FBI’s New Counter-Drone Training Center Supported World Cup Security as Authorities Seized More Than 700 Drones

WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 29, 2026

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) established the National Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Center to prepare law enforcement partners to detect and respond to unauthorized drone activity. The training program played a role in the United States’ security preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026, during which federal authorities reported seizing more than 700 unauthorized drones across the country’s 11 host cities.

The operation involved coordination among the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and state and local law enforcement agencies. Officials said the coordinated effort helped protect stadiums, fan festivals, team hotels, training facilities and surrounding communities during the international tournament.

What is the National Counter-UAS Training Center?

Located at the FBI’s facility at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, the National Counter-UAS Training Center provides training and certification for eligible law enforcement personnel. “UAS” stands for unmanned aircraft systems, a term that includes drones and their associated control equipment.

The center prepares officers to identify unauthorized drone activity, assess potential risks and respond within the limits of their legal authority. The program is intended to strengthen coordination between federal agencies and state, local, Tribal and territorial law enforcement partners.

Under the SAFER SKIES Act, enacted as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, qualifying agencies can obtain expanded counter-drone authority subject to applicable training, certification and legal requirements.

More than 700 unauthorized drones seized

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the FAA, the FBI and DHS seized more than 700 unauthorized drones operating in restricted airspace during the World Cup security operation. The effort covered all 11 U.S. host cities.

The FAA established nearly 250 temporary flight restrictions covering match venues and other tournament-related locations. These restrictions were designed to reduce aviation risks and prevent unauthorized drone flights near crowded public events.

Officials said the operation included ground teams made up of federal and local personnel, supported by coordinated detection, assessment and enforcement measures. The experience also provided agencies with information that can inform security planning for future major events, including the 2028 Olympic Games.

Were all the drones considered dangerous?

Not necessarily. The seizure total refers to unauthorized drones, not 700 confirmed weapons or terrorist devices. A White House official told Reuters in July that no weaponized drones had been found among the roughly 700 drones recovered during the tournament. Officials indicated that some operators may have been hobbyists or people who did not understand the applicable flight restrictions.

Unauthorized flights can still create serious safety concerns around crowded stadiums and restricted airspace. Authorities may need to determine who is operating a drone, whether a flight violates aviation rules and whether further enforcement action is warranted.

Why counter-drone training matters

Small drones are increasingly accessible to hobbyists, businesses and other users. While many flights are lawful, unauthorized activity near airports, stadiums, public gatherings or critical infrastructure can pose risks to people and aviation operations.

Counter-drone training helps participating agencies understand how to identify suspicious or unlawful activity, coordinate with other authorities and use authorized response methods. Such operations also require safeguards because countermeasures can affect lawful aircraft, communications and the public.

A security model for future major events

The World Cup operation brought together multiple federal agencies and local law enforcement partners over a tournament that ran from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The FBI said thousands of its personnel supported the broader security effort, which covered venues, fan areas and other locations across the country.

Authorities have described the counter-drone operation as an important step in preparing for future high-profile events. Lessons from the tournament may help agencies refine training, improve coordination and strengthen airspace protection for large gatherings.

The reported seizure of more than 700 drones demonstrates the scale of unauthorized drone activity encountered during the tournament, but it should not be confused with a count of confirmed hostile devices. Officials continue to distinguish between unlawful flights and drones assessed to pose a deliberate security threat.