The strategic maneuver is part of the broader Force Design 2028 plan
Washington – The United States Coast Guard has formalized a multi-year investment plan aimed at expanding Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS), allocating a total budget of 350 million dollars. The strategic maneuver, part of the broader Force Design 2028 plan, marks an operational transition focused on efficiency and risk reduction for personnel in complex scenarios. The primary objective is to strengthen “domain awareness” and enhance response capabilities in dangerous operational areas.
An initial allocation of 11 million dollars was made immediately available in fiscal year 2025, thanks to the authorization of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). These funds are intended for the critical upgrade of autonomous platforms in use, with a focus on three main categories of unmanned vehicles.
The first component of the investment concerns remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROV). 4.8 million dollars have been allocated for the purchase of 16 VideoRay Defender ROVs, intended to replace the aging fleet of the Mobile Specialized Forces. These ROVs will be used in crucial activities such as inspections of port and maritime infrastructure, hull assessments, seabed surveys, and search and rescue (SAR) missions. Their use aims to limit the reliance on Coast Guard divers, improving safety and operational effectiveness.
In parallel, specialized response teams, which handle incidents involving hazardous materials, maritime casualties, and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear) scenarios, will benefit from the acquisition of new unmanned ground vehicles (UGV). The 2 million dollar investment will enable the purchase of six Qinetiq Spur robots and twelve mini-Spurs. These UGVs will be used to access confined spaces aboard commercial ships, a high-risk task, and to collect air samples, extending intervention capabilities in contaminated or inaccessible environments.
Finally, 4.3 million dollars have been committed for the supply of 125 SkyDio X10D short-range unmanned aerial systems (SR-UAS). These drones will support a wide spectrum of operations, including infrastructure inspection, environmental observation, mapping and pollution response, post-emergency surveys, and ice reconnaissance, ensuring an increase in surveillance and real-time data collection capabilities.
According to Anthony Antognoli, executive director of the RAS program, the integration of these systems is a direct response to the current operational needs of the USCG: “The mission requires agility, awareness, and adaptability. Robotic and autonomous systems guarantee all three qualities, allowing us to respond more quickly, operate more intelligently, and extend our reach where it is most needed.” The initiative does not represent long-term planning, but the immediate introduction of new technological capabilities into the operational fleet, consistent with the transformation objectives outlined by the Force Design 2028 plan. The goal is to transform the USCG into a more responsive and capable force through technological integration.
