The mission of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Program Executive Office (PEO) is to accelerate the development, acquisition, fielding and sustainment of RAS capabilities across the Coast Guard to enhance mission effectiveness and operational readiness. The new domain will oversee rapid operationalization of the Unmanned Systems Strategic Plan and aims to deliver RAS capabilities that are better, faster, safer and cheaper across all mission sets.
Robotics and autonomous systems are anticipated to revolutionize Coast Guard operations – potentially rivaling the historical impact of the birth of aviation – leading to significant impacts to securing the U.S. border, facilitating commerce and responding to contingencies. The establishment of a separate PEO is considered the most efficient mechanism to translate the rapidly evolving technology landscape into fielded capabilities and allows for dedicated advocacy for resources.
The RAS PEO’s responsibilities span the full capability lifecycle, including requirements definition and prioritization, managing contracting and acquisition, overseeing system development and integration, managing fielding and deployment, implementing sustainment plans, and collaborating with stakeholders. The RAS PEO will field unmanned systems (UxS) and counter-UxS capabilities across a nexus of robotics domains to include subsurface, surface, aerial and space.
The new RAS PEO is part of the overall Force Design 2028 transformation agenda and is intended to enhance the service’s ability to support its workforce and effectively deliver and sustain Coast Guard assets and capabilities.
The RAS PEO initially has three offices: Air, Maritime (surface/subsurface) and Counter. A fourth office, Space, is planned.