Ericsson Launches 5G-Based System to Detect and Track Drones

Ericsson  has introduced its Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) System, a new solution that uses existing mobile network infrastructure to detect and track low-flying, fast-moving objects such as drones across wide areas.

The system adds sensing capabilities to mobile networks, enabling defence, public safety and critical infrastructure operators to monitor objects even when they are not connected to the network.

The announcement follows successful testing of ISAC technology over the past several months. Ericsson plans to introduce the solution commercially in phases, beginning with small-scale, sensing-only commercial pilots with selected customers in 2027. Broader deployments are expected from 2028, while integrated communications capabilities will be added as the solution evolves towards 6G.

The development comes as small, low-cost drones are increasingly being used for unlawful surveillance, organised crime, sabotage and warfare. Their size and low-altitude flight patterns make them difficult to detect, creating challenges for national security, critical infrastructure protection and public safety.

According to Ericsson, dedicated sensors will remain important for protecting critical sites, but deploying them across wider areas can be difficult because of the additional infrastructure required.

The Ericsson ISAC System is designed to address this challenge by turning mobile networks into an additional layer of situational awareness. It uses sensing-capable 5G radios, edge computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and signal processing to detect objects and maintain tracking across network coverage areas, complementing rather than replacing radar and other sensors.

How the Ericsson ISAC System works

The system detects and tracks objects by analysing how radio signals are reflected by objects in the surrounding environment. It operates as a multi-static system, with sensing signal transmission and reception distributed across multiple geographically separate mobile network sites.

This arrangement allows objects to be observed from different angles, improving detection confidence, positioning accuracy, track continuity and coverage resilience.

The technology uses existing 5G infrastructure, including towers, backhaul and spectrum, across cities, transport corridors and strategic locations to generate tracking data and AI-based classification.

The data can be securely shared through standardised interfaces with authorised external systems, including security and command-and-control platforms. When combined with information from other sensors and mitigation systems, it can provide operators with a broader operational picture to support faster and more informed responses.

In validated tests, the system detected and tracked micro-drones at distances of several kilometres, with precise three-dimensional positioning. Ericsson said testing 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 and flight profile, sensing geometry, terrain, surrounding environment and system configuration.

Ericsson demonstrates technology with network partners

Ericsson has conducted demonstrations with several partners to evaluate the technology in live 5G environments.

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, highlighting potential applications in protecting major venues, critical infrastructure and other key locations.

A separate demonstration with Finland’s Erillisverkot in Helsinki showed multiple 5G sites detecting and tracking drones. The trial explored how network 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 ISAC technology, Play’s mobile network and Asseco’s PUSZCZYK acoustic detection system could work together to improve the detection and positioning of low-flying drones.

Potential applications across security and industry

Ericsson identifies several potential applications for the system, including airspace monitoring across borders, coastlines and strategic assets; protection of ports, power plants and other critical infrastructure; and safer operations across transport and industrial environments.

The technology could also support the development of the low-altitude economy through 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 Defense, 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

The commercial rollout will begin with selected customer pilots in 2027, followed by broader deployments from 2028. Ericsson says the system will evolve to incorporate integrated communications capabilities as mobile networks move towards 6G.