Ericsson Taps Existing 5G Networks to Detect Low-Flying Drones

Ericsson  has introduced its Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) System, a solution designed to use existing mobile network infrastructure to detect and track low-flying objects, including drones, across wide areas. The launch follows successful testing of the technology over the past months and is aimed at supporting defence, public safety and critical infrastructure operators in identifying moving objects, including those not connected to mobile networks.

The Ericsson ISAC System adds sensing capabilities to mobile networks by combining 5G radios, edge computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and signal processing. It is designed to address challenges associated with detecting small, low-cost drones, which are increasingly being used for unlawful surveillance, organised crime, sabotage and warfare. Their small size and low-altitude flight patterns make them difficult to detect using conventional systems, creating additional security concerns for governments and operators of critical infrastructure.

According to Ericsson, the system uses existing mobile network assets, including towers, backhaul and spectrum, to provide wide-area detection without requiring the extensive deployment of new dedicated sensor infrastructure. It analyses how radio signals reflect off objects in the surrounding environment to detect and track their movements, including objects that are not connected to the network.

The technology operates as a multi-static sensing system, with signal transmission and reception distributed across multiple geographically separated mobile network sites. This allows objects to be observed from different angles, improving detection confidence, positioning accuracy, tracking continuity and coverage resilience.

The resulting tracking data and AI-based classification can be securely shared through standardised interfaces with authorised external platforms, including security and command-and-control systems. When combined with information from other sensors and mitigation platforms, the system can provide operators with a broader operational picture to support faster and more informed decisions. Ericsson said the technology is designed to complement existing radar and sensing systems rather than replace them.

In validated tests, the system detected and tracked micro-drones at distances of several kilometres, providing precise three-dimensional positioning. The tests also demonstrated consistent detection and tracking across different operating conditions, system configurations and drone flight patterns. However, actual performance depends on factors including the target’s characteristics, flight profile, sensing geometry, terrain, surrounding environment and system configuration.

Ericsson has also evaluated the technology through live 5G demonstrations with industry partners. Trials with AT&T in Arlington, Texas, used sensing dashboards to display drone activity. The demonstration combined Ericsson’s technology with AT&T’s network expertise to detect, locate and track multiple drones, illustrating potential applications in protecting major venues, critical infrastructure and other strategic locations.

A separate demonstration with Erillisverkot in Helsinki involved multiple 5G sites detecting and tracking drones. The trial explored how network-based sensing could support public safety and counter-unmanned aircraft system (counter-UAS) operations while extending coverage alongside traditional sensors.

In Poland, Ericsson, Asseco and Play demonstrated how the ISAC technology could work with Play’s mobile network and Asseco’s PUSZCZYK acoustic detection system to improve the detection and positioning of low-flying drones.

The company identified defence and public safety, critical infrastructure, transport and industry, and the low-altitude economy as potential application areas. These include airspace monitoring across borders and coastlines, protection of ports and power plants, safer road and rail operations, drone traffic management, urban airspace monitoring and digital twins for smart-city planning and environmental mapping.

“Low-flying drones create a detection coverage gap that no single sensor can effectively address. Ericsson ISAC System enables multiple 5G sites to deliver coordinated wide-area detection and continuous tracking, with data that can be integrated with traditional sensing technologies and operational systems. It also gives operators a pathway to create new services from existing network assets.”

– Freddie Södergren, Global Head of Mission Critical Networks and Defence, Ericsson

“Ericsson’s ISAC System shows that mobile-network sensing can perform far better than many expect, turning complex radio reflections into remarkably accurate tracking of low-flying, uncooperative objects. By building on an extensive footprint of existing sites, Ericsson has the potential to deliver wide-area drone detection faster and more cost-efficiently than deploying new dedicated sensor infrastructure.”

– Joe Madden, Principal Analyst, Mobile Experts

“Detecting small drones across large areas is a growing operational challenge. The possibility of using distributed infrastructure to complement existing sensors could provide an important additional layer of situational awareness.”

– Carl Lundqvist, Chief Architect, Swedish Armed Forces HQ

“The next evolution of connectivity is about networks that don’t just move data but help organizations with insights to better understand and respond to the events in the real world. Bringing Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) capabilities into existing 5G infrastructure can provide telemetry and intelligence in situations where it is not possible or desirable to pre-deploy sensors or cameras. Deploying this technology in a complex environment like a stadium is an important example of how intelligent networks can drive better safety and security outcomes from infrastructure already in place.”

– Shawn Hakl, SVP and Head of Product, AT&T Business

“The Ericsson ISAC System shows that dual-use technology can strengthen national security by extending sensing capabilities to help authorities protect people and critical infrastructure. Together with Ericsson, we are exploring how this capability can be developed responsibly to enhance Finland’s resilience, security, and preparedness.”

– Antti Kauppinen, CTO, Erillisverkot

Ericsson plans to introduce the ISAC System commercially in phases, starting with small-scale sensing-only pilots involving selected customers in 2027. Broader deployments are expected from 2028, while integrated communications capabilities will be added as the technology develops towards 6G.