WS Investor
12 Aug 2026, 15:57
Lockheed Martin, Verizon and NVIDIA Demonstrate AI-Powered Drone Detection Using 5G Networks
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), Verizon, NVIDIA, Keysight Technologies, ODC and Astris AI have successfully demonstrated a new AI-powered system designed to detect and track drones using existing 5G infrastructure.
The NetSense Airspace Awareness-as-a-Service system uses AI to analyze radio-frequency disturbances across cellular networks, allowing it to identify, track and monitor unmanned aircraft without requiring major changes to existing 5G infrastructure. During a July demonstration in Miami, the technology successfully detected drones and maintained tracking throughout their flights.
The platform combines Lockheed Martin's tracking technology with Verizon's 5G spectrum, NVIDIA AI Aerial, ODC's AI-native radio-access-network software and Keysight's RF simulation technology. Potential applications include airports, power plants, hospitals, schools, stadiums and other critical infrastructure.
An important advantage is scalability. NetSense can operate using existing cellular deployments, potentially providing a faster and more cost-effective alternative to dedicated drone-detection infrastructure. It also has a roadmap toward future 6G networks.
Pilot deployments are planned for the second half of 2026 and early 2027, with broader commercial availability targeted for 2027. The system will be offered as a subscription integrated with customers' existing security operations.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), Verizon, NVIDIA, Keysight Technologies, ODC and Astris AI have successfully demonstrated a new AI-powered system designed to detect and track drones using existing 5G infrastructure.
The NetSense Airspace Awareness-as-a-Service system uses AI to analyze radio-frequency disturbances across cellular networks, allowing it to identify, track and monitor unmanned aircraft without requiring major changes to existing 5G infrastructure. During a July demonstration in Miami, the technology successfully detected drones and maintained tracking throughout their flights.
The platform combines Lockheed Martin's tracking technology with Verizon's 5G spectrum, NVIDIA AI Aerial, ODC's AI-native radio-access-network software and Keysight's RF simulation technology. Potential applications include airports, power plants, hospitals, schools, stadiums and other critical infrastructure.
An important advantage is scalability. NetSense can operate using existing cellular deployments, potentially providing a faster and more cost-effective alternative to dedicated drone-detection infrastructure. It also has a roadmap toward future 6G networks.
Pilot deployments are planned for the second half of 2026 and early 2027, with broader commercial availability targeted for 2027. The system will be offered as a subscription integrated with customers' existing security operations.
