Jaguars Signed Contract for Drone Defense Technology
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Sentrycs to manage airspace security for the 2026 season at EverBank Stadium.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Football
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In August 2026, the Jacksonville Jaguars finalized a deal with Ondas Holdings and Sentrycs to implement counter-drone measures at EverBank Stadium. The partnership aims to address persistent unauthorized drone activity following a 2024 AFC Championship incident.
Why it matters
The deployment seeks to bolster stadium security by actively intercepting drone communications to redirect unauthorized craft from restricted airspace. This move responds to a national trend of thousands of drone intrusions reported by the NFL since 2021.
The NFL has recorded 10,852 unauthorized drone violations near stadiums since 2021, and the FAA maintains a three-nautical-mile no-fly zone around these venues during game days.
The players
Jacksonville Jaguars
This is a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League.
Ondas Holdings
This is a provider of private wireless data solutions and drone technology services.
Sentrycs
This company specializes in counter-drone solutions and electronic warfare technology.
The details
The Sentrycs system utilizes Cyber-over-RF technology to identify, track, and divert drones by intercepting their radio frequency communications. This defense strategy operates within the legal framework of the Safer Skies Act, which grants authorized entities mitigation power for major events.
Timeline
The NFL began tracking unauthorized drone activity in 2021.
A drone intrusion caused a suspension during the January 2024 AFC Championship Game.
The Jaguars announced their selection of Sentrycs in August 2026.
The NFL reached Week 3 of the 2026 season in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
This integration of security technology marks a shift in how NFL franchises manage stadium airspace security. It follows the precedent established by the Safer Skies Act to mitigate aerial threats during major events.
Fans at EverBank Stadium can expect tighter airspace control that aligns with the FAA no-fly zone rules starting two hours before kickoff. The implementation of the Sentrycs system is set to be fully active throughout the remainder of the 2026 season.
The takeaway
The increased reliance on automated counter-drone systems indicates a permanent change in event security protocols. Teams are prioritizing advanced radio frequency interception as the primary method to maintain safe, restricted airspace during high-traffic games.
Further reading
For more information on the latest team operations, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NDTVSports.
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Should professional sports stadiums employ active electronic defenses to block unauthorized drones during games?
