5G and Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC)

Description

Current, real-world operations have clearly demonstrated an evolutionary change in warfare with the advent of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on the battlefield. The rapid development of inexpensive UAVs and creative ways in which to employ them against hardened targets requires innovative technologies to improve defense. Emerging commercial technologies are imperative to finding rapid, inexpensive, and easily scalable defense solutions. In accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order 14271, dated April 16, 2025, Ensuring Commercial, Cost-Effective Solutions in Federal Contracts, the Department of War is testing and adopting of 5G Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) capabilities as a key commercial technology for counter-UAV operations.

Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) is a next-generation capability that fuses advanced sensing directly into the existing and future mobile network infrastructure. By leveraging 5G and future 6G technologies, ISAC can detect, localize, and track unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in operational environments without relying solely on specialized radar systems. For defense applications, ISAC enables the repurposing of commercial-grade cellular networks into dual-use assets that enhance air domain awareness, protect critical infrastructure, and support force protection missions. In counter-UAV operations, ISAC offers persistent surveillance, meter localization accuracy, and real-time velocity tracking, enabling rapid identification and mitigation of aerial threats while maintaining compliance with national security protocols.

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Tracks:

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  Breakout Sessions
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  Continuing Education
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  USINDOPACOM Theater