Ericsson expects commercial pilots of its drone detection solution with select customers in 2027, followed by broader-scale deployments from 2028 (via Telecoms.com).
The company said the solution will ship first in a sensing-only version, with the integrated communications element added as 6G networks begin rolling out.
Testing, range, and deployment limits
Ericsson said validated tests showed the ISAC solution could reliably detect and track micro drones at kilometer-scale distances with precise 3D positioning. It also said the results were consistent across a range of operating conditions, system configurations, and drone flight patterns.
Ericsson added that actual performance depends on the target’s characteristics and flight profile, sensing geometry, terrain, surrounding environment, and system configuration.
Recent demos in Kraków and Helsinki
Ericsson’s most recent showcase took place at its R&D center in Kraków, Poland, using Play’s mobile network. The company also demonstrated 5G ISAC in Helsinki last month with Erillisverkot, a state-owned provider of communications and ICT solutions for public administrations and critical infrastructure operators.
Freddie Södergren said Ericsson ISAC System enables multiple 5G sites to deliver coordinated wide-area detection and continuous tracking, can integrate data with traditional sensing technologies and operational systems, and gives operators a pathway to create new services from existing network assets.
Airport disruption keeps drone detection on the agenda
Jersey Airport was forced to divert flights last week due to unauthorized drone activity. Jersey’s chief minister, senator Lyndon Farnham, said drone activity near an airport disrupts critical transport infrastructure and can have significant consequences for travelers and businesses.
Farnham said people identified as responsible should expect to face the full consequences of the law.
Droam Perspective
For mobile and wireless teams, Ericsson is describing a phased path from sensing-only pilots to wider deployments, not a finished product launch. The interesting part is the sequencing: the company is tying the first commercial use case to drone detection, while leaving the communications element for later 6G rollout. The test claims are specific, but Ericsson also leaves room for performance variation by environment and system setup.