FEMA Chief Urges State and Local Agencies to Strengthen Counter-Drone Readiness
Cameron Hamilton, head of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, urged state and local agencies in Maryland on November 9 to build up their ability to respond to unauthorized drones. He pointed to a $500 million federal commitment to counter-drone technology and preparedness.
Cameron Hamilton, Administrator of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), called on state and local agencies on November 9 to strengthen their ability to deal with drone threats. He spoke at the Drone Security and SLTT Grant Forum at the MGM National Harbor in Maryland. SLTT stands for state, local, tribal and territorial agencies, which are now weighing how to use federal counter-drone grant funding.
The forum was hosted by the Commercial Drone Alliance, DRONERESPONDERS and the White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics. It brought together senior federal officials, public safety leaders and drone industry representatives. Hamilton stressed that federal resources should help SLTT agencies develop the capabilities needed to respond to unauthorized drones.
Federal funding
Hamilton cited the administration's $500 million commitment to counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) technology and preparedness. Of that, $250 million went to counter-drone efforts at the FIFA World Cup. The money is meant to help SLTT agencies close security gaps as drones become more accessible and potential threats more complex. In his view, federal support must turn into practical capabilities at the local level.
Three priorities
Hamilton set out three actions for agencies. First, assess current counter-drone readiness and identify gaps. Second, eligible agencies should use available federal grants and not let administrative delays hold back better protection. Third, communicate more with partners, since sharing information about emerging threats is a responsibility that goes beyond any single organization.
Legal limits
Hamilton warned that criminal organizations and other potential adversaries are watching advances in drone technology and looking for weaknesses in security systems. At the same time, federal grant funding does not automatically give agencies the authority to disable or intercept drones. They must work within applicable legal limits while building their detection, training and response capabilities.
