LaGuardia Deploys AI Guardian for Advanced Threat Detection

NEW YORK, NY – May 27, 2026 – LaGuardia Airport's Terminal B, one of the nation's busiest aviation hubs, has activated a new layer of security for its employees, deploying an advanced AI-powered screening system designed to detect modern threats without the friction of traditional checkpoints. Technology provider Liberty Defense announced this week that its HEXWAVE™ systems are now operational at aviation worker screening points, marking a significant milestone for the company and a potential glimpse into the future of public safety infrastructure.

The deployment, part of a broader modernization of Terminal B, aims to streamline the essential but often time-consuming process of screening airport staff. Unlike traditional metal detectors, the HEXWAVE system offers a contactless, walkthrough experience, using a combination of millimeter-wave sensing, 3D imaging, and artificial intelligence to spot concealed weapons, including those made from non-metallic materials like 3D-printed guns or plastic explosives.

A New Era of Airport Security

The core promise of systems like HEXWAVE is to balance enhanced security with operational efficiency—a critical challenge for high-traffic environments. At LaGuardia, where thousands of employees must be screened daily, the move to a "frictionless" model is intended to reduce congestion and improve the flow of personnel without compromising safety.

Liberty's HEXWAVE platform is built on technology exclusively licensed from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It functions by creating a 3D radar image of a person as they walk through the portal, which is then analyzed by AI algorithms trained to identify suspicious objects. This allows for the detection of a wider range of threats than legacy systems, which are primarily limited to metallic objects.

“This deployment at LaGuardia Terminal B is a clear validation of HEXWAVE™ in one of the most demanding, high-throughput environments in the country,” said Bill Frain, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Defense, in a statement. “Airports are under increasing pressure to modernize security without compromising flow, and we’re seeing that translate into real adoption.”

The project was implemented in collaboration with K2 Security Screening Group, an aviation security specialist selected by LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the manager and developer of the state-of-the-art terminal. K2's involvement in installing the system and providing operational support underscores the coordinated effort required to integrate such next-generation technology into a live airport environment.

The Competitive Race for Frictionless Screening

Liberty Defense is not alone in the race to redefine security screening. The deployment at LaGuardia places it in direct competition with other technology firms vying for contracts in the lucrative airport and public venue security market, which is projected to exceed $25 billion globally by 2030.

Its chief rival, Evolv Technology, has deployed its own AI-based, walkthrough screening systems at venues like Oakland International Airport for employee screening. Similarly, established security giant CEIA offers advanced weapon detection systems, including its portable OPENGATE solution, which is now in use at the University of Wisconsin's football stadium—a venue where Liberty Defense had previously trialed its HEXWAVE system. This highlights the intense competition and the rigorous evaluation process these technologies face.

The key differentiator that companies like Liberty and Evolv promote is their ability to detect non-metallic threats, addressing a critical vulnerability in traditional security. As threats evolve, so too must the technology designed to stop them. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recognized this shift, investing in next-generation solutions through initiatives like "Screening at Speed" and providing a $6 million investment to Liberty Defense for enhanced detection development.

Balancing Growth with Financial Prudence

While the LaGuardia deployment represents a significant operational victory, a concurrent announcement from Liberty Defense paints a fuller picture of the challenges facing growth-stage technology companies. The company revealed it had entered into a shares-for-debt settlement with a legal service provider to manage an outstanding debt of CAD$117,000.

The settlement involves issuing over 23,000 common shares and a cash payment of CAD$350,000. According to the company, the move was made "to preserve the Company’s cash for ongoing operations." This type of financial maneuver is common for companies in capital-intensive sectors, allowing them to maintain liquidity while investing in growth and market expansion.

However, it also points to the financial pressures at play. Some market analysis has pointed to "severe financial weakness" for the company, citing declining revenue and losses even as it secures high-profile contracts. The strategy of using equity to settle debts underscores the delicate balancing act between achieving technological validation, scaling operations, and maintaining a healthy balance sheet. The positive market reaction to the LaGuardia news, which saw the company's stock gain over 17%, demonstrates investor optimism in the technology's potential, but the underlying financials highlight the long road to profitability.

The Broader Vision for Public Safety

The implications of the technology being tested at LaGuardia extend far beyond the airport terminal. The move toward non-invasive, high-throughput, AI-driven screening is seen by many as the future of security for a wide array of public spaces, including stadiums, schools, concert venues, and transit hubs.

The fundamental goal is to create safer environments without turning them into fortresses. By allowing people to walk through unimpeded unless a potential threat is detected, these systems can screen large crowds efficiently and discreetly. This capability is becoming increasingly critical as security planners grapple with how to protect "soft targets" from a diverse range of potential attacks.

Liberty Defense has already conducted trials at locations like the Camden Yards Sports Complex and sold systems for use at the Los Alamos National Library. The deployment at a major international airport like LaGuardia, however, serves as the most significant real-world test case to date. Its performance in this demanding, 24/7 operational environment will be closely watched by airport operators, security professionals, and policymakers worldwide. Success here could accelerate the adoption of similar technologies, fundamentally changing how communities approach public safety in an increasingly complex world.