Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program
Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program supports public safety agencies with technology, planning, training, and exercises to detect and address unlawful drone threats and protect people and infrastructure.
Funder: New Jersey Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness
Due Dates: November 9, 2026 (New Jersey subapplications) | November 16, 2026 (Federal SAA applications)
Funding Amounts: $4,737,397 allocated to New Jersey; $250 million nationally for FY 2027; 36-month performance period
Summary: Supports public safety capabilities to detect, identify, monitor, track, and, where authorized, mitigate unlawful drone threats.
Key Information: Only State Administrative Agencies apply directly to FEMA; eligible public safety entities apply through their SAA.
Description
The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program is funded by DHS/FEMA and administered in New Jersey by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness (NJOHSP). It supports technologies, planning, organization, training, and exercises that help public safety agencies protect people, critical infrastructure, and sensitive government operations from unlawful drone use. This is a capability-building program; technology-development studies and proof-of-concept initiatives are ineligible.
The FY 2027 Tier II phase expands support to all 56 states and territories, building nationwide detection and response capacity. Priorities include the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, the nationwide Olympic torch relay, and other nationally significant events. First-response and law-enforcement capabilities protecting soft targets and crowded places receive priority. DHS strongly encourages radar capabilities that can detect drones without radio-frequency emissions.
