Coast Guard Explores New Tech to Stop Suspicious Boats

You might care about this because the Coast Guard is looking into a new way to stop vessels that do not comply with orders. This could include personal watercraft and small uncrewed surface vessels. They plan to work with Lockheed Martin Corporation through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, or CRADA. The goal is to develop a smaller, lighter, high-power microwave device. This device would temporarily stop a boat's engine or electronic systems. This would make it safer for the Coast Guard to board the vessel. It would also help save money on operations. This technology would be used in missions that stop drug and human trafficking. The Coast Guard wants to make sure the new device can fit on their small boats. The public can comment on this plan until June 18, 2026. The Coast Guard is also open to other companies that want to help with similar research projects. What makes this plan particularly interesting is the use of high-power microwave technology. This is a type of directed energy. Instead of using traditional methods to stop a boat, this technology could disable it without causing lasting damage. This means safer boarding for Coast Guard personnel. It also means potentially less harm to the vessel itself or those on board. The current microwave devices are too large and heavy for small boats. So, making them smaller and lighter would be a big step forward. This project shows how advanced defense technology can be adapted for day-to-day law enforcement. The CRADA structure is also interesting. It allows the government to partner with a private company like Lockheed Martin to share research resources. The government does not provide funding in these agreements. This is a different approach than typical contracts for buying equipment. Many different groups will find this legal document relevant. Defense contractors, especially those working on directed energy systems, will be interested in the opportunities for research and development. Companies that build marine technology might also find this important as it could change future vessel design. People involved in maritime law enforcement or national security will want to understand new methods for stopping non-compliant vessels. Boating organizations and individuals who own personal watercraft might be curious about how this technology could impact them. Legal experts who study government contracts and technology transfer will also find the CRADA agreement structure of interest. Finally, anyone concerned about drug trafficking, human trafficking, or border security will want to follow the development of this new tool for the Coast Guard.