Partnership to Advance Counter-UAS Detection via Cellular Networks

LMT Defence and Thales Italia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore novel methods for counter-drone operations by utilizing existing mobile communications infrastructure and tactical cellular technologies.

Under the agreement, both companies will assess how commercial mobile network assets, products, and services can interface with specialized defence 4G and 5G solutions. The primary objective is to develop a system that detects, identifies, and tracks drones by analyzing their behavioural patterns across cellular network environments. This collaborative framework also lays the groundwork for additional operational use cases, with the potential to progress toward a proof of concept based on mutually agreed scope, resources, and milestones.

By drawing on LMT Defence’s dual role as both a mobile network operator and a defence technology integrator, the initiative allows emerging sensing and detection technologies to be evaluated directly within realistic network settings.

“Modern warfare is becoming increasingly complex, and countering emerging aerial threats requires more than just dedicated military hardware; it demands seamless, multi-layered integration. By combining LMT’s expertise – as a mobile network operator and defence technology integrator – with Thales Italia’s advanced 4G/5G defence solutions, we are bridging the gap between commercial telecoms infrastructure and tactical defence applications. Building on our shared success within the 5G COMPAD framework, this MoU allows us to push the boundaries of Integrated Sensing and Communication, ensuring that future drone detection capabilities are built on a foundation of robust, mission-critical connectivity,” says Salvis Skladovs, Head of LMT Defence.

The partnership expands on prior collaboration established under 5G Communications for Peacekeeping and Defence (5G COMPAD), an initiative supported by the European Defence Fund to investigate the integration of commercial 5G technologies into defence communications systems. Both organizations are also actively participating in the next phase, 5G COMPAD 2.0, continuing their evaluation of civilian communications networks within tactical defence environments.

“Mobile networks are evolving into multi-functional platforms that can do more than connect: they can also support sensing and detection. By combining Thales’ expertise in defence 4G/5G technologies with LMT Defence’s mobile network capabilities, this partnership demonstrates how civilian and defence technologies can converge to address emerging threats and advance future-ready solutions for European defence,” said Donato Amoroso, CEO and Country Director Thales in Italy.