Lockheed Martin, Verizon, Keysight, ODC and Astris AI Demonstrate Technology for Public Airspace Protection with NVIDIA Technology

NetSense™ system combines 5G, commercial technology and AI to detect Unmanned Aerial Systems

BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), in collaboration with Verizon, NVIDIA, Keysight Technologies, ODC, and Astris AI, has recently demonstrated how commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies can facilitate the detection and tracking of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for the protection of public spaces and critical infrastructure.

The demonstration was conducted in July around Miami, showcasing the NetSense™ Airspace Awareness-as-a-Service™ system. This AI-enabled technology is capable of identifying, tracking, and monitoring UAS by leveraging existing 5G networks.

This innovative technology holds extensive commercial potential across various critical infrastructure sectors, including large-scale events at stadiums, utilities like power plants, and essential public spaces such as schools, hospitals, and airports. It also offers city, state, and federal government clients with proactive monitoring capabilities and alerts through the NetSense solution.

THE BIG PICTURE

As the accessibility and capability of drones increase, the demand for continuous and intelligent airspace awareness to safeguard the public escalates. Utilizing established technology, the NetSense solution aims to enhance the protection of individuals and vital infrastructure across diverse environments.

The successful live demonstration occurred in a crucial urban area with high traffic. It highlighted NetSense’s various components, capabilities, and its real-time UAS detection and alert systems. By leveraging Verizon’s existing 5G network spectrum, ODC’s AI-native Radio Access Network (RAN) software, NVIDIA’s AI Aerial platform, and Keysight’s advanced radio frequency (RF) simulation platform, the NetSense system was able to detect and maintain tracking of drones efficiently.

HOW IT WORKS

The NetSense solution integrates Lockheed Martin’s sophisticated warning and tracking systems, utilizing AI to analyze RF disturbances, predict UAS flight paths, and instantaneously issue real-time alerts.

The advantages of the NetSense solution lie in its:

• AI-native sensing: Incorporates NVIDIA AI Aerial to evaluate RF signal disturbances in real-time, feeding this data to Lockheed Martin’s algorithms.
• Speed and agility: Allows quick procurement and deployment compared to traditional systems, utilizing COTS.
• Innovation and cost-effectiveness: The competitive nature of the commercial market encourages cost reduction and innovation.
• Integration potential: Open architecture enables new interceptors and technologies to be integrated into existing platforms without requiring new hardware.
• Scalability: The solution can expand from monitoring a single critical site to supporting a mobile command and control system for larger incidents.
• Open architecture design: Facilitates continuous enhancements, including integration of Lockheed Martin’s capabilities for improved data interpretation and target classification.

The demonstration confirmed that the NetSense system can detect UAS operations without altering existing cellular radio deployments, thus providing large-scale, cost-effective monitoring without the need to upgrade cellular infrastructure, well ahead of the anticipated arrival of 6G Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC).

The NetSense system and its algorithms are designed to complement future 6G ISAC systems, enhancing capabilities when they become available. Currently, it operates on Verizon’s 5G network spectrum, with plans for broader deployment into both 5G and future 6G networks.

NEXT STEPS

The NetSense system will be available as a subscription service that integrates with customers’ existing security systems. Pilot deployments are scheduled for the latter half of 2026 and early 2027, with general commercial availability anticipated for 2027. Initial deployments will focus on select customers with urgent needs. Interested parties can reach out to Astris AI, Lockheed Martin’s subsidiary, at https://astrisai.com/request-a-briefing.

EXPERT PERSPECTIVES

“As drones become more affordable and accessible, airspace awareness technology needs to evolve rapidly to outpace potential threats. That’s why we developed the NetSense solution,” commented Sarah Hiza, senior vice president of Technology and Strategic Innovation at Lockheed Martin. “By working within the established 5G network spectrum, we’re able to collaborate with the commercial technology industry and deploy a solution that’s ready at the time of need.”

“Through the application of AI on RF signal measurement data traversing our 5G infrastructure, we can effectively transform our network into an intelligent sensing platform,” stated Anil Guntupali, senior vice president of Technology and Product Development at Verizon. “This collaboration illustrates that complex security challenges often have solutions embedded within the existing network architecture.”

“The NetSense system exemplifies how AI can convert telecommunications infrastructure into a real-time sensing platform,” remarked Ronnie Vasishta, senior vice president of telecoms at NVIDIA. “By utilizing NVIDIA AI Aerial and AI-RAN, we bring the advantages of AI and accelerated computing to the network edge, enabling instantaneous analysis of RF signal disturbances for faster detection and immediate alerts for public safety and critical infrastructure protection.”

“Our comprehensive capabilities in RF modeling, simulation, and testing are cutting-edge, aiding clients in validating deployment strategies and accelerating the introduction of mission-critical technologies to the market,” noted Kailash Narayanan, senior vice president of Communications Solutions Group at Keysight. “This collaboration underlines our commitment to advancing defense innovations through reliable design and testing solutions.”

Shaygan Kheradpir, chairman of the ODC board of directors, emphasized, “This collaboration signifies a pivotal advancement in the development of coordinated Counter-UAS and layered homeland air defense mechanisms for low-flying threats. Through our AI-Native, Zero Trust AI-RAN platform, ODC delivers Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) capabilities via a standards-compliant commercial architecture, transforming everyday mobile network infrastructure into intelligent wide-area sensors, as demonstrated in applications like NetSense.”

About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a leading global defense technology company that drives innovation and scientific discovery. Their solutions address all-domain challenges while promoting 21st Century Security® and the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure the safety of those they serve. More at www.lockheedmartin.com.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) is dedicated to powering how customers live, work, and play, offering reliable network connectivity and security services across the globe. Headquartered in New York City, Verizon achieved revenues of $138.2 billion in 2025. For further information, visit verizon.com.

About Keysight
Keysight (NYSE: KEYS) empowers innovators to transform ideas into impactful technologies. As a member of the S&P 500, Keysight offers market-leading solutions in design, emulation, and testing to accelerate innovation across various sectors, including defense. For more insights, visit www.keysight.com.

About ODC
ODC specializes in AI-Native Radio Access Network technology and is the architect behind the Odyssey platform. By incorporating advanced AI capabilities, ODC supports providers in unlocking new revenue avenues and enhancing mission-critical operations. Learn more at www.orandevco.com.

About Astris AI
Astris AI, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, focuses on the implementation of AI solutions within the U.S. defense industrial base. Astris AI is committed to delivering secure AI tools and processes that ensure organizations remain technologically competitive. For additional information, visit AstrisAI.com.

Source: Lockheed Martin (2026-08-12 10:30:00)