TSA selects Los Angeles International Airport as drone detection test site

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has selected Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to join Miami International Airport as a drone detection test site.

The technology would be used to aid in detecting, tracking, and identifying (DTI) drones, which are also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), encroaching on restricted airspace.

The TSA indicated drones could serve as a potential transportation security threat when flown too close to certain aviation, surface, or related transportation locales.

The selection of LAX as a strategic location to test UAS detection technologies underscores the close working and strategic relationship between TSA and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA),” TSA Federal Security Director for LAX Boyd K. Jeffries said. “We are confident that data and information collected here will ultimately benefit and help secure the entire transportation network from the threats that UAS in unauthorized areas present.”

Officials cited LAX’s diverse aviation operations, large number of enplanements, frequency of UAS activity, and high passenger volume as considerations in considering the site. The project would utilize security and surveillance technologies including radar, thermal imaging, and artificial intelligence.

“The UAS threat to airports has increased exponentially over the last several years,” TSA UAS Capability Manager Jim Bamberger said. “That is why it is vital we assess the effectiveness of UAS DTI technologies in live airport environments. We are thrilled to partner with LAX on such a mission-critical project that will pave the way for future technology assessments and help protect airports nationwide against UAS threats.”