Lockheed Martin, Verizon demo drone-detection system using 5G and AI

The NetSense demonstration represents a shift in how the defense and infrastructure sectors approach drone detection. Rather than building purpose-built systems from scratch, Lockheed Martin and its partners are repurposing existing commercial infrastructure—specifically Verizon's 5G networks—to create an intelligent sensing platform. This approach addresses a genuine operational gap: as drones become more affordable and widely available, the need for persistent airspace monitoring has grown, but traditional custom solutions are expensive and slow to deploy.

The use of commercial off-the-shelf components and open architecture is central to the value proposition. By relying on existing 5G deployments and NVIDIA's AI software, the system avoids the need for new cellular hardware investment while remaining compatible with future 6G Integrated Sensing and Communication standards. This means early adopters benefit immediately, and the solution will not become obsolete when 6G arrives. The subscription delivery model, along with the planned pilot deployments in the second half of 2026, signals confidence that the technology is mature enough for real-world deployment at critical sites like airports, power plants, and stadiums.