Ericsson filed an 8-K press release on November 2, 2026, announcing the introduction of its Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) System, which adds drone detection and tracking capabilities to existing 5G mobile network infrastructure.

Key Highlights

  • New product introduced: Ericsson introduced the Ericsson ISAC System, designed to detect and track moving objects, including drones, using existing 5G network infrastructure.
  • Commercial pilots planned for 2027: Small-scale, sensing-only commercial pilots with selected customers are expected to begin in 2027, with broader deployments expected from 2028.
  • AT&T trial in Arlington, Texas: Trials with AT&T used sensing dashboards to detect, locate, and track multiple drones at a venue environment.
  • Erillisverkot trial in Helsinki: A demonstration with Erillisverkot showed multiple 5G sites detecting and tracking drones to support public safety and counter-UAS operations.
  • Poland demonstration: Ericsson, Asseco, and Play demonstrated drone detection and positioning combining ISAC technology, Play's mobile network, and Asseco's PUSZCZYK acoustic detection system.
  • Test performance: In validated tests, according to the filing, the system "reliably detected and tracked micro drones at kilometer-scale distances with precise 3D positioning."
  • 6G integration planned: The filing states the integrated communications capability will be added as the solution evolves toward 6G.

Ericsson ISAC System: Adding Sensing to Existing 5G Networks

According to the filing, the Ericsson ISAC System detects and tracks objects by analyzing how radio signals are reflected by objects in the environment. The company disclosed that it operates as a "multi-static system," meaning sensing signal transmission and reception are distributed across multiple geographically separate mobile-network sites. This allows objects to be viewed from multiple angles simultaneously, which the company says provides higher accuracy, improved detection confidence, and coverage resilience.

The filing states that the system uses existing 5G mobile network infrastructure components, including towers, backhaul, and spectrum, already deployed across cities, transport corridors, and strategic locations. Tracking data and AI-based classification generated by the system can, according to the filing, "be securely shared through standardized interfaces with authorized external systems, including security and command and control systems." The company described the system as complementing radar and other sensors rather than replacing them.

Potential applications listed in the filing include defense and public safety, critical infrastructure protection for ports and power plants, transport and industrial environments, and what the filing describes as the "low-altitude economy," covering drone traffic management, urban airspace monitoring, and digital twins for smart-city planning. The company noted that actual performance depends on factors including "the characteristics and flight profile of the target, sensing geometry, terrain and surrounding environment, and system configuration." Ericsson trades on NASDAQ:ERIC.

What Was Disclosed

Ericsson announced the introduction of its ISAC System for 5G-based drone detection, disclosed the results of validated tests and live trials with AT&T, Erillisverkot, and partners in Poland, and outlined a phased commercial rollout beginning with pilots in 2027 and broader deployments in 2028.