Honeywell Aerospace, in collaboration with Viasat, Frequentis AG, and the European Space Agency (ESA), has successfully validated a new lightweight satellite communications antenna designed to enable safe beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations. The flight tests, announced on August 18, 2026, demonstrated the system’s ability to maintain continuous command-and-control connectivity in shared airspace by seamlessly integrating satellite and terrestrial networks.

According to a press release issued by Honeywell Aerospace, which employs 36,000 people globally and supports 10,000 customers, the technology integrates with the company’s VersaWave satcom system. This hardware provides the resilient network capabilities required for real-time flight control and conflict avoidance. The development is positioned as a foundational step toward scaling routine commercial uncrewed aircraft operations, including logistics, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response, within regulated airspace frameworks.

Flight testing and U-space integration

The antenna was developed at Honeywell’s facilities in Brno, Czechia, with flight testing conducted at the nearby Budkovice Airport. The validation flights took place within Europe’s U-space environment, a digital and automated airspace framework specifically designed to integrate uncrewed aircraft. The initiative falls under the broader scope of the ESA Iris Global program, which aims to modernize air traffic management through advanced satellite communications.

During the test campaign, operators utilized a Honeywell Ground Control Station (GCS) equipped with a ground-based Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) system. The setup successfully processed telemetry data from both the test drone and a crewed aircraft acting as an intentional intruder. The system identified potential conflicts and recommended safe route adjustments in real time.

“Flight testing at Budkovice Airport confirmed that combining satellite and terrestrial communication links ensures operators maintain positive control of the aircraft even in demanding or complex scenarios,” stated Martin Mlaskač, Senior Technical Manager at Honeywell Aerospace.

Industry collaboration and digital infrastructure

The successful validation relied on a consortium of aerospace and telecommunications entities. Frequentis AG, an Austrian provider of communication and information systems with 2,600 full-time equivalent employees, contributed to the digital infrastructure required for the tests. The company reported 2025 revenues of EUR 580 million and an earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR 47 million.

Bernhard Kirschner, Solution Architect for Integrated Lower Airspace at Frequentis AG, noted that the demonstration highlights the necessity of strong industry collaboration to build the digital infrastructure required for safe uncrewed aviation.

Viasat provided the satellite network backbone essential for the multilink approach. Joel Klooster, Senior Vice President of Aircraft Operations and Safety at Viasat, emphasized that Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) integration and resilient network capabilities are core pillars of BVLOS operations rather than optional additions.

“Our ongoing collaboration in the ESA Iris program shows how advanced multilink networks can enable real-time interaction, airspace awareness, and continuity of control in live operating conditions. These are all critical elements for scalable unmanned operations,” Klooster said.

AirPro News analysis

We view the integration of lightweight satcom with ground-based DAA as a critical technical bridge for the uncrewed aviation sector. While terrestrial cellular networks offer high bandwidth for drone operations, they are susceptible to coverage gaps at altitude and in remote areas. By validating a system that seamlessly switches between terrestrial and satellite links, Honeywell and its partners are directly addressing the primary safety concern of civil aviation regulators: loss of positive control. As the industry pushes to commercialize BVLOS operations, hardware that can guarantee continuous command-and-control connectivity will likely become a baseline regulatory requirement rather than a competitive differentiator. The involvement of the ESA and the alignment with Europe’s U-space framework suggest this technology is being positioned for rapid regulatory adoption across the continent.

Sources: Honeywell Aerospace

Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) has successfully demonstrated a new drones detection system that leverages existing commercial 5G cellular networks and artificial intelligence to track unauthorized Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in low-altitude airspace.

Announced in a press release on August 12, 2026, the NetSense Airspace Awareness-as-a-Service system is designed to eliminate the need for expensive, custom-built radar installations. By analyzing radio frequency (RF) disturbances on established networks, the platform offers a scalable security solution for airports, stadiums, and critical infrastructure.

Commercial partnerships and technology integration

The system relies on a coalition of commercial technology providers. Lockheed Martin developed the platform in collaboration with Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA), Keysight Technologies Inc. (KEYS), ODC, and Astris AI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin.

Rather than deploying active Radar-Systems, the NetSense system operates passively. It utilizes the NVIDIA AI Aerial platform and ODC AI-native Radio Access Network (RAN) software to monitor RF signal disturbances across Verizon’s cellular network. When a UAS enters the monitored airspace, the system detects the disruption and predicts the aircraft’s flight path in real time.

“By working within the established 5G network spectrum, we’re able to collaborate with the commercial technology industry and deploy a solution that’s ready at the time of need,” said Sarah Hiza, Senior Vice President of Technology and Strategic Innovation at Lockheed Martin.

Deployment timeline and subscription model

Lockheed Martin initially introduced the NetSense prototype in March 2026. The company and its partners subsequently conducted a successful live demonstration of the system in a high-traffic urban environment in the Miami, Florida area in July 2026.

The manufacturers plans to initiate pilot deployments for select customers between the second half of 2026 and early 2027. General commercial availability is targeted for 2027. The system will be offered as a subscription service, utilizing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies to integrate directly into customers’ existing security operations.

Hiza noted the necessity of rapid development cycles for counter-drone technology to match the pace of the commercial market.

“As drones become more affordable and accessible, airspace awareness technology needs to evolve rapidly to outpace potential threats. That’s why we developed the NetSense solution.”

AirPro News analysis

We view the shift toward passive, network-based UAS detection as a critical development for airport operators. The proliferation of capable commercial drones has increased the risk of unauthorized incursions into restricted airspace, which frequently disrupt commercial flight operations and require runway closures. Traditional counter-UAS systems require significant capital expenditure and complex regulatory approvals for active radar emissions. By leveraging existing 5G infrastructure and COTS hardware, the NetSense system could substantially lower the barrier to entry for regional airports and private operators seeking comprehensive low-altitude airspace awareness without the footprint of traditional sensor arrays.

Sources: Lockheed Martin

Electric propulsion manufacturer ePropelled will quadruple its production capacity for uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) systems following a $60 million investment from the U.S. government. The funding will expand the company’s manufacturing footprint in Laconia, New Hampshire, from 20,000 to 80,000 square feet.

Announced in a press release on August 11, 2026, the expansion is supported by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program. The initiative aims to strengthen the domestic supply chain for mission-critical drone technologies and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for dual-use electric propulsion systems.

Scaling domestic UAV production

ePropelled specializes in electric motors, electronic speed controllers, and complete propulsion systems for uncrewed aircraft. The newly announced facility expansion will allow the manufacturer to increase its annual production capacity by a factor of four. This scale-up addresses accelerating demand across defense, public safety, logistics, and agricultural markets.

In the company statement, ePropelled CEO Nick Grewal described the investment as a significant milestone for both the company and the broader U.S. advanced manufacturing sector.

“As demand for high-performance uncrewed systems continues to accelerate, expanding our manufacturing capacity ensures that we can deliver reliable, scalable, and secure propulsion systems produced in the United States,” Grewal said. “We are proud to support the government’s objective of strengthening domestic manufacturing while helping customers across government and commercial markets deploy advanced capabilities faster.”

Supply chain security and intellectual property

The $60 million injection aligns with broader federal objectives to secure the supply chain for critical aerospace components. By funding domestic production through programs like IBAS, the U.S. government is actively working to mitigate risks associated with offshore manufacturing of dual-use technologies.

Since its founding in 2018, ePropelled has developed a substantial portfolio of intellectual property to support these manufacturing efforts. The company has generated more than 40 patents across 13 categories, focusing on power and propulsion innovations for aerospace applications.

AirPro News analysis

The $60 million investment in ePropelled highlights a growing urgency within the U.S. defense apparatus to onshore critical subcomponents for uncrewed aerial systems. While airframe manufacturing has largely remained domestic for defense applications, propulsion systems and electronic speed controllers have historically relied on international supply chains. By quadrupling ePropelled’s capacity, the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program is directly addressing a known bottleneck in UAV procurement. We expect to see similar targeted investments in domestic component manufacturers as the government continues to prioritize scalable, attritable uncrewed systems.

Sources: ePropelled