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Lockheed Martin Tracks Drones Using Verizon 5G Network

August 12, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Lockheed Martin detected and tracked drones using a commercial 5G network.
The demonstration utilized Verizon's network without modifying deployed radios.
Lockheed Martin's NetSense system detected drones and maintained track custody.
The company plans to sell NetSense as a subscription service.

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Strategic Implications

This demonstration may indicate a significant advancement in wide-area airspace monitoring, leveraging existing commercial infrastructure. The use of AI and 5G networks could suggest a cost-effective solution for drone detection, which may benefit airports and other critical infrastructure. However, the lack of disclosed detection range and false alarm rates may indicate limitations in the system's current capabilities.

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What Happened

Commercial Cellular Infrastructure Enables Wide-Area Airspace Monitoring

Lockheed Martin has successfully demonstrated the ability to detect and track drones using a commercial 5G network, without modifying the operator’s deployed radios. The demonstration, which took place in the Miami area in July 2026, utilized Verizon’s network and involved several other companies, including NVIDIA, Keysight Technologies, and Astris AI. Lockheed Martin’s NetSense system detected the drones, alerted the team, and maintained track custody through the flight. The company plans to sell NetSense as a subscription service, with pilot deployments planned for the second half of 2026 and early 2027. This development was first reported by AeroTime.

Source | Originally Published: August 12, 2026

Companies Mentioned