Four public safety agencies in New York have received over $17.2 million through the federal Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program to address illegal drone activity ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The funding is intended for equipment and systems that help state and local agencies detect, identify, track, monitor, or 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, a total of $250 million in competitive federal grants was made available for eleven states hosting events related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and for the National Capital Region as it prepares for America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations. Another $250 million is set to be distributed in Fiscal Year 2027.
The four agencies receiving awards are: 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 noted that as drones become more common and advanced, they present increased risks to public safety and critical infrastructure. Current laws limit how the state can restrict drone operations or respond quickly when drones are used maliciously.
In her FY 2027 Executive Budget proposal, Governor Hochul put forward measures aimed at restricting risky drone use while piloting responsible uses such as deploying drones as first responders. The proposal includes legislation to further limit where drones may fly and expand law enforcement authority regarding credible threats from drones. It also provides $5 million for the State Police to pilot first responder drone programs.
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 commented: “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 added: “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 terrorism prevention, disaster response, fire emergencies, natural disasters recovery efforts in New York State.
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