TSA PreCheck Vet Joins Liberty Defense, Heats Up Airport Security Race

WILMINGTON, Mass. – February 11, 2026 – In a strategic move poised to reshape the competitive landscape of airport security, Liberty Defense has appointed Matt Johnson, a key architect of the TSA PreCheck program, to its leadership team. The hire signals an aggressive push by the AI-based weapons detection company to expand its footprint in the highly regulated and lucrative aviation sector, a domain currently dominated by established industry giants.

Johnson joins Liberty Defense as the Department of Homeland Security Relationship Manager, bringing a formidable resume that bridges government security operations with private-sector technology scaling. His appointment is seen by industry analysts as a significant maneuver, providing Liberty with an invaluable 'insider edge' as it seeks to deploy its next-generation screening solutions in airports across the nation and globally.

The Insider Advantage in a High-Stakes Market

Matt Johnson is not just another executive; he represents a rare blend of experience that is exceptionally difficult to replicate. During his more than 20 years at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), he was instrumental in the design and rollout of risk-based security initiatives, most notably the development and nationwide deployment of TSA PreCheck. This program fundamentally changed the passenger experience for millions by creating an expedited screening process based on pre-vetted, low-risk travelers.

His expertise lies in understanding the intricate web of federal security requirements, operational logistics, and the political sensitivities that govern technology adoption within the Department of Homeland Security. This is precisely the kind of knowledge that can transform a promising technology into a contracted, deployed solution.

“Matt’s experience is exceptionally well aligned with Liberty’s mission and our current stage of growth,” commented Bill Frain, Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Defense. “He brings a rare combination of deep operational insight from his time at the TSA and hands-on experience helping scale next-generation detection solutions in complex, regulated environments. As we expand our aviation footprint and scale deployments, Matt’s leadership will be instrumental in helping us execute effectively, build trusted partnerships, and position Liberty for long-term success in the checkpoint security market.”

Johnson's more recent role at Evolv Technology, a direct competitor in the advanced weapons detection space, further burnishes his credentials. There, he helped drive growth strategy and scale the adoption of similar next-generation systems, giving him a front-line perspective on the commercial challenges and opportunities in the security tech market.

A New Front in the Security Tech Showdown

Johnson's move from Evolv to Liberty Defense intensifies an already fierce competition to define the future of security checkpoints. The market has long been the territory of behemoths like Smiths Detection and Leidos, which acquired the formidable L3Harris security division. These companies provide the familiar X-ray tunnels and body scanners that are staples of airport security worldwide.

However, Liberty Defense and its competitors are championing a different approach. Instead of incremental improvements to existing technology, they are pushing for a paradigm shift with AI-powered, high-throughput systems. Liberty's flagship product, HEXWAVE, utilizes millimeter-wave technology, 3D radar imaging, and artificial intelligence to detect a broad range of threats, including non-metallic weapons like 3D-printed guns and ceramic knives, which can be challenging for traditional metal detectors.

The system is designed as a contactless, walkthrough portal, allowing individuals to be screened without removing jackets or everyday items like phones and keys, promising to dramatically increase throughput and improve the passenger experience. This vision directly aligns with the TSA's stated goals of modernizing technology to enhance security while reducing friction for travelers.

Johnson's appointment is a clear signal that Liberty is ready to challenge the status quo and compete for major government contracts. His understanding of both the government's needs and the competitive landscape provides a strategic advantage as the company navigates the complex procurement process.

From Trials to Takeoff: Modernizing the Checkpoint

While the new appointment is a major headline, Liberty Defense has already been laying the groundwork for its aviation ambitions. The company has been actively engaged in a series of high-profile trials and deployments, demonstrating the capabilities of its HEXWAVE system in real-world airport environments.

Recent operational tests have taken place at major international hubs, including Denver International Airport (DEN), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Toronto Pearson International Airport. These trials have focused on employee screening checkpoints, a critical but often overlooked aspect of airport security. The goal has been to prove HEXWAVE's effectiveness in detecting threats in a high-throughput setting without causing operational bottlenecks.

The strategy appears to be paying off. Just this month, Liberty Defense announced it had secured a contract to deploy multiple HEXWAVE systems for aviation worker screening at a major U.S. airport that handles over 30 million passengers annually. This contract represents a significant commercial validation of its technology and a crucial first step in wider market penetration.

These deployments are critical as they provide the real-world data and operational case studies needed to convince risk-averse airport operators and government agencies to invest in new technology. With Johnson now on board to manage and expand these critical government relationships, the pace from trial to full-scale deployment could accelerate significantly.

The Future of Air Travel: Beyond PreCheck

For the average traveler, the ultimate question is what this means for the often-stressful journey through airport security. The vision presented by companies like Liberty Defense, and championed by experts like Johnson, is a future where security is both stronger and less intrusive.

Johnson’s work on TSA PreCheck proved that a more intelligent, risk-based approach could successfully segment passengers to improve efficiency. The next evolution of this concept involves smarter technology at the checkpoint itself. Systems like HEXWAVE promise a future where the security line moves continuously, where passengers are not forced to partially disrobe or unpack their belongings, and where the screening process is seamless and unobtrusive.

This new generation of technology is designed to be more discerning, using AI to identify potential threats with greater accuracy while ignoring benign items. This reduces the number of false alarms and the need for invasive secondary pat-downs, enhancing both passenger dignity and security effectiveness.

As Liberty Defense leverages Johnson's expertise to deepen its engagement with the DHS and TSA, the industry will be watching closely. The successful integration of these advanced systems could mark the most significant evolution in airport security since the post-9/11 era, finally delivering on the long-held promise of a faster, safer, and more civilized travel experience.