The acquisition is intended to sharpen the long-range maritime surveillance edge of the United States. By integrating the MQ-9B UAS into its fleet, the Coast Guard can maintain a more consistent presence and gather intelligence across vast maritime zones more efficiently than through traditional manned patrols.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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US Coast Guard Buys First 4 MQ-9B Drones for $247.8 Million
Business10 days ago
Long range surveillance of American maritime borders is expanding through the procurement of unmanned aerial assets. The U.S. Coast Guard ordered its first four MQ-9B unmanned aircraft systems in a $247.8 million purchase to facilitate border security and offshore intelligence collection. These unarmed platforms are designed to increase the agency's effectiveness in counterdrug operations by providing persistent oversight of remote waters.
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