Full Breakdown
Lockheed Martin Launches 5G-Based Drone Detection Service for Commercial Users
8/16/2026, 11:19:57 AM
Core Event
Lockheed Martin is preparing to offer NetSense, an “airspace awareness-as-a-service” system that detects, tracks and alerts operators to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) using existing Verizon 5G spectrum. A live demonstration near Miami in the previous month showed the prototype identifying drones in a high-traffic urban environment without modifying the carrier’s network. The company plans pilot deployments in the latter half of this year and early next year, with full commercial availability slated for 2027.
How the System Works
NetSense integrates Lockheed Martin’s warning and tracking technologies with AI-driven analysis of radio-frequency (RF) data collected by the 5G network. Verizon’s AI-RAN software from ODC feeds RF measurements to Nvidia’s AI Aerial platform, which interprets signal disturbances to predict a drone’s flight path. Keysight Technologies provides RF modeling and simulation to verify performance, while Lockheed Martin’s Astris AI subsidiary supplies the underlying defense-grade algorithms. The architecture can operate on any current 5G network and is designed for future 6G Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) deployments.
Planned Rollout & Applications
Lockheed Martin targets a range of commercial and governmental customers, including critical-infrastructure operators, large-stadium events, power plants, schools, hospitals and airports. The service will be delivered as a subscription that integrates with customers’ security-operations centers. By leveraging the already-installed 5G fabric, the solution promises faster deployment, lower cost and scalability compared with dedicated sensing hardware.
Official Statements & Responses
Anil Guntupali, senior vice president of technology and product development at Verizon, described the approach as turning the network into “an intelligent sensing platform” that can provide UAS awareness for airports, stadiums, utilities and hospitals. The joint press release from the participating companies highlighted the solution’s ability to protect people and critical infrastructure across diverse environments.
