Lockheed Martin, Verizon, NVIDIA, Keysight Technologies, ODC and Astris AI have demonstrated a NetSense system using existing 5G infrastructure to detect and track unmanned aircraft systems, the companies announced on 12 August.
The demonstration, conducted in the Miami area in July, used Verizon’s 5G network spectrum, ODC’s AI-native radio access network software, NVIDIA’s AI Aerial platform and Keysight’s RF simulation technology. Lockheed Martin said the system detected drones and maintained track custody during the demonstration.
NetSense uses artificial intelligence to analyse changes in radio-frequency signals within existing 5G infrastructure and generate alerts when unmanned aircraft are detected. Lockheed Martin previously demonstrated a prototype of the system in March, when it detected a small drone that was not connected to the cellular network.
The companies said the system is intended for applications including public events and critical infrastructure protection. Pilot deployments are planned for the second half of 2026 and early 2027, with general commercial availability planned for 2027.
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Image: Lockheed Martin NetSense July Demonstration. (Credit: Lockheed Martin)