Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is set to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to expand its fleet of high-powered surveillance drones, according to procurement records reviewed by 404 Media.
The contract, valued at more than $265 million, aims to increase the agency's supply of MQ-9 drones. The records indicate that CBP is using new funding from the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act to support the procurement and maintenance of the fleet.
While the exact number of new drones remains redacted in the records, CBP previously operated a fleet of approximately 10 drones. The agency has not disclosed the specific size of the upcoming expansion.
Expansion to other agencies
Procurement documents suggest the expansion may extend beyond CBP. The records state that other unnamed components of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are looking to establish their own MQ-9 programs and may use the CBP contract to acquire additional unmanned aircraft.
CBP did not identify which specific agencies are seeking to establish their own drone programs.
A CBP spokesperson told 404 Media that unmanned aircraft systems are a "critical component" of the agency's border security strategy. The spokesperson added that these systems provide "advanced surveillance and detection capabilities across land and maritime environments."
"These systems enhance CBP Air and Marine Operations’ ability to detect, track, and respond to illicit activity, as well as support disaster response and search and rescue operations," the spokesperson said via email.
The agency also confirmed it is expanding its existing fleet with additional MQ-9B aircraft currently on order.
The MQ-9B, also known as the SkyGuardian, is manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical. The aircraft is designed for long-endurance missions, capable of flying for over 40 hours in various weather conditions using satellite connectivity.
CBP already utilizes its existing drone fleet to support other federal agencies. Data obtained by 404 Media shows CBP flew drones to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at least 50 times last year. The agency also deployed Predator drones over Los Angeles during anti-ICE protests in June 2025.
