The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has placed a “multimillion-dollar” order for drone-catching nets that will be stationed at U.S. venues scheduled to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June and July.
Utah-based Fortem Technologies, the recipient of the DHS order, estimated that more than 1 million spectators will visit the U.S. for the global spectacle, making it “one of the most complex security undertakings” for a sporting event. The company—which was previously enlisted to provide counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS) support during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar—said that thousands of people packed into stadiums make “high-value targets” for nefarious actors.
“It’s an honor for Fortem to once again protect the FIFA World Cup, this time on our home turf,” said Jon Gruen, CEO of Fortem, in a statement. “The threat posed by small drones is one of the most consequential shifts in security of our lifetime.”
Fortem’s patented DroneHunter interceptor system makes use of its own hexacopter drone. The UAS deploys a net that “eliminates the threat without creating new ones.” The company said that jamming a rogue drone, by contrast, can interfere with stadium communications or fail if the UAS is autonomous. Kinetic “kill systems”—which use projectiles or other aircraft to bring the drone down—could scatter debris into the crowd.
The DHS order also includes Fortem’s TrueView R30 ground-based radar systems for UAS detection and tracking, as well as its SkyDome Manager command-and-control software. The combined system, Fortem said, could be quickly moved between World Cup venues in the 11 U.S. host cities.
Taking the Drone Threat Seriously
Fortem said DHS’ order is part of the department’s “broader investment” in C-UAS systems.
Officials for months have been preparing for a potential drone threat at the World Cup. In December, the Washington National Guard simulated a drone attack on Seattle’s Lumen Field, one of the host venues.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in January awarded $250 million to the 11 World Cup host states and Washington, D.C., which will host celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary in July. The money comes from FEMA’s larger $500 million C-UAS Grant Program.
DHS in January created a Program Executive Office for UAS and C-UAS, which poured a further $115 million into C-UAS technology for those states. The agency is also seeking industry proposals for a “$1.5 billion contract vehicle” that would allow Customs and Border Protection and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to “quickly and strategically acquire advanced technologies needed to protect their officers.”
Federal C-UAS authorities are beginning to expand since the Preventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018 gave DHS the authority to detect, track, and mitigate or intercept drones deemed to pose a credible threat. The agency says it has “conducted over 1,500 missions to protect the United States from illicit drone activities.” Often, C-UAS personnel are stationed at stadiums for major sporting events such as the Super Bowl.
The Safer Skies Act, included in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, extends certain federal C-UAS permissions to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.
The FAA is also working to deter unruly drone pilots. In February, it adopted a stricter policy for enforcing drone-related violations, levying fines and revoking certifications for violators who previously may have faced only lower-level compliance actions.
