Washington National Guard builds partnerships ahead of World Cup 2026

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 UAS, 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.

"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 summit laid the groundwork for expanded partnerships and highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to airspace security.

Building on that momentum, the Washington National Guard's Western Regional Counterdrug Training Center launched a counter-UAS Fundamentals Course to provide military, law enforcement and public safety professionals with foundational training in drone detection, identification, legal authorities and response planning. The program has attracted interest from agencies across the region as organizations prepare for large-scale public events and the increasing presence of drones in everyday life.

"A year ago, we were not in this space," FBI agent Phil Randolph said. "A year ago, we wouldn't have thought about drone detection around NFL stadiums. Now we're leaning forward."

Welsh emphasized that the challenge extends far beyond a single event such as the FIFA World Cup.

"Don't just look at this as, 'Hey, we've got to get through FIFA and then we'll go back to work,'" Welsh said. "We're going to be dealing with the threat for the rest of our lives."

Participants of the counter-UAS field demonstration day observed a series of live demonstrations showcasing drone detection systems, swarm operations, interception techniques, radio-frequency mitigation capabilities and render-safe procedures. The event provided attendees with an opportunity to evaluate emerging technologies and discuss how those capabilities could be integrated into real-world operations.

For Washington National Guard leaders, Yakima Training Center also offers an ideal location to expand those efforts.

"This really is the Kevin Costner moment from Field of Dreams," said Col. Phillip Lamb, senior Army advisor to the Washington National Guard. "We have 327,000 acres of untouched, unobstructed training area right here at Yakima Training Center."

Lamb, who served as the garrison commander for Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which also covers Yakima Training Center, said the installation's vast maneuver space provides a unique environment for agencies to train together, test emerging technologies and conduct realistic counter-UAS operations.

That vision extends beyond individual demonstrations and training events.

"We want to build an Army counter-UAS Center of Excellence right here at Yakima Training Center," said Col. Craig Broyles, director of the Washington National Guard Counterdrug Program, adding that the installation has classroom space for beginner-level instruction and training areas for practical exercises and advanced courses.

Recent organizational changes have further strengthened the state's ability to address emerging aerial threats, Welsh said.

"Bringing the Civil Air Patrol under the Washington Military Department has elevated our capabilities in the counter-UAS environment," Welsh said.

As preparations continue for the FIFA World Cup and other major events, leaders believe the partnerships, training opportunities and capabilities developed at the Yakima Training Center will help shape the future of counter-UAS operations not only in Washington, but across the nation.

Related Links

The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil

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The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard

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