Ericsson to trial cellular drone detection in 2027
Ericsson says its ISAC system uses radio reflections across multiple sites to track low-flying drones, with wider availability planned for 2028.
Ericsson has detailed an Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) system that uses cellular radio signals to detect and track low-flying drones, according to techradar.com. Limited commercial trials are planned for 2027, with wider availability during 2028.
The system analyzes radio reflections at multiple cellular sites to estimate an object's position and follow its movement. Ericsson says the technology requires Massive MIMO antennas, computing resources and software, meaning it cannot run on every existing mobile network.
AT&T has tested the technology around Arlington, Texas, and Finland's Erillisverkot ran similar trials. According to Ericsson, both tests successfully identified multiple drones and tracked their movements.
Ericsson positions the system as a complement to existing radar surveillance rather than a replacement. Ian Fogg, research director at CCS Insight, is quoted on drone detection.
Quick answers
When will Ericsson's drone detection technology be available?
Ericsson plans limited commercial trials in 2027, with wider availability during 2028.
Which operators have tested Ericsson's ISAC system?
AT&T tested it around Arlington, Texas, and Finland's Erillisverkot ran similar trials. Ericsson says both tests identified and tracked multiple drones.