Introducing the Melrose Networks 90-Day Evaluation Programme

Modern drones increasingly use commercial mobile networks for device connectivity, including command links and video transmission. As a result, the control plane signalling generated by these devices can provide an additional sensing layer within the network for detecting and tracking drone activity, and potentially enabling timely counter-drone responses.

At Melrose Networks, we have developed platforms that analyse LTE and 5G control plane signalling to identify behavioural patterns associated with cellular-connected drones.

To support collaboration with mobile network operators, government agencies, and defence stakeholders, we are now offering a structured 90-day technical evaluation programme.

The programme enables participating organisations to assess the feasibility of signalling-based drone detection within a defined operational environment using existing network data.

Key characteristics of the evaluation framework include:

• Analysis of S1AP (LTE / 5G NSA) and NGAP (5G SA) control plane signalling

• No modification required to the radio access network or core infrastructure

• Control plane signalling only — no user plane traffic or subscriber communications are inspected

• Flexible data provision via mirrored signalling feeds or packet capture analysis

• Optional operator-side pseudonymisation of subscriber identifiers

Over the course of the evaluation, the platform is assessed against practical operational metrics such as:

• time-to-detect potential drone devices

• continuous tracking across cell mobility events

• drone identification success rate

• false positive rate

Evaluations are typically conducted within a defined geographic scope such as border regions, coastal approaches, or critical infrastructure areas.

At the conclusion of the programme, participating stakeholders receive a technical findings report, detection performance metrics, and an operational feasibility assessment.

Telecom networks already observe how devices attach, authenticate, and move across the network. Signalling analysis allows those same protocols to be interpreted as a national sensing layer for emerging threats, including drones that rely on cellular connectivity.

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Mobile network operators, government agencies, and security stakeholders interested in exploring this capability are invited to contact us.