Ericsson filed an 8-K press release on November 2, 2026, announcing the introduction of its Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) System, a product designed to detect and track moving objects such as drones using existing 5G mobile network infrastructure.

Key Highlights

  • New product introduced: Ericsson announced the Ericsson ISAC System, which adds sensing capabilities to mobile networks to detect and track objects not connected to the network.
  • Commercial pilot timeline: Small-scale, sensing-only commercial pilots with selected customers are expected to begin in 2027, with broader-scale deployments expected from 2028.
  • Validated testing: In validated tests, the system "reliably detected and tracked micro drones at kilometer-scale distances with precise 3D positioning," according to the filing.
  • AT&T trial in Arlington, Texas: A trial with AT&T used sensing dashboards to display drone activity, detecting and tracking multiple drones across the network.
  • Erillisverkot demonstration in Helsinki: Multiple 5G sites detected and tracked drones to support public safety and counter-UAS operations.
  • Poland demonstration: Ericsson, Asseco, and Play demonstrated detection and positioning of low-flying drones with higher accuracy using combined technologies.
  • 6G integration planned: The filing states that integrated communications capability "will be added as the solution evolves towards 6G."

Ericsson ISAC System: How 5G Infrastructure Is Used for Wide-Area Drone Detection

According to the filing, the Ericsson ISAC System operates as a "multi-static system," meaning sensing signal transmission and reception are distributed across multiple geographically separate mobile-network sites. The system analyzes how radio signals are reflected by objects in the environment to detect and track them, including objects not connected to the network. The filing states the system uses existing 5G network assets such as towers, backhaul, and spectrum already deployed across cities, transport corridors, and strategic locations.

The filing describes the system as using "sensing-capable 5G radios, edge computing, AI and signal processing" to maintain tracks across coverage areas. Tracking data and AI-based classification can be "securely shared through standardized interfaces with authorized external systems, including security and command and control systems," according to the disclosure. The filing notes the system is designed to complement, not replace, radar and other dedicated sensors.

Ericsson disclosed four categories of potential applications: defense and public safety (airspace monitoring across borders and strategic assets), critical infrastructure protection (ports, power plants), transport and industry (road, rail, and industrial environments), and the low-altitude economy (drone traffic management and urban airspace monitoring). The filing includes a cautionary note that "actual performance depends on factors such as the characteristics and flight profile of the target, sensing geometry, terrain and surrounding environment, and system configuration."

What Was Disclosed

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) disclosed the launch of its ISAC System for 5G-based drone detection, citing validated testing results, live trial partnerships with AT&T, Erillisverkot, Asseco, and Play, and a phased commercial rollout plan beginning in 2027.