DHS Invests US$115 Million in Anti-Drone Security for 2026 Events

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will invest US$115 million in anti-drone technology. This strategic allocation will secure critical infrastructure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the G20 summit, and the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.

“Drones represent the new frontier of US aerial superiority,” says Kristi Noem, US Secretary of Homeland Security, adding that this investment helps the country to secure the border, dismantle cartels, and maintain safety during key events.

The decision by the US government to prioritize unmanned aircraft system (UAS) countermeasures stems from an increase in unauthorized drone activity over sensitive sites. In previous years, local and federal authorities recorded several security breaches that exposed vulnerabilities in public venues. For example, a 52-year-old Baltimore man pleaded guilty to flying a drone over M&T Bank Stadium during an NFL playoff game in January 2025. This incident followed a series of drone sightings in New Jersey during 2024, which prompted lawmakers to demand more aggressive federal intervention to protect the interior of the United States.

The DHS says that drones are increasingly exploited by malicious actors, including transnational criminal organizations. A report from the department of justice inspector general published in 2025 argues that a Mexican drug cartel hired a hacker to monitor a high-ranking FBI official in Mexico City. This technological sophistication calls for a robust defense against drone-based surveillance and weaponization.

Furthermore, the scale of the 2026 calendar presents a significant logistical challenge. The United States will co-host the FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, with matches distributed among 11 US cities. The country will also celebrate its 250th anniversary and host the G20 summit in Miami in December 2026. These high-profile events are expected to attract more than 1 million international visitors, increasing the pressure on federal agencies to prevent disruptions to public safety and infrastructure.

The US$115 million investment will be administered through a new office established specifically to accelerate the acquisition and deployment of drone and anti-drone technologies. This office serves as a central hub for integrating hardware and software solutions that can detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized aircraft. 

In addition to the central DHS funding, the federal emergency management agency (FEMA) recently allocated US$250 million to the 11 states that will host World Cup matches. These funds allow local governments to purchase specialized equipment and train personnel to manage aerial risks. The total financial commitment underscores the objective of the federal government to establish a multi-layered security perimeter that includes both state-of-the-art sensors and rapid-response protocols.

Security and technological cooperation between the United States and Mexico have also expanded. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), officials from both nations met to discuss a bilateral alliance that includes technology as a foundational pillar. This framework, which evolved from the Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health, and Safe Communities, aims to make North America the most secure and competitive region in the world.