Rio de Janeiro announces security plan for Rock in Rio 2026

The Rio de Janeiro State Government has announced a massive security operation for the Rock in Rio 2026 festival, which is expected to draw over 700,000 attendees. The plan involves more than 7,600 agents from the Military Police, Civil Police, and Fire Department to secure the area around the Cidade do Rock in Barra da Tijuca.

For the first time, the State Secretariat of Public Security will deploy drones and cameras equipped with facial recognition and vehicle license plate identification systems. The Military Police will specifically mobilize 4,500 agents, utilizing 177 land vehicles and eight observation towers. To manage access, six checkpoints will be established on major roads leading to the venue.

Authorities will also monitor the airspace above the event, noting that unauthorized drone operation may lead to legal liability for operators. The Military Police stated that the security planning for the festival will not compromise policing in surrounding communities, such as Cidade de Deus and Gardênia Azul.