The US Coast Guard has ordered four MQ-9B unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) from General Atomics in a $247.8-million deal to expand its long-range maritime surveillance capabilities.
In fiscal year 2026, long-range UAS such as the MQ-9B helped the service seize approximately 60,700 pounds (27,533 kilograms) of illegal substances valued at around $306 million.
The acquisition is intended to strengthen the coast guard’s use of unmanned aircraft in offshore operations, including border protection, infrastructure security, and search-and-rescue missions.
Read the full story on our new publication, The Drone Front: US Coast Guard Buys 4 MQ-9B Drones in $247.8M Maritime Security Push
