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# Lockheed Martin and Partners Demonstrate AI-Powered 5G Drone Detection System
- URL: https://www.warfaredecoded.com/lockheed-martin-and-partners-demonstrate-ai-powered-5g-drone-detection-system-2/
- Published: 2026-08-17T14:30:16.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-17T14:30:15.000Z
- Author: Kevin Macmellon

Lockheed Martin and a group of technology partners have demonstrated **NetSense**, an AI-powered system designed to detect, track, and monitor unmanned aircraft using **existing 5G network infrastructure**. 

The July demonstration in the Miami area brought together Lockheed Martin, Verizon, NVIDIA, Keysight Technologies, ODC, and Astris AI.

### Turning 5G Networks Into Airspace Sensors

Instead of relying entirely on dedicated radar or standalone RF sensors, NetSense uses changes in the **radio-frequency environment around existing 5G networks**. AI algorithms analyze those changes and identify potential drone activity, providing users with alerts and tracking information.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/44/1e448b0d-1e44-4bbb-bad8-c4da165a2995/content/images/2026/08/AI-Powered-5G-Drone-Detection-System-like-Drone.png)

An advanced drone equipped with high-resolution sensors takes flight, showcasing the growing role of unmanned systems in modern surveillance and aerial operations

The approach could allow organizations to add low-altitude airspace monitoring without installing an entirely separate network of detection sensors. Lockheed Martin previously demonstrated a NetSense prototype in March, when it detected a small drone that was **not connected to the cellular network**.

### Technology From Multiple Partners

The demonstration combined several technologies. Verizon provided the existing 5G network and spectrum, while NVIDIA supplied AI technology. 

Keysight Technologies contributed RF simulation capabilities, ODC provided AI-native radio-access-network software, and Lockheed Martin and its Astris AI subsidiary supplied detection, tracking, and AI capabilities.

The companies say the technology could eventually support **public safety, critical infrastructure, and major-event security**, where unauthorized drones can create significant airspace risks. Lockheed Martin describes NetSense as an **“Airspace Awareness-as-a-Service”** capability intended to make drone detection more accessible and scalable.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1e/44/1e448b0d-1e44-4bbb-bad8-c4da165a2995/content/images/2026/08/Drone-Hovering-Over-Urban-Skyline.png)

Drone operating over an urban area, highlighting the growing use of unmanned systems for aerial surveillance and situational awareness

### A New Approach to Counter-Drone Detection

NetSense is part of a broader effort to combine commercial communications infrastructure with AI-enabled defense and security technologies. 

Rather than replacing conventional counter-UAS systems, the technology could provide an additional detection and tracking layer before other counter-drone capabilities are employed.

The latest demonstration highlights how **5G infrastructure could evolve beyond communications into a distributed sensing network**, giving operators greater visibility over low-altitude airspace while reducing the need for dedicated sensing infrastructure.

Author: Kevin Macmellon