DHS Orders Drone-Catching Nets for 2026 World Cup

Fortem Technologies’ DroneHunter interceptor system will be deployed to ‘protect events’ in 11 states.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 07:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Fortem’s hexcopter-based DroneHunter system uses a net to capture a second drone. [Credit: Fortem Technologies]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has placed a multimillion-dollar order with Fortem Technologies for drone-catching nets and counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS) to secure venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This initiative aims to protect over 1 million spectators from the significant security threat posed by small drones, utilizing Fortem's patented DroneHunter system which deploys nets to safely intercept rogue drones without collateral damage.
The DHS order is part of a broader federal investment and expanding authority in C-UAS technologies, reflecting serious concern and preparedness efforts for drone threats at major events and nationally.

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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.