FEMA Opens Counter-Drone Grant Applications: Deadline Approaches November 16
State and local agencies are receiving nationwide funding to bolster their counter-UAS capabilities, yet it remains unclear if this financial support will be sufficient to satisfy the total demand.
Under its Fiscal Year 2027 Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently accepting applications for $250 million in counter-drone grants. The submission window closes on November 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern.
This funding is accessible in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. It succeeds the FY2026 round, which targeted jurisdictions supporting the FIFA World Cup and America 250 events.
The current round seeks to broaden counter-drone detection and response capabilities across the nation, placing specific emphasis on securing the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Paralympics, and Olympic torch relay.
Funding and Eligibility
The program finances equipment and activities designed to detect, identify, monitor, and track unauthorized drones, and to mitigate them where legally authorized.
Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and each state qualify for a minimum allocation of $3.325 million. In contrast, the four smaller U.S. territories receive a minimum allocation of $760,000 each.
Questions persist regarding whether $250 million is adequate to address nationwide needs. Layered counter-UAS systems demand substantial investment in training, maintenance, and equipment for the approximately 20,000 public law enforcement agencies nationwide, meaning available funds might cover only a small portion of potential demand. Regional cooperation and shared capabilities could help extend the program’s reach.
State Administrative Agencies (SAAs) are the only entities eligible to apply directly to FEMA. Local law enforcement, corrections, and other eligible public safety agencies must submit their requests through their respective states, which may impose earlier deadlines.
Equipment and Operational Requirements
The FY2027 Notice of Funding Opportunity outlines several specific requirements:
DHS strongly encourages the use of radar systems capable of detecting drones that do not emit radio signals.
Mitigation equipment funded by the grant must be either handheld or vehicle-mounted and must meet federal authorization requirements.
Agencies pursuing mitigation capabilities must satisfy applicable training, certification, and accreditation requirements.
Recipients must commit to mutual aid and address support for major national security events, including the 2028 Olympics.
Purchasing counter-drone equipment does not automatically authorize an agency to operate it. Federal restrictions continue to govern certain detection technologies and all mitigation operations.
Free Application Resources Available
RJ Green Research has released a free, vendor-neutral grant application kit to assist local agencies in preparing their submissions. This kit includes a budget and compliance workbook as well as a subapplication template.
"Most local agencies have a real drone problem and very little time to describe it in a form FEMA can fund," said Robert J. Green, founder of RJ Green Research.
Agencies can access the free grant application kit and review FEMA’s official FY2027 funding announcement.
FEMA anticipates announcing awards in December 2026.