Antigua and Barbuda will significantly expand its maritime security capabilities in 2026, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne announcing the acquisition of a 65–70 foot patrol vessel to strengthen deep-water operations and crack down on narcotics trafficking.
Delivering the 2026 national budget on Thursday, Browne said the new vessel will support an aggressive push to secure the nation’s borders, disrupt illegal entry points, and reinforce anti-drug efforts.
Earlier this year, the government handed over a 30-foot interceptor vessel to law enforcement — a move the Prime Minister said already signaled the government’s posture toward traffickers. “We’re going for the drug traffickers… We have a boat faster than yours,” he told Parliament.
The budget further outlines major investments in maritime surveillance. Browne revealed that Cabinet has approved US$1 million for new radar and communications upgrades designed to give authorities better real-time visibility across Antigua and Barbuda’s territorial waters.
The Prime Minister said these combined assets — faster boats, stronger radar coverage, and enhanced communication systems — will close gaps long exploited by smugglers and improve the country’s overall crime-fighting capacity.
The new offshore patrol vessel is expected to expand the Coast Guard’s reach far beyond coastal areas, allowing for longer missions, increased interdiction capability, and improved search-and-rescue support.
More details on the timeline for delivery and deployment are expected when the budget debate continues next week.
