Will Nations Be Prepared with Counter-Drone Technology for the FIFA World Cup?
Delays in Counter-UAS Operations in Maryland Ahead of Major Events
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 protect high-profile sporting events and critical infrastructure from potential drone threats.)
Challenges in Implementation
Counter-UAS operations in Maryland and potentially other locations are unlikely to be fully operational in time for the FIFA World Cup and America 250 events scheduled for this summer, according to Travis Nelson, director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security. Nelson highlighted that delays in federal funding have hindered security preparations for these major events.
During a recent hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee, Nelson noted that the allocation of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding to states and cities has been slow, impacting their ability to manage security effectively.
“We know that we’re taking on added responsibilities as states, and the president has made clear that the responsibility will align more with the states and localities,” Nelson stated. He emphasized that the reduction in funding from DHS has affected not only intelligence and planning but also operational capabilities.
Federal Funding Developments
Federal funding for World Cup and America 250 event planning has only recently begun to be distributed. On March 18, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a $625 million allocation to support 11 U.S. cities hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in enhancing their security preparations.
Maryland is set to receive its share of a $250 million FEMA grant specifically designated for developing counter-UAS capabilities ahead of these events. As part of the National Capital Region, which includes Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., the state will also access a portion of the $28 million FEMA has allocated to the region.
“We have a steering committee comprised of state and local representatives from Virginia, D.C., and Maryland to identify how that award is going to be spent,” Nelson explained. The committee is currently reviewing applications to ensure capabilities are established before the America 250 celebrations.
Training and Coordination Issues
Despite the influx of federal funds, Nelson expressed concerns about the state’s ability to implement a comprehensive counter-UAS system by the start of the summer. He indicated that while some capabilities may be established, a full rollout by July 4th is unlikely.
“I don’t feel confident that we’ll have the full capability launched by July 4th,” he said, noting that the timeline is aggressive. The state may only achieve a limited degree of counter-UAS capabilities initially, with plans to expand them in the following months.
Maryland has not yet been able to send personnel for specialized training in drone-mitigation technology, which is critical for local law enforcement. Under the Safer Skies Act, certain states can send officers to the FBI’s National Counter-Unmanned Training Center in Huntsville, Alabama, but Maryland has faced challenges in securing spots for its personnel.
“The FBI started a training program and prioritized World Cup cities,” Nelson noted. “We have not been able to send somebody to that course yet because it’s in very high demand.” In the interim, the state will depend on federal law enforcement agencies for drone mitigation efforts.
Lessons from Past Incidents
Maryland’s experience with drone incursions has been shaped by past incidents, including the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024. This event highlighted the complexities of coordinating state and federal responses to drone threats.
“We had over a hundred UAS encroachments into the flight-restricted area around the bridge collapse,” Nelson reported, noting that federal response delays complicated state efforts to manage the situation effectively.
“There was no hostile activity from the drones,” he added, indicating that most operators were hobbyists seeking footage of the incident. However, the lack of clarity regarding their intentions posed challenges for law enforcement.
Collaborative Efforts Moving Forward
Despite previous challenges in state-federal cooperation regarding counter-UAS operations, Nelson emphasized the importance of collaboration in preparing for upcoming events. He described the current efforts as a collective initiative free from partisanship, with governors from both political parties working together to address security challenges.
“This is truly one of the few items that we can say right now is a collective effort,” he stated. Nelson expressed optimism that the White House has responded appropriately to the needs of states, reinforcing the willingness to collaborate on joint efforts regardless of the political landscape.