US to Acquire Two Gulfstream G700 Jets for Coast Guard Fleet
The US Department of Homeland Security has awarded a USD172.2 million sole-source contract to Gulfstream Aerospace to purchase two G700 aircraft for the United States Coast Guard. The decision, announced on October 15 during an ongoing federal government shutdown, updates a previous plan under which the government intended to acquire only one pre-owned G550 to replace the Coast Guard’s aging GV (C-37A).
According to reports, the G700s to be purchased will be used aircraft, though the G700 type only entered service in April 2024. Lawmakers are now calling for more transparency around the acquisition. Representatives Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and Lauren Underwood of Illinois have requested detailed documentation outlining funding sources, delivery timelines, internal evaluations comparing alternative aircraft, and identification of the officials who approved the sole-source contract. They also questioned whether the Coast Guard provided proper justification for bypassing a competitive bidding process.
Coast Guard Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday defended the procurement, pointing to increasing maintenance issues within the current long-range command and control aircraft fleet. The aging GV (C-37A) reportedly contributed to six mission cancellations in 2025 due to 30 days of unscheduled maintenance. The fleet supports high-level transportation and communications needs for senior Department of Homeland Security leaders, including the Secretary, the Coast Guard Commandant, and other key operational commanders.
In addition to the aging GV (C-37A), the Coast Guard operates a newer G550 (C-37B) and another G550 that entered service earlier this year after being inducted under a Part 135 certificate before integration into Coast Guard operations.
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