Michigan State Capitol Enhances Airspace Security with AirHub® Drone Management System

March 9, 2026, marks a significant milestone for airspace security at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. Airspace Link, Inc., a prominent provider of Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) solutions recognized by the FAA, has successfully deployed its AirHub® Portal Drone Operations Management System (DOMS) across the Capitol complex. This initiative aims to bolster airspace safety and streamline the management of drone activities in the vicinity of this crucial governmental structure.

The newly implemented system integrates various detection technologies, including Remote ID and ADS-B sensors, creating a unified and vendor-agnostic operational picture. This comprehensive monitoring solution equips Capitol security personnel and the Michigan Capitol Police with real-time insights into aerial activities, enabling them to identify friendly versus potentially hostile aircraft, automate drone alerts, and ensure coordinated responses among multiple law enforcement agencies.

The decision to transition to full system deployment followed a successful proof of concept in late 2025. By February 2026, the Capitol had expanded its internal drone operations team, which is now tasked with performing infrastructure inspections throughout the complex using the capabilities provided by the AirHub platform.

Robert Blackshaw, Executive Director of the Michigan State Capitol Commission, emphasized the necessity of effective airspace management. “Protecting the airspace over the Michigan State Capitol is not optional. It is a core security requirement, and until now we did not have the tools to do it effectively. AirHub gives our security team and our law enforcement partners a shared view of everything happening in the airspace around the Capitol complex, whether it's an authorized inspection flight or an unknown aircraft that requires a coordinated response.”

Michael Healander, CEO and Founder of Airspace Link, remarked on the innovative capabilities of the AirHub system, stating, “The Michigan State Capitol is exactly the kind of critical infrastructure that demands a unified approach to airspace security and drone operations management. AirHub provides the Capitol with a single pane of glass that fuses data from multiple sensor types, identifies whether aircraft in the airspace are authorized or potential threats, and – critically – gives Capitol Police and partner agencies a shared platform for real-time coordination.” This integrated approach is especially valuable as organizations prepare for major national events such as the FIFA World Cup, where the security of low-altitude airspace becomes increasingly crucial.

The introduction of AirHub® DOMS addresses a significant gap in airspace security measures concerning government buildings and public safety organizations, which often lack a shared detection framework. The AirHub platform enables various detection technologies—including RF detection, Remote ID, ADS-B, optical, radar, and acoustic sensors—to converge into a singular, comprehensive view of airspace activity. By ensuring compatibility with multiple sensor types, the platform provides flexibility, allowing organizations to integrate the detection hardware best suited to their needs without being constrained by a single vendor’s limitations.

A standout feature of this deployment is its ability to support coordinated efforts among several agencies responsible for Capitol security operations. With regular collaboration required among the Michigan Capitol Police, Michigan State Police, the Lansing Police Department, and additional responding entities, AirHub establishes a common operating picture that enhances situational awareness, allowing these agencies to share vital information in real-time and collaborate on response protocols.

As national concerns over drone security intensify—especially with the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026—state and federal agencies are ramping up their investments in drone operation management and counter-UAS capabilities. The Department of Homeland Security has identified the securing of airspace as a priority, prompting legislative actions across numerous state legislatures to advance drone-related regulations. The Michigan State Capitol's early adoption of AirHub represents a broader movement recognizing that maintaining effective airspace security isn't just about detection—it necessitates a well-rounded management system that encompasses jurisdictional coordination, threat identification, and operational authority over low-altitude environments.

About Airspace Link

Airspace Link, based in Detroit, is an FAA-approved UTM provider and the brains behind AirHub®, a leading Drone Operations Management System (DOMS). AirHub offers organizations an integrated platform for managing airspace security, operational safety, and the entire lifecycle of drone operations. As a recognized B4UFLY and LAANC provider, Airspace Link enhances safety and organization within the growing drone ecosystem, holding esteemed SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications. For additional information, visit airspacelink.com.