U.S. authorities intercepted drones that entered restricted airspace over the 2026 Masters Tournament and the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, as reported by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin during a House Homeland Security Committee testimony. Mullin stated that twelve drones were intercepted at the Masters in Georgia, while eight drones were intercepted at the Miami Grand Prix in Florida.
Mullin noted that the authorities were able to bring down the drones and identify individuals associated with them, although he did not disclose the specific counter-drone technology used. He expressed concerns about drone threats at large outdoor events, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico.
Mullin mentioned that all eleven U.S. stadiums hosting World Cup matches are equipped with counter-drone technology, although details on the equipment were not provided. Experts suggest that a layered defense is essential for addressing drone threats, as there is no single solution. Non-kinetic counter-drone technologies include radio-frequency cyber takeovers and directed-energy weapons.
The government's counter-drone strategy involves collaboration among various federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration. In March, they issued a warning regarding severe penalties for violating sensitive airspace with drones. Brig. Gen. Matthew Ross leads the Joint Interagency Task Force 401, which is working on implementing lessons learned from overseas drone strategies domestically.
