FEMA awards $250M to stop drone pitch invaders at World Cup

The eleven U.S. states scheduled to host matches during the FIFA World Cup this summer may be the first to exercise newly granted authority to jam, intercept and take down uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), or drones.

During past World Cups, stadium security teams focused primarily on stopping pitch invaders and other threats on the ground. Now, they are paying more attention to the airspace above and around stadiums, which in the U.S. has become increasingly vulnerable as more drones take to the skies.

During a counter-UAS (C-UAS) summit in December, the Washington National Guard simulated a drone attack on Seattle’s Lumen Field—a World Cup host venue—in anticipation that one could actually take place.

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