FEMA Opens $250 Million for Counter-Drone Grants
Local governments can now apply for federal funds to buy drone detection and deterrence technology ahead of major security events.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Terrorism
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FEMA has opened $250 million in grant funding through its Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Grant program for local governments to acquire counter-drone technology. The move follows federal seizures of about 700 drones that violated airspace restrictions across World Cup locations, including Seattle.
Why it matters
FEMA is warning states to strengthen their ability to detect and deter drone threats, and officials say the risk of drone attacks by terrorists or criminals is rising quickly. The funding gives cities, counties and states a path to fund detection tools they might otherwise be unable to afford.
FEMA's $250 million counter-drone grant program is open to local governments, and about 700 drones were seized across World Cup locations for violating airspace restrictions. Officials have not said how many jurisdictions will receive awards.
The players
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is the U.S. agency that administers disaster and preparedness grant programs, including this counter-drone funding.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The FAA regulates U.S. airspace and operates the B4UFly system that gives drone pilots real-time airspace restriction information.
The details
The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Grant program lets cities, counties and states buy technology such as drone radar trailers. Washington State and King County received tens of millions in federal funds ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup games, and federal authorities seized hundreds of drones that broke airspace rules in host cities.
Timeline
Summer 2026: FIFA World Cup games held and drones seized in host cities.
This quarter (Q4 2026): DHS funding for counter-drone efforts is being distributed.
Legal Context
The FAA's B4UFly system already tells drone pilots where flight is restricted, but the seizure of about 700 drones at World Cup sites shows those rules are not reliably followed. The new FEMA grants add a ground-level detection and deterrence layer on top of that existing airspace framework.
Drone pilots should check the FAA's B4UFly system before flying to confirm airspace restrictions in their area. Local officials in participating jurisdictions may begin deploying detection equipment as grant awards are made.
The takeaway
Drone operators are responsible for checking airspace restrictions before flight, because enforcement at major events can result in seizure. Local readers should watch for whether their city or county applies for the new counter-drone funding.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Terrorism in the crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOMO.
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