NextNav Inc. (NASDAQ: NN) has partnered with Tiami Networks to develop counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) detection solutions using 5G technology. The collaboration integrates NextNav’s terrestrial 5G-powered Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Network with Tiami’s sensing and communications capabilities to enhance long-range detection and broad coverage.
The partnership leverages NextNav’s licensed spectrum in the lower 900 MHz band, designated for terrestrial positioning services. Tiami Networks will contribute its integrated sensing and communications technologies, which utilize radio frequency sensing for passive detection, low-altitude airspace monitoring, and counter-UAS applications.
Testing will take place on NextNav’s 5G PNT Network in Santa Clara County, California. The pilot environment will evaluate 900 MHz-based sensing capabilities, including counter-UAS detection, airspace monitoring, and simultaneous 3D PNT data delivery. The outcomes are expected to inform performance benchmarks for critical infrastructure and national security use cases.
David Gell, Vice President of Business Development at NextNav, emphasized the urgency of long-range situational awareness amid growing drone threats to major events, critical infrastructure, and government facilities, including airports. Dr. Amitav Mukherjee, CEO of Tiami Networks, highlighted the platform’s potential to demonstrate how 5G infrastructure can support positioning, timing, and sensing capabilities in a unified system.
