The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced its intention to acquire additional C-UAS sensing capabilities from Axon by Dedrone, highlighting the growing emphasis on protecting airport airspace from unauthorized drone activity.
According to a special notice published on SAM.gov on 14 August 2026, the TSA intends to award a sole-source contract for Axon by Dedrone RF-560 fixed and mobile sensors. The systems are intended to support field-based law enforcement responses to unauthorized drones operating within controlled airspace at airports across the United States.
The planned procurement will support the Transportation Security Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), reflecting the increasing role of federal security agencies in addressing the risks posed by uncrewed aerial systems near critical transportation infrastructure.
The notice states that TSA intends to negotiate with Axon Enterprises Inc. under the authority of FAR 6.302, which permits contracting without full and open competition under specific circumstances. While the agency has opened the notice for industry awareness and responses, it emphasized that the announcement is not a request for competitive proposals and that any decision regarding competition remains at the discretion of the government.
Growing Focus on Airport Drone Security
The procurement comes amid continued concern over the impact of unauthorized drone activity on commercial aviation operations. Airports and aviation authorities worldwide have increasingly invested in technologies capable of detecting, tracking, identifying, and supporting responses to drone incursions that may disrupt flight operations or pose safety risks.
Dedrone’s RF-560 sensors are designed to provide radio-frequency detection capabilities, enabling security personnel to identify and monitor drone activity within protected airspace. The inclusion of both fixed and mobile sensor configurations suggests TSA’s requirement for flexible deployment across a range of airport environments and operational scenarios.
Expanding C-UAS Capabilities Across Critical Infrastructure
The announcement underscores the broader trend of U.S. federal agencies expanding investment in C-UAS technologies as drone activity continues to increase. While airports remain a primary area of focus, counter-drone systems are also being adopted across other critical infrastructure sectors, including government facilities, energy sites, transportation hubs, and major public events.
For TSA, the procurement aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance situational awareness and strengthen operational responses to emerging low-altitude aerial threats. By equipping law enforcement personnel with additional sensing capabilities, the agency aims to improve its ability to detect and respond to unauthorized drone operations in sensitive aviation environments.
As commercial and recreational drone use expands, airport security stakeholders are expected to continue prioritizing advanced detection and monitoring technologies as part of a layered approach to safeguarding airspace and maintaining aviation safety.
Image: AI Generated.
