Ericsson is bringing drone detection to mobile networks, analyzing radio signal reflections to identify and track low-altitude objects. The telecoms infrastructure maker says its Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) tech adds detection to existing mobile networks, closing a security gap in tracking low-flying, fast-moving objects such as drones. Following tests over the past few months, Ericsson says it will introduce the tech commercially in phases. Small-scale, sensing-only pilots with selected customers will start in 2027, followed by broader deployments from 2028. CCS Insight research director Ian Fogg, said told The Register :
"While sensing can be used for other things — like tracking boats in a port, traffic patterns or weather conditions — drone detection [in civilian areas] is the most pressing need which cannot easily be solved using other technologies. "Mobile networks are useful as drone detection solutions because their antennas are already covering low elevations, close to ground level where drones often fly, unlike traditional radar." Although it is possible to use 5G networks for sensing, a standards-based 6G method could improve precision by letting different suppliers’ base stations "interoperate", alongside a mix of client devices, tracking the "smallest and fastest moving drones in difficult environments," Fogg added. "The new spectrum that should arrive with 6G will also make it easier to deploy sensing on wide channels which further improves detection accuracy," he said…