FEMA Released $250 Million for Drone Defense. Here's How to Access It.

On December 30, 2025, FEMA did something notable.

They awarded $250 million in counter-drone grants just 25 days after the application deadline closed—the fastest non-disaster grant program execution in FEMA history.

The funding went to 11 states hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, plus the National Capital Region. What's often overlooked: another $250 million becomes available this year, and every state will be eligible.

If you work in law enforcement, critical infrastructure protection, or emergency management, this represents a significant funding opportunity. Here's how the program works, who qualifies, and how to position for the next round.

Program Overview

The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program was established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. Total authorization: $500 million over two years.

FY 2026: $250 million (already awarded to World Cup host states)
FY 2027: $250 million (all 56 states and territories eligible)

This represents the first dedicated federal funding stream for state and local drone defense. Previously, agencies assembled counter-UAS capability from general homeland security grants or departmental budgets.

Now there's designated funding—specifically for detecting, tracking, and identifying drones.

FY 2026 Recipients

The initial awards went to the 11 states hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches:

| State | Host City/Stadium | |-------|------------------| | Texas | Dallas, Houston | | California | Los Angeles | | Florida | Miami | | New York | New York/New Jersey | | New Jersey | New York/New Jersey | | Georgia | Atlanta | | Massachusetts | Boston | | Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | | Washington | Seattle | | Missouri | Kansas City | | Kansas | Kansas City |

Plus the National Capital Region (DC, Maryland, Virginia) for America 250 celebrations.

Missouri, for example, received $14.2 million. Each state received at least $3.325 million (the statutory minimum), with additional competitive allocations based on risk assessments.

Eligible Expenditures

The grant covers several categories:

Detection & Tracking Equipment:

RF detection sensors
Radar systems
Electro-optical/infrared cameras
Acoustic sensors
Multi-sensor fusion platforms

UAS Assets:

Drones for agency operations
Counter-drone drone systems

Mitigation Equipment (with restrictions):

Limited to law enforcement or correctional agencies
Personnel must complete training at the FBI's National Counter-UAS Training Center in Huntsville, Alabama
Must comply with federal legal authorities

Services:

Installation and integration
Training programs
Maintenance contracts

Not Covered:

Experimental technology
Weapons systems not approved for C-UAS application
Equipment not meeting DHS standards

FY 2027 Round: How to Prepare

FY 2027 funding expands eligibility to all 56 states and territories.

If your state didn't host a World Cup match, you'll be eligible for the next $250 million.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for FY 2027 hasn't been released yet. Based on FY 2026 structure, here's how to prepare:

Step 1: Contact Your State Administrative Agency (SAA)

Local agencies cannot apply directly to FEMA. Applications go through your state's SAA—typically the homeland security or emergency management office.

SAA contacts: FEMA State Administrative Agency Contacts

FEMA Grants News: (800) 368-6498 (Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM ET)

Step 2: Engage in State Planning

SAAs are required to pass through at least 97% of award funds to local and tribal governments within 45 days of receipt.

However, they determine which local agencies receive funding. Getting involved now—before applications open—improves positioning.

Make the case that your jurisdiction includes:

Critical infrastructure requiring protection
Mass gathering venues (stadiums, arenas, concert facilities)
Correctional facilities
Government buildings
Transportation nodes

Step 3: Identify Equipment Requirements

Don't wait for the NOFO to assess needs:

Evaluate current capabilities — What detection systems exist? What gaps remain?
Obtain vendor information — Understand RF sensor, radar, and integrated platform costs
Document threat environment — Have there been drone incidents? Near-misses? Concerning activity?
Assess training needs — Mitigation equipment requires FBI training

Step 4: Address the FBI Training Requirement

This is essential: mitigation equipment is available only to agencies with FBI-trained personnel.

The National Counter-UAS Training Center at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama is now operational. If you need capability beyond detection—actual drone interdiction authority—training enrollment is necessary.

Contact the FBI through your local Joint Terrorism Task Force or the Critical Incident Response Group.

Beyond the World Cup

The program's significance extends past soccer matches.

The C-UAS Grant Program is designed to build permanent national infrastructure for drone defense. Equipment purchased with FY 2026 funds will remain deployed after the World Cup concludes.

FEMA's stated objective is "building nationwide detection and response capabilities." The World Cup provides a catalyst; the long-term goal is protecting:

Airports — Drone incursions regularly affect operations
Prisons — Contraband delivery by drone has become systematic
Power plants — Critical infrastructure faces increasing drone activity
Stadiums and arenas — Event venue drone activity has increased substantially
Government facilities — Military base overflights represent a documented concern

If your agency protects any of these categories, you have a reasonable case for funding consideration.

Key Dates

| Date | Event | |------|-------| | December 30, 2025 | FY 2026 awards announced ($250M to World Cup states) | | Q1-Q2 2026 | States distribute funds to local agencies | | Summer 2026 | FIFA World Cup (June 11 - July 19) | | Late 2026 (estimated) | FY 2027 NOFO released | | Late 2026 (estimated) | FY 2027 application deadline | | Early 2027 (estimated) | FY 2027 awards announced | | September 30, 2028 | Period of performance concludes |

The 39-month performance period means equipment purchased now can be utilized through late 2028, covering both the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can my police department apply directly to FEMA? A: No. Only State Administrative Agencies submit applications. Work with your SAA for inclusion as a subrecipient.

Q: What if my state didn't receive FY 2026 funding? A: You'll be eligible for FY 2027. Use this year to prepare and build relationships with your SAA.

Q: Does this cover drones for agency use, or only counter-drone equipment? A: Both. The grant covers UAS assets for agency operations as well as detection and tracking equipment.

Q: Can we acquire mitigation equipment that neutralizes drones? A: Only law enforcement and correctional agencies can receive mitigation tools, contingent on FBI training completion. Legal authority for drone interdiction remains restricted.

Q: Is there a cost match requirement? A: Check the NOFO when released. FY 2026 did not require cost matching for most recipients.

Recommended Actions

Locate your SAA contact — FEMA's directory
Express interest in FY 2027 funding — Ask how to participate in state planning
Document your threat environment — Incidents, near-misses, vulnerabilities
Research equipment options — Understand availability and pricing
For law enforcement agencies — Investigate FBI C-UAS training enrollment

Agencies that receive funding tend to be those prepared when the NOFO is released.

Assessment

$500 million represents substantial funding. It will be distributed quickly.

FEMA demonstrated with the FY 2026 round that they're executing this program efficiently. States that were prepared received awards in record time.

The drone challenge is operational reality. The documented incidents at military bases, airports, and other facilities are part of the public record. Activity levels continue increasing.

The federal government is now funding defensive capability development. The question is whether your agency will be positioned to benefit.

Preparation now determines outcomes later. The funding is real, the timeline is aggressive, and the agencies that engage early will be better positioned when applications open.

Brian Rutherford is a Marine Corps Reconnaissance veteran, combat veteran, and FAA-certified drone pilot who advises organizations on counter-UAS strategy and grant positioning.

Sources

FEMA Rapidly Awards $250 Million to Secure U.S. Skies — DHS
Counter-UAS Grant Program Overview — FEMA
C-UAS Grant Program Fact Sheet — FEMA
C-UAS Grant Program FAQs — FEMA
Notice of Funding Opportunity — FEMA
Missouri Receives $14.2M for World Cup Drone Security — KCTV5
FEMA Fast-Tracks First $250 Million in C-UAS Grants — Inside Unmanned Systems