FEMA counter-drone grant deadline set for November 16

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting applications for its $250 million Fiscal Year 2027 Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program. The federal deadline for applications is November 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern. The funding is intended to expand drone detection and response capabilities across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories, with specific emphasis on security for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Because FEMA only accepts applications from State Administrative Agencies (SAAs), local law enforcement and public safety agencies must apply through their respective state governments. This process has created varying deadlines across different states. For example, Kansas closes its local window on November 4, while Indiana and Mississippi close on November 6. Conversely, North Carolina has set a local deadline of November 25, which falls after the federal cutoff.

Each state, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia is eligible for a minimum allocation of $3.325 million. While the program supports equipment to detect, identify, and monitor unauthorized drones, questions remain regarding whether the $250 million total will be sufficient to meet the demand of approximately 20,000 public law enforcement agencies nationwide.