The Federal Emergency Management Agency has distributed $250 million through its new Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program to eleven World Cup host states and the National Capital Region, marking the agency’s fastest non-disaster grant deployment in its history. The counter-UAS funding represents the first phase of a $500 million program established under the 2025 funding bill.
Historic Counter-UAS Grant Speed
FEMA awarded the counter-UAS grant funds just 25 days after the December 5, 2025 application deadline, providing resources to detect, identify, track, and mitigate unmanned aircraft systems ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“We knew we needed to act quickly to keep the World Cup safe from the rising threat of unmanned aircraft systems, and that’s exactly what we did,” said Karen Evans, FEMA Acting Administrator. “This efficiency is a testament to the Administration’s laser-focus on cutting red tape, getting resources into the hands of law enforcement, and protecting the American people.”
The counter-UAS grant program provides funding to state and local law enforcement agencies in jurisdictions hosting World Cup matches between June and July 2026, as well as the National Capital Region preparing for America250 celebrations.
Counter-UAS Grant Technical Specifications
The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program allocates $500 million over two fiscal years, with $250 million designated for FY 2026 and an additional $250 million for FY 2027. The program extends through a 39-month performance period from July 4, 2025 to September 30, 2028.
Eligible counter-UAS technologies include radio frequency detection systems, radar, optical sensors, and drone tracking and identification platforms. States must allocate at least 80 percent of counter-UAS grant funding to local subrecipients.
Law enforcement and correctional personnel must complete training at the FBI’s National Counter-UAS Training Center before accessing mitigation capabilities under the grant.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
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