Jacksonville Jaguars Become First NFL Team to Deploy Advanced Stadium Counter-Drone Technology
Jacksonville, Friday, 7 August 2026.
Following successful deployment at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ondas will provide non-disruptive counter-drone security at EverBank Stadium, allowing law enforcement to safely take control of unauthorized aircraft.
Ondas Secures Strategic NFL Contract for Counter-Drone Security
On August 7, 2026, Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS) announced that its subsidiary, Sentrycs, has been selected to provide advanced aerial security for Jacksonville Jaguars NFL games at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida [1]. The agreement marks a significant expansion of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) into professional sports venues, following a trend of rising enterprise and municipal investment in security technology [1]. The Sentrycs Cyber-over-RF (CoRF) system was chosen to enable real-time detection, tracking, and controlled mitigation of unauthorized drones to safeguard spectators and stadium infrastructure during the upcoming 2026 NFL season [1].
The selected technology utilizes a passive detection method that avoids interference with authorized communications, a critical feature for dense urban environments [1]. Unlike traditional jamming or kinetic measures, the system performs pilot geolocation and controlled mitigation, allowing law enforcement to safely land unauthorized drones in designated areas [1]. This capability ensures that game-day operations remain uninterrupted while maintaining strict Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) enforcement under the SAFER SKIES Act [1].
Operational Background and Security Protocols
This deployment builds upon Sentrycs’s successful utilization across multiple host venues during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which concluded in July 2026 [1]. The selection process involved collaboration between the NFL franchise, local law enforcement, and stadium operator Legends Global to ensure seamless integration with existing security protocols [1]. System operators are law enforcement officials who have been trained at the National Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Center (NCUTC) in Huntsville, Alabama [1].
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ decision represents the first time an NFL franchise has invested in this specific counter-UAS capability for TFR enforcement [1]. By moving beyond simple detection to active mitigation, the organization aims to stay ahead of emerging threats as drone technology becomes increasingly accessible to the public [1]. The system is designed to monitor and locate unauthorized aircraft without disrupting the dense communication networks required for stadium operations and broadcasting [1].
Leadership Perspectives and Future Deployment Plans
Bobby Lyle, the Jaguars’ Director of Events and Facilities Security, emphasized that protecting fans and staff requires staying ahead of emerging threats through effective mitigation capabilities [1]. Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas, noted that the decision reflects an important evolution in professional sports security following the technology’s proven performance at the World Cup [1]. Brock highlighted that the system delivers flexible, non-disruptive protection at scale, suitable for sensitive urban environments [1].
Ondas intends to utilize the Sentrycs platform to provide scalable counter-drone protection for both NFL game days and non-game-day events at EverBank Stadium [1]. While the announcement confirms the technology’s deployment for the August 2026 games, specific dates for full operational status beyond the initial selection were not provided [1] [alert! ‘No specific deployment date provided for full operational status beyond initial selection’]. The partnership underscores a broader shift toward specialized cyber-over-RF solutions in high-profile public venues [1].