Los Angeles Police Department Secures Grant for Anti-Drone Measures
On Tuesday, officials from the Los Angeles Police Department approved a significant federal grant of $9.8 million aimed at bolstering the city’s defenses against potential drone attacks.
The grant, known as the Unmanned Aircraft Countermeasures Grant, is designed to fund various initiatives to tackle illegal drones that could threaten community safety. This is outlined in documents from the police.
The five-member LAPD Police Commission endorsed LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell’s plan to combat drone threats. Now, McDonnell’s proposal is awaiting approval from City Hall, where Mayor Karen Bass and the City Council will review it.
Recently, the Civilian Police Commission authorized a $2.1 million expansion for the LAPD’s drone unit, increasing its capabilities.
Chief McDonnell expressed support for drone technology, recounting an incident where one of the LAPD’s first-response drones arrived at the scene of a 911 call about a man wielding a shotgun. The drone provided real-time aerial footage that helped pinpoint the suspect’s location, aiding in a safer response for officers and the public.
Ultimately, the suspect was apprehended without any incidents, thanks to the drone’s assistance.
This new $9.8 million grant will be administered on a reimbursement-only basis from the federal Department of Homeland Security, as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced by President Trump. The legislation allocates $500 million nationwide to enhance the capabilities of states and localities to track and monitor unmanned aerial vehicles.
The LAPD plans to use the grant for the installation of 20 radio frequency sensors throughout Los Angeles, aiming to identify threatening drones. Additionally, mobile drone mitigation stations will be established to neutralize unauthorized drones.
Drone mitigation strategies involve technologies like radio frequency jamming, cyber hijacking, nets, and lasers to disrupt or destroy potentially dangerous drones.
Officials noted that the LAPD’s approach heavily relies on cyber-hijacking, which interrupts the communication between drones and their operators, essentially forcing the drones to return home.
One jamming station will be stationed at LAPD Headquarters, while another will be located at the Mount Lee Communications Tower, which is situated behind the iconic “Hollywood” sign.
Funds will also help acquire handheld drone mitigation devices, establish mobile drone tracking teams, and develop anti-drone command and control systems, based on police documents.
The Trump administration has prioritized countering drone threats as part of broader national security measures. This includes a substantial $115 million investment for anti-drone initiatives, particularly focusing on major upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 250th anniversary celebrations this summer.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem recently remarked that drones mark “a new realm of U.S. air superiority.” Since 2018, the DHS has conducted over 1,500 missions targeting illegal drone activities.
The planned $9.8 million initiative for the LAPD represents part of this larger national effort. Additionally, the $2.1 million drone funding will expand the department’s “drone-as-first-responder” program, which allows drones to be deployed to emergency situations before human officers arrive.
Interestingly, the Los Angeles Police Department is not alone in recognizing the importance of drones; the New York City Police Department is also preparing to implement its first anti-drone defense system to coincide with significant events planned for this summer, such as the 250th anniversary celebration in New York Harbor.
