The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has put at least one of the new Gulfstream G700 jets acquired for the Coast Guard into operation, intended for the role of Long-Range Command and Control Aircraft (LRCCA).
Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, has already conducted official trips aboard the aircraft, including travel to Arizona and Mississippi.
The contract to purchase two G700s was confirmed in October 2025, with initial delivery expected by the end of that year, indicating an accelerated schedule for incorporating the aircraft into the fleet.
The new jets will gradually replace the older C-37A and C-37B aircraft, based on the Gulfstream V and G550 models, which have been retired and are increasingly difficult to maintain.
According to the Coast Guard, the G700 offers greater range, speed, passenger capacity, and more modern avionics, as well as independence from the resale market, which would be an issue with older aircraft.
The total cost of acquiring the two units was estimated between US$ 170 million and US$ 200 million.
In addition to transporting officials, the LRCCA plays a strategic role in U.S. government continuity plans, ensuring secure communications and mobility in crisis scenarios, such as major attacks or natural disasters. The new G700s are expected to feature advanced communication systems, including integration of Starshield, the government’s more secure version of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, which is already widely used by U.S. civilian and military agencies.
The jet purchases were questioned in Congress, mainly due to the timing—during a prolonged government shutdown—and the recent increase in DHS’s border security budget. Nevertheless, the department defended the fleet modernization as essential for operational readiness and mission security. One aircraft was officially received in January 2026, and the second is expected to be delivered by the end of the fiscal year.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @GulfstreamAero | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Kristi Noem in Arizona and took the brand new DHS Gulfstream 700 for her flight. I believe this is her first official use of the plane though reportedly it took her to Florida over the weekend for the wedding of WH aide Dan Scavino. pic.twitter.com/TprF4WDvj9
— Andrew Leyden (@PenguinSix) February 4, 2026
