The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has plans to test various drone detection and countermeasure systems for use at airports. The first of such tests will take place in Atlanta this year. The FAA issued a call for white papers from vendors who want their technology to be tested or considered.

The testing—which will evaluate at least 10 technologies or systems—is part of the FAA’s Airport Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Detection and Mitigation Research Program. The organization no doubt wants to test technologies to mitigate potential risk caused by UACs conflicting with manned or commercial aircraft in and around airports.

In its own words, the FAA will work with Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies, “to ensure that technologies/systems that are developed, teste, or deployed by federal departments and agencies to detect and/or mitigate potential risks posed by errant or hostile UAS operations do not adversely impact or interfere with safe airport operations, navigation, air traffic services, or the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System (NAS)”