Washington National Guard bolsters counter-drone partnerships ahead of 2026 World Cup | Article | The United States Army
AI Analysis
The Washington National Guard is proactively building a comprehensive counter-UAS program in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosting a field demonstration with multiple agencies to showcase technologies and tactics. They are establishing a regional cUAS training schoolhouse and have already held a summit to address emerging challenges. Washington is uniquely positioned as the only state actively rehearsing cUAS procedures for the event.
Key Takeaways
- The Washington National Guard hosted a cUAS field demonstration at the Yakima Training Center involving federal, state, and local agencies.
- The Anduril GhostX drone was demonstrated during the event.
- A cUAS summit was held in late 2025 to foster collaboration between government, industry, and academia.
- Washington National Guard aims to become a regional hub for cUAS training and innovation.
- The initiative is directly linked to security preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Seattle area.
Why It Matters
This proactive approach highlights the increasing recognition of drone threats to large public events and critical infrastructure. The establishment of a dedicated training program and inter-agency collaboration sets a potential model for other states and nations hosting similar events. This demonstrates a shift towards integrated cUAS strategies beyond solely technological solutions.
Washington National Guard bolsters counter-drone partnerships ahead of 2026 World Cup | Article | The United States Army
Washington National Guard bolsters counter-drone partnerships ahead of 2026 World Cup
By Davia WilsonJune 4, 2026
U.S. Army Warrant Officer 1 Gregory Hederich, UAS Operations Tech, 81st Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company operates an Anduril GhostX drone during the counter-UAS field day demonstration at the Yakima Training Center, Wash., June 2, 2026. (Photo Credit: U.S. National Guard photo by Joseph Siemandel) VIEW ORIGINAL
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. — Representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, multiple National Guards, state defense forces, Washington Emergency Management Division, Civil Air Patrol and active-duty military units gathered June 2 for a counter-unmanned aerial systems, or cUAS, field demonstration day at the Yakima Training Center ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The demonstration marked the latest step in a year-long effort by the Washington Military Department and Washington National Guard to build a comprehensive counter-UAS program ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which will bring millions of visitors to the greater Seattle area. The event showcased emerging technologies and operational tactics designed to detect, track and mitigate drone threats while highlighting the Washington National Guard's growing role in developing a regional schoolhouse for counter-UAS training and innovation.
Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, the adjutant general and homeland security advisor for the Washington National Guard, said the event represents a milestone not only for Washington, but for the nation.
Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, the adjutant general, Washington, Robert Ezelle, Director of Washington Emergency Management Division and Lt. Col. Wes Watson, commander’s action group, look over a Styrofoam drone during the counter-UAS field day demonstration at the Yakima Training Center, Wash., June 2, 2026. (Photo Credit: U.S. National Guard photo by Joseph Siemandel) VIEW ORIGINAL
"When you look at all the FIFA states, all the FIFA cities and all the different challenges that people are dealing with, Washington is the only state that actually brought people together to rehearse and discuss any of this stuff," Welsh said during the event. "This is the only one-of-a-kind event in the entire country that's going on."
As unmanned aerial systems continue to evolve from recreational tools into potential threats to public safety, critical infrastructure and major public events, the Washington National Guard is positioning itself at the forefront of counter-unmanned aerial systems training and readiness.
Recognizing the growing threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems, the Washington Military Department hosted a counter-UAS summit in late 2025, bringing together leaders from government, public safety, academia and industry to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving drone environment. The