Fiscal Year 2027 Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program
FEMA will distribute $250 million to 56 states and territories in fiscal year 2027 for drone detection and response, including security for the 2028 Olympics, Paralympics, and Olympic torch relay.
Funder: Department of Homeland Security - FEMA
Due Dates: November 16, 2026, 5 p.m. ET (Application) | November 16, 2026, 3 p.m. ET (Report system issues)
Funding Amounts: $250 million total; awards of $822,338–$18,665,396; 36-month performance period
Summary: Supports government counter-drone detection and response capabilities, prioritizing national security events and the 2028 Olympics, Paralympics, and torch relay.
Key Information: Only State Administrative Agencies may apply directly; eligible public safety entities participate through their SAA.
Description
FEMA’s Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program funds technologies, services, planning, training, and exercises to protect the public, critical infrastructure, mass gatherings, and sensitive government operations from unlawful drone use. Supported capabilities include detection, identification, monitoring, tracking, and—where authorized—mitigation. Technology-development studies and proof-of-concept initiatives are ineligible.
Fiscal year 2027 funding extends to all 56 states and territories, building nationwide detection and response capacity while supporting the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics. Securing the nationwide Olympic torch relay and coordinating across jurisdictions are operational priorities. DHS strongly encourages radar capabilities because they can detect drones that do not emit radio-frequency signals. Purchasing equipment does not authorize its operation: certain detection technologies and all mitigation systems require specifically accredited operating agencies and certified personnel.
