DayofPal—Sentrycs, an Israeli drone security company whose technology will be used to help secure matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has come under criticism from pro-Palestinian activists and rights advocates over its connections to the Israeli army and defense industry.
The company recently secured a multimillion-dollar contract with US federal security authorities to provide counter-drone protection for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to company announcements, Sentrycs’ systems are expected to be deployed across 16 host stadiums and fan zones during the tournament’s 78 matches.
Sentrycs specializes in counter-drone technology designed to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones.
Its systems are also used at airports, military installations, and critical infrastructure sites in multiple countries.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Tel Aviv, Sentrycs was established by Israeli technology and defense specialists, including veterans of Unit 8200, the Israeli military’s intelligence unit.
In November 2025, the company was acquired by US-based Ondas Holdings in a deal valued at approximately $225 million, while maintaining its management and development operations in Israel.
Critics point to the company’s cooperation with Israeli military and defense entities as a reason for concern. Sentrycs has publicly stated that its systems are used by the Israeli military and are integrated with defense platforms developed by major Israeli weapons manufacturers, including Rafael and Elbit Systems.
The company has also participated in international defense exhibitions organized through SIBAT, the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s international defense cooperation directorate.
The company maintains partnerships with several firms involved in military drone technologies, including Xtend, an Israeli drone manufacturer that expanded its activities during Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Sentrycs has also received industry recognition, including the Army Technology Innovation Award in 2025.
Pro-Palestinian campaigners say that these military partnerships make the company complicit in Israel’s genocide in Gaza and Lebanon.
They contend that awarding Sentrycs a prominent role in securing one of the world’s largest sporting events normalizes and rewards a company linked to military attacks that have been widely condemned by human rights organizations.
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