S. Coast Guard is accelerating its investments in cutters, aviation assets, and autonomous systems following a historic infusion of funding from Congress in 2025.
According to testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee, the service has already expanded its cutter presence in the Indo-Pacific region, adding nine vessels and permanently shifting a medium-endurance cutter to the Pacific. The Coast Guard has also funded two additional fast-response cutters for Guam, further strengthening its forward presence in the region.
Additionally, Congress has provided $116 million in operating funds for training, engagement teams across Pacific Island nations, and enhanced national security operations in FY2026. The service's modernization efforts are crucial to maintaining a stable topline budget as it continues to modernize.
Autonomous platforms are emerging as another key pillar of Coast Guard modernization, with the service obligated about $800 million for short- and medium-range autonomous systems across air, surface, and subsurface domains. These systems provide new surveillance and operational capabilities, particularly in vast maritime regions where crewed assets are stretched thin.
Funding is also in place for long-range unmanned aircraft systems, with procurement expected to follow. The Coast Guard's progress has been characterized as a 'good start,' but more work lies ahead to strengthen its fleet, people, and presence, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.