Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), Verizon (NYSE:VZ), Keysight Technologies (NYSE:KEYS), ODC and Astris AI completed a live demonstration of the NetSense Airspace Awareness-as-a-Service platform in the Miami area in July, showcasing technology designed to detect and monitor drones using existing 5G infrastructure.
The system combines Verizon’s 5G network spectrum with ODC’s AI-native Radio Access Network software, Nvidia’s AI Aerial platform and Keysight’s radio-frequency simulation technology to identify, track and monitor unmanned aircraft systems.
During the demonstration, NetSense successfully detected drones and maintained continuous tracking throughout their flights without requiring modifications to existing cellular radio deployments.
AI analyses radio signals to track drones
NetSense uses artificial intelligence to analyse disturbances in radio-frequency signals, allowing the platform to predict and follow UAS flight paths while providing customers with real-time alerts.
The approach is designed to use existing telecommunications infrastructure rather than requiring the installation of an entirely separate detection network.
Lockheed Martin said the platform is also compatible with future 6G Integrated Sensing and Communications technology, providing a potential pathway towards wider deployment as telecommunications networks evolve.
“By working within the established 5G network spectrum, we’re able to collaborate with the commercial technology industry and deploy a solution that’s ready at the time of need,” said Sarah Hiza, senior vice president of Technology and Strategic Innovation at Lockheed Martin.
Astris AI to commercialise NetSense
Astris AI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, will become the commercial home of the NetSense platform.
The technology is expected to be offered through a subscription-based model that can integrate with customers’ existing security operations, allowing organisations to add airspace monitoring capabilities without replacing their current security infrastructure.
Pilot deployments are planned for the second half of 2026 and early 2027. Lockheed Martin is targeting general commercial availability during 2027, although initial access will be restricted to selected customers.
Lockheed Martin targets critical infrastructure and government customers
Lockheed Martin sees a broad range of potential applications for NetSense, particularly at locations where unauthorised drone activity could create security or operational risks.
Potential deployment sites include critical infrastructure, stadiums, power plants, schools, hospitals and airports.
The company also expects the system to be relevant for municipal, state and federal government customers seeking additional capabilities to monitor unmanned aircraft activity.
By combining commercial 5G networks with artificial intelligence and radio-frequency sensing, NetSense represents Lockheed Martin’s effort to develop a scalable drone-monitoring service that can operate within existing communications infrastructure.