Eyes above the world stage: How helicopters protect crowds at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

KCSO’s aviation program is marking approximately 35 years of service and operates a five-helicopter Bell fleet. Its two Bell 407s, one analog and one newer 407GXi, are equipped for patrol with FLIR 380HDc electro-optical/infrared cameras, Trakka searchlights, SHOTOVER digital mapping, and Technisonic communications equipment. The unit also operates a Bell TH-67, predominantly used for pilot training.

Two refurbished UH-1H Hueys provide the heavier side of KCSO’s capabilities. Equipped with external rescue hoists, they primarily perform rescues but can also carry tactical personnel, assist SWAT operations, and conduct initial attack on fires using Bambi buckets.

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The helicopter overwatch was complemented by another airborne capability: drones.

KCSO established a counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) response specifically for the World Cup, monitoring the temporary flight restriction surrounding the stadium and detecting unauthorized aircraft. “We’re running counter-drone operations in the TFR (temporary flight restriction) around the stadium,” Gagnon said. “That’s been an amazing piece of technology to see work because of the speed and efficiency with which they can identify drones that are not supposed to be flying, make contact with the pilot, and get the UAS back on the ground.”

The technology gave authorities the ability to distinguish legitimate public safety aircraft from unauthorized drones entering protected airspace. Once detected, personnel could locate the operator and resolve the intrusion before it developed into a greater hazard.

SRASU brought its own considerable experience to the partnership. Its sUAS program dates to 2018 and assists patrol, search-and-rescue, crime and collision mapping, SWAT activity, and investigations. FAA-certified operators carry the systems in the field, allowing them to deploy shortly after arriving at an incident. Together, helicopters, drones, and counter-drone technology created layered aerial coverage, with each platform serving a different but complementary role.

A great picture of what the future of public safety in terms of drones means at large public events. Yes this kind of thing could lead to more controlling government actions, it certainly feels somewhat dystopian but on the otherhand a broad network like this can also give people the confidence to feel safe around large amounts of drones because despite them flying around everywhere at event people could look up and see that there was a system keeping an eye on everything like an air traffic controller at an airport.

I think people really underestimate how much fear drones put in people at large social gatherings because of how people perceive of the rapid impact of drones and how incredible the effectiveness is combined with their inherent viral clip nature their "personal" violence in warfare, creating interlocking systems of public safety monitoring to make sure that people are keeping track of what a swarm of drones is doing around human beings and if those drones are supposed to be there or not is actually in my opinion REALLY important for making people feel safe in large groups.