DPS Secures Drone Mitigation Technology Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

https://www.sansabanews.com/news/dps-secures-drone-mitigation-technology-ahead-2026-fifa-world-cup

Publish Date: 2026-05-11 17:07:00

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is pleased to announce it has secured federal grant money awarded to the State of Texas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The funds aim to strengthen public safety and aviation security efforts through new drone mitigation technology. DPS has been awarded approximately $3.2 million to acquire advanced technology designed to detect and mitigate unauthorized or potentially dangerous drone activity.

“Major international events like the FIFA World Cup bring millions of visitors to Texas and place incredible demands on public safety and critical infrastructure protection,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “DPS is fully committed to using every available resource — including advanced drone mitigation technology — to safeguard Texans, secure key venues and infrastructure. Let me be very clear, we will not hesitate to act against threats that put public safety at risk.”

“As drone activity continues to increase, having the ability to detect, track and mitigate unauthorized drones is critical to protecting large crowds and emergency operations,” said DPS’ Chief Pilot of Aircraft Operations Stacy Holland. “We strongly encourage all drone operators to follow FAA regulations, properly register their aircraft and understand flight restrictions before taking to the skies.”

These new capabilities will strengthen DPS Aircraft Operations’ ability to protect large crowds, critical infrastructure and restricted airspace surrounding major venues in Dallas and Houston — the two Texas host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — as well as other future large-scale events across the state. With the growing use of drones and the evolving risks they can pose in public spaces, DPS is taking proactive steps to ensure aviation personnel have the tools needed to respond to potential threats.

The drone mitigation system will be capable of both stationary and…

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