Four public safety agencies in New York have received more than $17.2 million through the federal Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program to enhance security against illegal drone activity ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The funding is intended for equipment and systems that allow state and local agencies to detect, identify, track, monitor, and mitigate unmanned aircraft systems that could threaten public safety.
“With the evolution of technology comes new ways it can be used to harm others,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This funding will go a long way to keep New Yorkers safe while allowing historic events like the 2026 World Cup and our nation’s 250th birthday to be celebrated safely and securely.”
For Fiscal Year 2026, $250 million in competitive federal funding was allocated for eleven states involved with hosting World Cup events or activities related to America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations. Another $250 million will be distributed in Fiscal Year 2027.
The recipients of this year’s awards are the New York State Police ($6,649,007), Metropolitan Transportation Agency ($2,605,539), Port Authority of New York & New Jersey ($1,500,000), and New York City Police Department ($6,460,721).
Governor Hochul has announced plans for a comprehensive approach to drone regulation as part of her 2026 State of the State agenda. She highlighted concerns about growing risks posed by drones to public safety and infrastructure. Current laws restrict how quickly authorities can respond when drones are used maliciously or dangerously.
In her FY 2027 Executive Budget proposal, Governor Hochul outlined steps to prohibit risky drone use while piloting responsible use by first responders. The proposal includes legislation to limit where drones may fly and expand law enforcement authority over credible threats. It also supports safe testing of counter-drone technologies and allocates $5 million for a pilot program enabling New York State Police officers to use drones as first responders.
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Terry O’Leary stated: “The ability to detect and mitigate the threat that drones pose to mass gatherings is essential to protecting the celebrations New York will host this summer. This funding will help our partners at the State Police, NYPD, MTA and Port Authority address that threat, and I am thankful to Governor Hochul for her continued support of innovative approaches to ensuring the public’s safety.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand added: “As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have worked for years to secure federal investments that strengthen counter-drone capabilities and update and improve counter-drone legislation to keep New Yorkers safe. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, I am proud to have passed legislation to allow law enforcement to protect mass gatherings like the World Cup and to have delivered these federal dollars that will help make sure our state is prepared and our communities are protected. I will keep fighting to bring home federal dollars that protect New York families and safeguard Americans.”
Representative Pat Ryan commented: “Since the alarming drone incursions at Stewart Airport in 2024, I’ve pushed relentlessly to bolster c-UAS authorities and fund initiatives at the federal, state and local levels to ensure New Yorkers are protected. I’m proud to see New York selected for this critical program, and look forward to our continued partnership with local law enforcement on this crucial public safety initiative. Especially ahead of the World Cup, the capability to detect drones and mitigate potential threats is no longer a nice-to-have; it is a must-have for public safety. This is exactly the type of innovation we need to be prioritizing at every level of government.”
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services coordinates efforts across prevention, protection against terrorism or disasters, response actions, recovery operations from emergencies such as fires or natural disasters.
More information about their work can be found on their Facebook page or by visiting dhses.ny.gov.
Residents can sign up for emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111 or learn more at dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts.
