The United States is developing a 5G technology to track and monitor drones without building a separate detection network.
The research, led by global security, defence and aerospace contractor, Lockheed Martin, alongside other partners, first demonstrated the technology near Miami in July, with the result showing how commercial wireless infrastructure could support drone detection across busy American environments.
The system, called NetSense Airspace Awareness-as-a-Service, analyses radio-frequency disturbances around cellular networks. It can then identify drone activity and maintain a track as the aircraft moves.
The approach could give airports, hospitals, power plants, stadiums and government facilities another layer of airspace protection. It could also help agencies monitor drone activity around sensitive locations.
NetSense combines several commercial technologies to turn cellular signals into useful sensing data. Verizon provided the 5G network spectrum used during the demonstration. ODC supplied AI-native radio access network software for the test. NVIDIA’s AI Aerial platform analysed radio-frequency signals in real time. Keysight Technologies also contributed its RF simulation technology while Lockheed Martin’s systems then processed the resulting data to identify and track the drone.
NVIDIA senior vice president (Telecom), Ronnie Vasishta said the technology brings AI-powered sensing closer to the network edge. That allows RF disturbances to receive rapid analysis and supports faster alerts.
The system does not require changes to existing cellular radio deployments. That detail could make large-scale deployment easier for infrastructure operators. Engineers can also expand the system as new technologies emerge. Its open architecture allows additional sensors and interceptors to connect with existing systems.
During the Miami demonstration, NetSense detected a drone and alerted operators to its presence. The system then maintained track custody as the aircraft continued its flight.
That capability matters as drones become cheaper and easier to acquire. A growing number of commercial and consumer drones now operate near populated areas. Traditional counter-drone systems can require dedicated sensors and specialised hardware. NetSense takes a different engineering route by using infrastructure already deployed across cities.
Lockheed Martin says its approach can also complement future 6G sensing networks. The system currently works with 5G spectrum while providing a path toward broader cellular integration.
Verizon’s Anil Guntupali said existing 5G signals could provide useful sensing data when paired with intelligent software. That concept could turn communications networks into security tools without replacing their core infrastructure.
