Sentrycs Secures Significant Counter-Drone Contracts in World Cup Host Cities

Sentrycs Systems to Protect Skies in U.S., Mexico, Canada

By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill

(This article is part of a series on efforts to establish new counter-UAS protocols in the U.S. to safeguard high-profile sporting events and critical infrastructure from potential threats posed by drones.)

Counter-UAS Technology for Major Events

North American cities hosting FIFA World Cup matches and events related to America’s 250th birthday are actively seeking companies that provide effective counter-UAS technology. Many cities are adopting a multi-level approach that combines detection and identification technology with drone mitigation solutions to address the challenges associated with unwanted UAS incursions.

Sentrycs’ Role in Airspace Security

Sentrycs, a subsidiary of Florida-based Ondas Inc., has announced multiple contracts valued at several million dollars to support airspace security operations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The company will deploy its counter-UAS systems in several of the 16 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico where matches will be held.

While the company did not disclose specific cities, Jason Moore, U.S. Lead at Sentrycs, indicated that the company has contracts with approximately 70% of the U.S. states hosting FIFA events this year. Additionally, Sentrycs will implement its systems in cities in Canada and Mexico, the other two nations co-hosting the tournament.

Moore emphasized the company’s extensive experience, stating, “We have hundreds of customers around the world in different countries, so our experience of working in airports and stadiums and police forces and on the front lines in some conflict zones, borders and prisons gives us the ability to support the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.”

Capabilities of Sentrycs’ Technology

Sentrycs will deploy its Cyber-over-RF (CoRF) technology, which offers passive detection, tracking, and identification of unauthorized drones, along with controlled UAS mitigation capabilities. The company is among a few counter-UAS firms expected to benefit from federal grant funding, including a $250 million FEMA grant allocated to U.S. cities hosting World Cup matches.

Comprehensive Counter-UAS Operations

Counter-UAS operations typically encompass four components: detection, tracking, identification, and mitigation. Moore stated that Sentrycs’ CoRF systems effectively address all four aspects and can counter the operations of most commercially available drones.

While some private sports and entertainment organizations, such as the NFL, have invested in drone detection and identification technologies, the operation of drone mitigation equipment has primarily been the responsibility of federal law enforcement agencies. This changed with the passage of the Safer Skies Act, which granted limited authorities to state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to conduct drone mitigations after completing FBI training.

Advanced Detection and Control

Moore highlighted the effectiveness of Sentrycs’ technology, noting that their compact portable system can be set up by a single person within five minutes, allowing detection of drones from distances of up to 10 kilometers (6 miles). The CoRF system enables operators to analyze communication between the pilot and drone at a granular level, providing detailed identification capabilities.

The system allows operators to take control of a drone’s operation without the need for signal jamming or kinetic mitigation methods. Once the connection to the original pilot is severed, trained law enforcement personnel can either return the drone to its home point or safely land it at an alternative location.

Effectiveness Against Various Drones

Sentrycs’ system is effective against most UAVs that rely on RF signals for navigation, including many fully autonomous drones. Moore noted that most drones have fallback channels or kill switches, allowing Sentrycs to intervene effectively.

Moore also mentioned the affordability of Sentrycs’ technology, stating that the company is preparing to release a handheld solution priced around $65,000. Their long-range systems are priced between $250,000 and $400,000, which is competitive compared to other counter-UAS systems that can range from $200,000 to $2 million.