Cobb County Wins $10.7M for World Cup Drone Security

Federal grant will fund counter-drone tech, training, and event safety ahead of 2026 FIFA tournament.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:51pm

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Cobb County, Georgia has been awarded nearly $10.7 million in federal funds to acquire counter-drone technology, training, and infrastructure to enhance security for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The grant will cover fixed-site drone detection antennas, portable receivers, cameras, radar, and mitigation systems to be deployed around training sites, airports, and stadiums. An additional $1.7 million was awarded for event safety expenses like overtime and equipment.

Why it matters

As a host location for the 2026 World Cup, Cobb County is taking proactive steps to address the growing threat of hostile drones at major events. The investment in advanced counter-UAS systems and coordination with federal agencies aims to protect residents, visitors, and critical infrastructure during the tournament.

The details

The Cobb Police Department will use the federal grant to purchase a range of counter-drone technologies, including fixed-site detection antennas, portable RF receivers, infrared and electro-optical cameras, radar panels, and approved mitigation systems. The county will also set up Drone as First Responder (DFR) docks and the necessary infrastructure to operate them. These systems are intended to 'detect, track, identify and mitigate hostile drones' around World Cup training hubs, high-traffic sites, airports, and stadium approaches.

  • Cobb County was notified of the nearly $10.7 million grant in April 2026.
  • The county's emergency management office also received a separate $1.7 million award for World Cup safety expenses.
  • Deployment, personnel certification, and systems testing are expected to continue through the 2026 World Cup tournament and into routine event operations afterward.

The players

Cobb Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that will oversee the implementation of the counter-drone technology and training.

Cobb Board of Commissioners

The county governing body that unanimously approved accepting the federal funds to install the counter-UAS systems.

FBI Counter-UAS Task Force

A coordinated effort between local, state, and federal partners that Cobb County has agreed to participate in to address drone threats.

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What they’re saying

“We're looking at an X-ray system for the bomb team, and plans also include mounted patrol gear and cooling stations for large events.”

— Cassie Mazloom, Cobb County Emergency Management Office

“Cobb has joined the [FBI Counter-UAS] task force alongside state agencies and four officers recently completed FBI counter-UAS training to operate the new systems.”

— Lieutenant Justin Bullis, Cobb Police Department

What’s next

Deployment, personnel certification, and systems testing are expected to continue through the 2026 World Cup tournament and into routine event operations afterward.

The takeaway

Cobb County's significant investment in advanced counter-drone technology and coordination with federal agencies demonstrates the growing priority of protecting major events like the World Cup from the threat of hostile unmanned aerial vehicles. This proactive approach aims to enhance security and safety for residents, visitors, and critical infrastructure during the tournament.