NATO conducted the DiBaX 2026 exercise in Latvia from October 19 to 30 to evaluate if commercial 5G towers can passively detect and track drones. The initiative aims to repurpose existing telecommunications infrastructure for national security and enhance resilience through multi-network integration.
The system tested by NATO was developed using agentic AI to bridge interoperability gaps between previously incompatible communication platforms. Admiral Pierre Vandier noted that the technology allowed a Maven system to communicate with a national system within hours.
The trials in Latvia involved participation from the United States, Canada, Germany, Finland, Lithuania, and other allies. While some of the three tested methods failed, the organization utilized the results to gain technical insights.
Separately, AT&T and Ericsson demonstrated drone detection capabilities over 5G near AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This test, described as an early application of 6G technology, successfully tracked multiple drones flying at altitudes between 300 and 400 feet.
