As Massachusetts prepares to host the FIFA World Cup, state officials announced Wednesday that police will receive $21.2 million in grants to protect against “malicious drone activity.”
The funding is coming the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to Governor Maura Healey’s administration.
The grants can be used to buy drone detection and tracking systems, physical barriers (such as security netting), and for training, among other things.
Officials want to be ready for any unauthorized drones, unmanned aircraft systems, or remote controlled aircraft that could pose a security threat during the World Cup, and law enforcement will be on the lookout for any suspicious activity as seven games are scheduled to be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, which will be known as “Boston Stadium” during the World Cup.
The seven games will be played between June 13 and July 9.
As part of the efforts to bolster airspace security in advance of the World Cup, the Boston Police Department received nearly $11 million, State Police received $6.7 million, and the Foxborough Police Department received $3.5 million, officials said.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be a highlight of an exciting year in Massachusetts, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the event safely,” Healey said in a statement. “These grants will help state and local police agencies bolster security, training and equipment to keep residents and visitors safe throughout the games and surrounding celebrations.”
Emily Sweeney can be reached at emily.sweeney@globe.com. Follow her @emilysweeney and on Instagram @emilysweeney22.
