Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS)
The Coast Guard’s ability to protect the nation’s maritime security is increasingly challenged by the growing threat of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which pose security risks due to their potential payloads and difficulty of detection. Failure to address the UAS threat could disrupt commerce and endanger lives.
The service requires rapidly deployable and adaptable counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) configurations to optimize airspace security across many operating areas. Varying configurations will be needed based on operational needs for both day and night deployments. The optimal C-UAS will enable tailored configuration of self-contained, fully functional sensor subsystems capable of operating for up to 24 hours a day to specific deployment locations, environmental conditions and ranges.
The Coast Guard is currently conducting market research to increase its understanding of the current capabilities of C-UAS, including the availability of C-UAS as a service.
Why Is C-UAS a big deal?
The Federal Aviation Administration currently estimates that there are nearly 1 million registered drones operating in the U.S. Improper or unauthorized uses of drones – especially near critical infrastructure, events with large crowds and national security events – can pose risks to national security. C-UAS capabilities ensure that the Coast Guard can detect, track, identify and mitigate these devices, keeping events and critical infrastructure safe from careless, clueless or nefarious operators.
Since 2019, the Coast Guard has successfully deployed C-UAS in support of 91 DHS national special security events and special event assignment rating events resulting in over 1,600 detections and over 500 mitigations. These events include United Nations General Assembly sessions, Presidential inaugurations, New York City and Boston marathons, and various airshows across the country. Most notably, at Superbowl LIX Coast Guard teams detected and engaged with owners of drones who were operating within the event’s restricted area. For this event alone, the teams dealt with 70 different drones that were attempting to conduct unauthorized operations in the restricted area.
Future operations
With the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sail 250 events, various fleet weeks and the 2028 Summer Olympics, it is anticipated that the Coast Guard will play a huge role in leading C-UAS operations in support of these events. It is essential that the service field equipment that can track, detect, identify and mitigate UAS in a variety of maritime and urban domains. It is anticipated that the Coast Guard’s role in C-UAS operations will continue to grow as the use of UAS becomes more prevalent.