Fortem Technologies has been awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to provide counter-drone protection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The company’s DroneHunter® counter-drone system will intercept and remove unauthorized drones from U.S. event airspace.
The 2026 tournament will be the largest in FIFA history. It will include 48 teams competing in 16 cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Eleven U.S. venues will host matches from June through July, creating a major security challenge for local and national agencies.
“It’s an honor for Fortem to once again protect the FIFA World Cup, this time on our home turf,” said Jon Gruen, CEO of Fortem Technologies. “The threat posed by small drones is one of the most consequential shifts in security of our lifetime.”
DroneHunter Counter-Drone System
Fortem’s DroneHunter® uses a net-based capture system to remove hostile drones. The design eliminates falling debris and avoids interference with stadium communications. Traditional jamming systems can disrupt critical links, and kinetic methods may create new hazards. DroneHunter captures drones intact, helping operators neutralize threats without collateral risk.
The deployment will also include TrueView™ R30 radar units for detection and tracking. These sensors link to Fortem’s SkyDome® command-and-control platform, which manages data and threat response autonomously. Together, the systems deliver full situational awareness and can be repositioned as the tournament moves between venues.
Expanding U.S. Counter-UAS Capabilities
The World Cup contract aligns with broader counter-UAS efforts led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In January, DHS established a new Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-UAS. The department also announced $115 million in related investments ahead of upcoming national and international events.
Fortem is currently the only U.S. company authorized to deploy a drone-on-drone kinetic interceptor. Its systems have been tested in operational environments in Qatar, Ukraine, and East Asia.
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