NATO has tested technology in Latvia that can detect drones using standard 5G mobile towers, without the need to install additional radar systems.
The system uses mobile network base stations to detect unmanned aircraft by analyzing how they reflect radio signals. This technology turns existing telecommunications infrastructure into a network of sensors capable of monitoring airspace.
The tests took place from October 19 to 30 as part of Exercise DiBaX 2026, held in Latvia, according to the NATO Communications and Information Agency.
The new approach could be particularly useful in urban areas, where the high density of mobile base stations allows for coverage over large areas. The technology’s capabilities and effectiveness are still being evaluated.
Two military objectives: detecting drones and maintaining communications
The exercise aimed to test solutions to two challenges identified by experts: maintaining troop mobility in the face of electronic warfare and protecting military routes from drone attacks.
These priorities were established during a seminar organized by JATEC, the NATO–Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre.
In addition to drone detection technology, military personnel also tested a secure communications channel that uses a commercial 5G network.
Another objective was to test the system’s ability to switch automatically between different means of communication, including radio networks, satellite links, and tropospheric communications, in the event of interference or electronic jamming.
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