Keeping the Skies Safe: Critical Forum on Drone Security

KEEPING THE SKIES SAFE: The White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics, DRONERESPONDERS, and the Commercial Drone Alliance Co-Host Critical Forum on Drone Security

Industry Leaders, Innovators, and Public Safety Build on World Cup Lessons to Secure 2028 Olympic Skies with Working Families Tax Cut Act.

OXON HILL, Md. – November 9, 2026 – The White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics today co-hosted the second annual Countering the Threat: Drone Security Industry and SLTT Grant Forum outside Washington D.C., alongside DRONERESPONDERS and the Commercial Drone Alliance. Federal, state, local, and industry leaders came together to address the critical role of drone security in keeping large-scale events safe.

When the world arrives in Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Olympics, the United States will have a chance to put its best on display, and keeping the skies safe is central to that mission. Building on lessons from FIFA World Cup 2026, participants discussed emerging drone threats, major event security planning, and critical infrastructure protection.

Attendees received a briefing on the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program. Established under the Working Families Tax Cut Act, signed by President Donald J. Trump, the program provides $500 million over two fiscal years to help communities detect, identify, track, and mitigate, if necessary, drones that threaten the safety and security of the American people. In FY 2026, DHS awarded the first $250 million to the 11 states hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and the National Capital Region. The remaining $250 million is now available in FY 2027 to all 56 states and territories, with an expanded focus on building lasting, nationwide detection and response capabilities.

Speakers included Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, White House National Security Council Senior Director for Counterterrorism Dr. Sebastian Gorka, White House Task Force Deputy Executive Director Nick Forni, FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton, and representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation, the Department of War, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as event, industry, and regional partners.

Discussions focused on the Trump Administration’s efforts to secure the skies during America’s “Decade of Sport,” including:

• A FEMA briefing on the FY 2027 C-UAS grant funding opportunity;
• Updates from the front lines on state and local planning considerations, opportunities, and resources;
• Operational lessons learned from FIFA World Cup 2026 on enabling safe drone use while countering threats; and
• Perspectives from across the federal government on balancing safety, security, economics, and innovation.

Lisa Ellman, Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Drone Alliance, stated, “We were thrilled to bring this forum back for a second year, and on an even larger scale. This is a pivotal moment for our industry. With high-profile events like the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, it is critical that government, industry, and public safety come together to find the best ways to build airspace security that lasts well past the closing ceremonies.”

Chief Charles Werner (Ret.), Director of DRONERESPONDERS, added, “The Drone Security Industry and SLTT Grant Forum gave state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies direct answers on the FY 2027 C-UAS grants. Just as important, it built the connections between public safety, federal partners, and industry that will help make sure every dollar is put to its best use protecting our communities.”

About the White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics

Established by Executive Order 14328, the White House Task Force leads Federal coordination for Olympic events, uniting members of President Trump’s cabinet and key government agencies to deliver the safest, most innovative, and most successful Olympic Games in history.

About DRONERESPONDERS

DRONERESPONDERS is the world's leading nonprofit program supporting public safety agencies and emergency services organizations using unmanned aircraft systems, Counter-UAS, and Advanced Air Mobility technologies for life-safety missions. The program provides training, data-driven insights, operational best practices, and collaboration opportunities for first responders implementing drone technology in emergency response, law enforcement, fire service, search and rescue, and disaster operations. DRONERESPONDERS is an official program of AIRT, the world's leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advancing Drones For Good® and AAM For Good® for public safety, emergency response, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. Learn more at droneresponders.org.

About the Commercial Drone Alliance

The Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA) is the leading nonprofit organization focused on U.S. leadership in drone technology and security.  The CDA unites a diverse group of stakeholders, including commercial drone end-users, manufacturers, service providers, and drone security firms. The CDA works with the federal government and industry to promote American global leadership in advanced aviation and enable the deployment of commercial drones at scale across the United States. Learn more at www.commercialdronealliance.org.