Reuters: Seasats Lightfish Success Has Pentagon Eyeing a Larger Fleet
On October 2, 2026, Reuters reported that the Pentagon may expand its use of Seasats’ Lightfish autonomous surface vessels on the Rio Grande and in the Gulf of Mexico after the boats proved effective at helping authorities detect and deter illegal border crossings and narcotics trafficking. Reporter Mike Stone’s story features Seasats CEO Mike Flanigan on why the San Diego company’s solar-powered boats are built for long-duration security missions.
The results since the pilot program began in January speak for themselves. The Pentagon says that in an average month, the Lightfish fleet has assisted in 452 detections, 350 apprehensions and 100 turnbacks. On the strength of that performance, defense officials are studying whether to grow the current 10-vessel test fleet by as many as 50 boats, with expanded Gulf operations planned for fiscal year 2027 ahead of tests in the Pacific near San Diego.
What Mike Flanigan Said
Flanigan told Reuters that while planes and ships cover more ground faster, a Lightfish “can stay there for months at a time,” which he called the key differentiator for security and monitoring missions.
That persistence is a big part of why the Pentagon is looking to put more Lightfish boats on the water.
How Escalate PR Secured Reuters Coverage for Seasats
Escalate PR pitched Reuters on a clear angle: the Department of War is expanding its use of Seasats’ Lightfish from the Rio Grande into the Gulf. The resulting story shows the U.S. government relying on Seasats’ technology in real operations, backed by results the DoW reported itself, which sets the company apart from its competitors.
The placement builds on Seasats’ earlier international coverage of the Lightfish mission, when a Reuters report on a Lightfish vessel near a Chinese Navy destroyer first put the company in the global spotlight.
Services provided: Media relations
Read the Full Article
You can access the full article “US looks to expand use of canoe-sized drones to deter migrant crossings” on Reuters’ website using this link: https://www.reuters.com/world/us-looks-expand-use-canoe-sized-drones-deter-migrant-crossings-2026-10-02/
FAQs
How can PR help a defense tech startup win credibility with government buyers?
Tier-one coverage of real deployments shows buyers and investors that a technology is already trusted in the field. For Seasats, Escalate PR secured Reuters coverage of Lightfish’s border patrol results and the Pentagon’s plans to expand its use, turning operational proof into a public credibility signal. Learn more about Escalate PR’s approach to defense tech PR services.
Why does senior account leadership matter for complex technology companies?
Defense and autonomy stories require PR partners who understand both the technology and what reporters will ask. Every Escalate PR consultant brings 15+ years of experience, so clients work with senior experts from day one instead of training a junior team. See what clients say.
Does Escalate PR specialize in defense tech PR?
Yes. Escalate PR works with defense tech, drone and counter-UAS companies, including Seasats, turning complex autonomous systems into stories that earn top-tier coverage in outlets like Reuters.
About Escalate PR
Escalate PR makes world-changing technology impossible to ignore. Our senior-only team helps defense tech PR clients and B2B technology companies turn deeply technical innovation into compelling stories that reach the reporters, buyers and decision-makers who matter. Ready to make your technology impossible to ignore? Contact Escalate PR today.