# Lockheed Martin and Partners Demonstrate UAS Detection System

Lockheed Martin, Verizon, Keysight Technologies, ODC, and Astris AI have collaboratively demonstrated the NetSense™ Airspace Awareness-as-a-Service™ system, which integrates AI with existing 5G telecommunications infrastructure to detect and track unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for public and critical infrastructure protection. Pilot deployments are scheduled for the second half of 2026 and early 2027, with commercial availability expected in 2027. This initiative offers government and commercial customers a scalable, cost-effective solution to enhance airspace security using advanced AI and telecom technologies.

- The collaboration highlights a multi-vendor approach combining aerospace, telecommunications, and AI expertise, signaling growing procurement opportunities in integrated airspace security solutions.
- Procurement professionals should note the planned pilot deployments in 2026-2027 as potential early engagement points for government agencies seeking UAS detection capabilities.
- The use of existing 5G networks for real-time sensing indicates a shift toward leveraging commercial telecom infrastructure for security applications, which may influence future contract requirements and technology standards.
- Contractors specializing in AI, telecom, and aerospace technologies can explore partnerships or subcontracting roles to support deployment and scaling of such airspace awareness systems.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** August 12, 2026

### Vendors
- Lockheed Martin (prime contractor)
- Verizon (technology partner)
- Keysight Technologies (technology partner)
- ODC (technology partner)
- Astris AI (subsidiary and solution provider)

### Key Quotes
> The NetSense system demonstrates how AI can transform existing telecommunications infrastructure into a real-time sensing platform.
> — Ronnie Vasishta, Senior Vice President of Telecoms at NVIDIA

### Sources
- [Lockheed Martin, Verizon, Keysight, ODC and Astris AI Demonstrate Technology for Public Airspace Protection with NVIDIA Technology | Finansavisen](https://www.finansavisen.no/borsmeldinger/2026/08/12/cbb685fa-3e08-540e-ac0f-725326149d17/lockheed-martin-verizon-keysight-odc-and-astris-ai-demonstrate-technology-for-public-airspace-protection-with-nvidia-technology) - Finansavisen