Protecting U.S. Critical Energy Investments Through C-UAS and UAS Surveillance Capabilities in Iraq
This grant funds efforts to help Iraq counter drone threats and protect critical infrastructure, aiming to safeguard U.S. energy investments and personnel from attacks by Iran and aligned groups.
Funder: Bureau of Counterterrorism
Due Dates: April 23, 2026 (Questions due) | June 8, 2026 (Full application due)
Funding Amounts: $6,808,090 total; one award; project period up to 24 months
Summary: Supports development of Iraqi civilian law enforcement capabilities to counter unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) threats and protect U.S. energy interests in Iraq.
Key Information: For-profit, non-profit, educational, and public international organizations eligible; no cost sharing required.
Description
This opportunity from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Counterterrorism aims to protect American economic interests, personnel, and national security by strengthening Iraq’s capabilities to counter unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) threats. The program focuses on building sustainable Iraqi civilian law enforcement abilities to independently protect critical infrastructure—particularly energy sector assets with significant U.S. investment—through targeted training, surveillance, and response planning.
Applicants are expected to design and implement a program that:
- Builds Iraqi capacity to detect, track, and neutralize hostile UAS threats.
- Develops surveillance capabilities using medium-range, non-weaponized UAS platforms.
- Integrates training and operational planning for both Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
- Emphasizes sustainability, train-the-trainer models, and institutionalization of skills.
- Coordinates closely with U.S. government stakeholders for program design, monitoring, and evaluation.
The program will be administered as a cooperative agreement, with substantial involvement from the Bureau of Counterterrorism throughout the project lifecycle.
