Ericsson Demos 5G Network for Drone Detection
Ericsson has demonstrated a proof-of-concept for detecting and locating drones using its 5G mobile network infrastructure. The technology integrates sensing capabilities directly into the telecommunications network, allowing it to sense its surroundings. This wide-area sensing capability could augment local sensors for airspace safety and transportation management.
- The underlying technology is known as Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), a concept being explored for 6G that combines sensing and communication into a single system. This allows the 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) infrastructure to be used like radar to detect, locate, and track passive objects like drones. - This capability directly supports Department of Defense (DoD) modernization priorities outlined in its Private 5G Deployment Strategy. The DoD is actively leveraging private 5G for applications like enhanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), with defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Verizon already demonstrating 5G-connected drones for military use cases. - The global counter-drone market is projected to grow from USD 4.48 billion in 2025 to USD 14.51 billion by 2030. Key established players in this sector include RTX, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, and DroneShield. - Venture capital investment in the counter-UAS market has accelerated significantly, growing 393% from $233 million in 2022 to $1.15 billion in 2025, largely driven by lessons from the conflict in Ukraine. This surge in funding signals the emergence of a new generation of counter-drone startups. - The use of cellular networks for drone operations extends beyond detection, enabling reliable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights. High-bandwidth 5G connectivity is critical for streaming sensor data like high-definition video, LiDAR, and thermal imaging in real-time. - In a related trial with network operator TDC NET, Ericsson demonstrated using the 5G network to provide drone positioning data accurate to within 2cm, which can serve as a trusted secondary validation for GPS and enable safer, more precise navigation. - The European Commission is formally proposing to leverage 5G networks and ISAC technology for drone detection as part of its counter-drone strategy, aiming to track drones by identifying anomalous SIM card activity or by using the 5G antennas as a wide-area radar system.
