Ericsson and Erillisverkot demonstrate 5G ISAC drone detection for Finnish authorities
As unauthorized drones pose a growing challenge to national security, public safety and critical infrastructure, Ericsson and Erillisverkot have shown how 5G networks can help authorities detect, locate and track drone activity in real time. The companies tested Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) during a September 16–18 technology demo in Helsinki, including a live trial at Vuosaari Harbor. The demonstration showed how ISAC can add a scalable sensing layer around ports, borders and other sensitive sites to strengthen Finland’s security and preparedness.
Small, low-altitude drones can be hard to detect across large areas, especially when they are not connected to a network or emitting wireless signals. ISAC gives authorities another way to extend situational awareness beyond traditional sensors.
ISAC turns existing mobile-network sites into a distributed sensing platform, helping authorities monitor drone activity around airports, ports, borders, critical infrastructure and major public events.
During the demo, several network points gathered sensing information at the same time, creating a broader and more complete view of the surrounding area. For authorities, this could provide earlier awareness of potential risks, improve decisions on when and where to respond, and strengthen protection for people and sensitive sites. The approach can also help detect and track moving objects, such as drones, without relying on a single sensor location. In future deployments, ISAC could work alongside existing sensors and connect into authorities’ command and control systems.
Ismo Parviainen, Chief Specialist, CDO, Ministry of the Interior, and Board Member of Erillisverkot, says: “Authorities and other critical organizations need clear and continuous situational awareness of the low-altitude airspace. ISAC shows how mobile networks can complement existing sensing capabilities, even in complex environments such as busy ports, and scale as operational needs evolve. A particularly important advantage is that these capabilities can build on existing mobile network infrastructure and telecommunications systems, leveraging investments that are already in place.”
Patrik Wikberg, Head of Solution Area Public Safety, Ericsson, says: “Reliable situational awareness is essential to protect critical infrastructure and support public safety operations. This ISAC drone demonstration with Erillisverkot gives Finnish authorities an opportunity to explore how mobile-network-based sensing could complement existing capabilities and contribute to more scalable awareness in complex environments.”
Timo Lehtimäki, CEO, Erillisverkot, says: “Mission-critical networks must perform when they are needed most. This demonstration shows how connectivity can extend into sensing, helping authorities keep people and critical infrastructure safe. Together with Ericsson, we are exploring how this capability can be developed responsibly to meet Finland’s security and preparedness needs.”
More information about ISAC
Ericsson’s ISAC development combines its Massive MIMO 5G radio platform and beam steering with specialized edge computing, signal processing and sensing software. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can enhance sensing processing for target detection and classification.
ISAC supports the evolution toward 5G Advanced and 6G, where networks are expected to integrate sensing and communication more closely. Early deployments will likely focus on defense and public safety users, with broader commercialization expected in the 6G timeframe as standards and the ecosystem mature.
Ericsson and Erillisverkot have a long-standing collaboration in mission-critical communications in Finland. In 2020, Erillisverkot selected Ericsson to provide 3GPP Core IT systems, products and solutions for Finland’s next-generation public safety network, Virve 2.0. The companies continue to collaborate on technologies that can support secure, resilient and reliable communications for Finnish authorities.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) brings together communication and sensing capabilities by using radio-signal reflections and cooperating mobile-network base stations to detect, locate and track moving objects. The sensing part of ISAC is an emerging capability being explored as part of 5G Advanced and future 6G. Ericsson positions ISAC as a technology that can complement established sensing and counter-drone technologies.
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