Los Angeles Police Department officials have approved a $9.8 million federal grant to enhance the city’s protection against potential drone attacks. The grant, known as the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems grant, will support various initiatives aimed at combating illegal drones that pose a threat to the safety and security of the American people.
The LAPD Police Commission, consisting of five members, gave the green light to Chief Jim McDonnell’s anti-drone plan. The plan will now undergo review by Mayor Karen Bass and the City Council at City Hall.
One of the key components of McDonnell’s plan is the expansion of the LAPD’s fleet of aerial drones, which was approved by the city’s civilian Police Commission last week. McDonnell highlighted the benefits of drone technology, citing a recent incident where a drone arrived at the scene of a 911 call reporting a man with a shotgun before officers could reach the location. The real-time aerial observations provided by the drone helped in confirming the suspect’s location, leading to a successful arrest without incident.
The $9.8 million grant, which is a reimbursement-only grant from the federal Department of Homeland Security, is part of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This act allocates $500 million nationwide to enhance state and local capabilities in detecting, identifying, tracking, or monitoring unmanned aircraft.
The LAPD plans to utilize the grant to install radio frequency sensors across the city to detect threatening drones, as well as mobile drone mitigation stations to destroy illegal drones. Drone mitigation techniques such as radio frequency jamming, cyber takeovers, nets, or lasers will be employed to disrupt or destroy dangerous drones. The LAPD will heavily rely on cyber takeovers to disrupt communications to drones and compel them to return to their operators.
The drone-disrupting stations will be strategically placed at LAPD headquarters and the Mt. Lee Communications tower in Griffith Park, behind the iconic “Hollywood” sign. Additionally, the funding will support the acquisition of a handheld drone mitigation device, a mobile drone tracking team, and a counter-drone Command & Control tracking system.
The federal government’s focus on combatting threats from potential drone attacks and restoring American airspace sovereignty is evident in the $115 million investment in counter-drone programs. The LAPD’s new anti-drone plan is part of this national effort to secure major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup venues and America’s 250th birthday celebrations.
The LAPD’s civilian oversight board also approved $2.1 million in funding to expand the city’s “Drone as First Responder” pilot program, which dispatches drones to 911 calls before officers arrive. The funding for this expansion comes from the LA Police Foundation, a private nonprofit organization that raises funds to support LAPD initiatives not covered by the city budget.
The NYPD is also gearing up to deploy its first anti-drone defense system in time for major events in the city, including the celebration of America’s 250th birthday in New York Harbor. As law enforcement agencies across the country ramp up their efforts to counter the threat of drones, the integration of advanced technology and strategic planning will be crucial in safeguarding public safety and security.
