TSA testing new drone detection technology at MIA

Mark O. Hatfield, Assistant Director and Chief Security Officer, Miami International Airport

Since the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began its initial test of technologies at Miami International Airport in fall 2021 to detect, track, and identify (DTI) drones entering restricted airspace, it has collected more than seven months of data. Drones, also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), pose a threat to aviation security when flown into certain restricted airspaces. TSA chose MIA as the first UAS DTI testbed due to an ongoing perimeter intrusion technology pilot as well as the strong existing partnerships with the airport.

“TSA’s establishment and management of this assessment of UAS detection technologies is a critical part of our agency’s overall strategy to collect data for further deployments of equipment at U.S. airports,” said former TSA Miami Federal Security Director Daniel Ronan.

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

Drones and other UAS are used for a wide range of commercial and recreational purposes. While many are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) software that prevents their use in restricted locations, there are many operators who do not follow rules and safety restrictions and consequently pose a security and safety risk to individuals, infrastructure, and airplanes in the national airspace (NAS).

“Congratulations to MIA for being selected as the test airport for this historic security effort by our federal government,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Miami-Dade County is fortunate to be the home of not only one of the nation’s leading airports in passenger and cargo operations, but also in security and safety.”

In support of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) role in UAS security, TSA is collaborating with airport, local law enforcement, and intra-agency partners including the DHS Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) to test the effectiveness of certain technologies that can detect, track, and identify UAS threats in aviation, surface, and related transportation domains. The technologies will be evaluated in laboratory and operational field environments. During the test at MIA, TSA will review a range of security and surveillance technologies that are able to detect, track and identify UAS operations by radar, thermal imaging, and artificial intelligence.

“We are extremely proud to be chosen by TSA for this landmark test of drone detection technology, which will reap unprecedented security benefits for MIA and our sister airports across the country,” said Ralph Cutié, MIA Director and CEO. “We look forward to bolstering our strong partnership with TSA through this new initiative, as we continue to advance our shared priority of enhancing the safety and security of our passengers, employees and business partners.”

Throughout the MIA test bed process, equipment will be tested and evaluated, and the data collected will be shared with the interagency and industry stakeholders for further evaluation and assessment. The information and data collected from the test will assist with finding effective solutions that mitigate the risks that unauthorized UAS operations pose to the nation’s transportation system.