LAPD Approved $9.8M DHS Grant for Anti-Drone Tech

The funds will go toward detecting, tracking, and disrupting illegal drones that pose a threat to public safety.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 9:06pm

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The Los Angeles Police Department has approved a $9.8 million federal grant from the Department of Homeland Security to combat the growing threat of illegal drones. The money will be used to install radio frequency sensors across the city, set up mobile drone mitigation stations, and acquire handheld drone disruption devices and a counter-drone command and control system.

Why it matters

Drones have become an increasing security concern for law enforcement, with the potential to be used for surveillance, smuggling, or even as weapons. This investment in anti-drone technology aims to enhance the LAPD's ability to detect, track, and disrupt any drones that pose a threat to public safety in Los Angeles.

The details

The $9.8 million grant will fund a range of counter-drone measures, including the installation of two dozen radio frequency sensors to detect drone activity, mobile drone mitigation stations that can disrupt drone communications and force them to return to their operators, and a handheld drone disruption device. The LAPD will also establish a dedicated mobile drone tracking team and a counter-drone command and control system to coordinate the department's response.

  • On Tuesday, the LAPD Police Commission approved Chief Jim McDonnell's counter-drone plan.
  • The $9.8 million grant comes from the federal Department of Homeland Security as part of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provides $500 million nationwide for enhancing state and local capabilities to detect, identify, track, and monitor unmanned aircraft.

The players

LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department, which is implementing the new counter-drone measures.

Jim McDonnell

The LAPD Chief who proposed the counter-drone plan that was approved by the Police Commission.

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles, who will review the LAPD's counter-drone plan along with the City Council.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which is providing the $9.8 million grant to the LAPD.

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What they’re saying

“Drones represent the new frontier of American air superiority.”

— Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary (AP)

“The drone's real time aerial observations confirmed the suspect's location … which helped to reduce the risk to responding personnel and the community.”

— Jim McDonnell, LAPD Chief (nypost.com)

What’s next

The LAPD's counter-drone plan now goes to Mayor Karen Bass and the City Council for review and approval before implementation.

The takeaway

This investment in anti-drone technology reflects the growing threat that illegal drones pose to public safety and security, and the LAPD's efforts to stay ahead of this emerging challenge through advanced detection, tracking, and disruption capabilities.