Protecting the Perimeter: Unmanned Aircraft Systems Enhance National Airport Security

Airport perimeter security constitutes the first line of defense against unauthorized entry to restricted areas at airports, and it is crucial for ensuring overall safety and security at airports. Traditionally consisting of physical barriers and basic closed-circuit television monitoring, airport perimeter security systems have evolved to comprise multiple layers of innovative security technologies. These layered and integrated security solutions include advanced thermal and infrared cameras, modern video surveillance systems, and innovative perimeter intrusion detection systems such as fence disturbance sensors, microwave motion detection systems, electric field sensors, buried cable detection systems, ground based radar systems, and optical based detection and analytics. With advancements in science and technology, an increased number of technological innovations is expected to be utilized for enhancing existing perimeter security systems. In this study, a qualitative case study exploration is conducted to present evidence and insights from cases of technology implementation and usage for improving airport perimeter security in the United States. Secondary data (i.e., gray and peer-reviewed literature) on technology usage for airport perimeter security are explored for the following three cases: unmanned aerial systems (UASs), biometric technologies, and miscellaneous technologies. The findings indicate the high potential of UASs, biometric technology-based security system.