The New York Police Department (NYPD) is training officers and buying new equipment to counter drone threats to events in New York City.
According to multiple US news sources, the NYPD will spend USD 6.5 million in drone mitigation equipment and training.
The New York New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium is scheduled to host the final of the FIFA World Cup on July 19 and additional counter-drone measures are expected to be in place before the tournament begins. The Department of Homeland Security has increased its counter-drone efforts and is collaborating with both public and private sector partners to ensure readiness for the event. This includes a new equipment purchasing tool and grants of approximately USD 250 million to 11 FIFA World Cup 2026 host states and the National Capital Region as of May 7.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the proliferation of weaponised drones on the battlefields of Ukraine and Iran is the one threat that keeps her up at night. “We are preparing for this threat with the seriousness it deserves,” Tisch said in a May 21 statement.
It is widely expected that the Department of Justice will soon issue new rules allowing police forces to take down drones.
For more information
Counter-drone efforts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – US Department of Homeland Security
Image: MetLife Stadium
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