast Guard unveiled its procurement plans last year, supported by funding from the FY25 reconciliation package—often referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—which passed in July 2025. The service clarified that the acquisition draws from that reconciliation package, which allocated nearly $25 billion to the Coast Guard, combined with FY26 appropriations. The total contract value of $247.8 million covers the four aircraft, ground control stations, and associated support equipment.

Previously, the Coast Guard partnered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to operate MQ-9A drones from Texas. The service noted that during FY26, those operations assisted CBP in seizing over 60,700 pounds of illegal narcotics and apprehending approximately 20 suspected smugglers.

Built by General Atomics, the MQ-9B SeaGuardian variant is designed for maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions exceeding 30 hours, with a mission radius of roughly 1,200 nautical miles.

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