Airspan Networks broadens its 5G in-motion capabilities to support secure, high-altitude, and unmanned connectivity across defense, HAPS, and drone applications.
Airspan Networks Holdings LLC is entering a new chapter in airborne connectivity. Known globally for its carrier-grade 5G and Open RAN innovations, the Texas-based wireless solutions provider has announced a major expansion of its proven “In-Motion 5G” platform—extending beyond commercial Air-to-Ground (ATG) deployments into defense-grade 5G MANET systems, High Altitude Pseudolite (HAPS) platforms, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
This move signals a bold evolution in how 5G connectivity is deployed, shifting from fixed terrestrial infrastructure to dynamic, airborne, and mission-critical mobility environments. As industries and governments seek resilient, high-capacity networks that operate in contested and high-mobility scenarios, Airspan is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation aerial communications.
Expanding Beyond Commercial ATG
Airspan has already demonstrated the viability of airborne 5G in commercial aviation settings. After successful deployments in the United States and recent contract wins in Japan, the company proved that advanced 5G systems can operate reliably in challenging airborne conditions.
Building on this foundation, Airspan is now adapting its In-Motion 5G technology for:
- Defense-grade 5G Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANET)
- High Altitude Pseudolite (HAPS) systems
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
- Drone-based communications platforms
- Mission-critical mobility networks
This strategic expansion reflects growing demand for highly resilient communications layers capable of supporting high-altitude, high-speed, and interference-heavy environments.
3GPP-Compliant Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB)
At the heart of Airspan’s airborne innovation is its 3GPP-compliant Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) architecture. IAB enables the same wireless technology used for user access to also provide backhaul connectivity—eliminating the need for traditional wired or fiber connections in many cases.
This architecture allows airborne nodes to:
- Connect efficiently with terrestrial infrastructure
- Integrate seamlessly with satellite networks, including LEO systems
- Create multi-hop mesh networks
- Maintain connectivity even when fixed core networks are unavailable
By bridging terrestrial and satellite networks, Airspan’s IAB design forms a resilient communications layer optimized for:
- High mobility
- High altitude operations
- Jamming-prone environments
- Dynamic spectrum conditions
This capability is particularly critical in defense and emergency response scenarios, where centralized infrastructure may be compromised or nonexistent.
Enabling High Altitude and Stratospheric Connectivity
Airspan’s platform is engineered with ultra-small, lightweight, and low-power (SWaP) characteristics. This design philosophy ensures compatibility with platforms that have strict weight and power constraints, such as:
- High Altitude Air Systems (HAPS)
- Stratospheric platforms
- UAVs and drones
- Long-duration airborne ISR systems
These systems often operate for extended periods at high altitudes, where efficiency and reliability are paramount. By minimizing size and power requirements while maximizing performance, Airspan enables long-endurance operations without sacrificing connectivity quality.
The platform also supports:
- Advanced beamforming
- Multi-link connectivity
- Inter-platform mesh networking
- Seamless integration with LEO satellite systems
This makes it suitable not only for military applications but also for disaster recovery, border security, and remote infrastructure support.
Building a Self-Forming Multi-Hop Mesh Network
One of the most transformative aspects of Airspan’s airborne platform is its self-forming, multi-hop mesh architecture.
In traditional network deployments, traffic often depends on centralized core infrastructure. However, in tactical or remote scenarios, such centralized nodes may not exist—or may be targeted.
Airspan’s design allows airborne nodes to:
- Dynamically discover each other
- Establish local routing paths
- Self-heal when links are disrupted
- Maintain service continuity independently of fixed core networks
This reduces reliance on centralized infrastructure and significantly accelerates “arrival-to-connectivity.” In military or emergency deployments, this means communications can be established rapidly upon arrival in a new area of operation.
The ability to maintain operational capability even when core networks are unavailable provides a significant advantage in contested environments.
Advanced Technologies for Complex RF Environments
Operating in the air introduces unique challenges—especially in dense or highly interfered radio frequency (RF) environments. Airspan has integrated several advanced technologies to ensure reliable performance:
1. Advanced Adaptive Beamforming
This improves directional signal precision and suppresses interference. In airborne operations, where movement and orientation constantly change, adaptive beamforming ensures signals remain optimized and stable.
2. Autonomous Spectrum Management
The platform dynamically optimizes frequency usage in real time. This capability is critical in congested or contested spectrum environments where frequency availability may shift rapidly.
3. Interference Awareness and Mitigation
Enhanced support for dense RF environments enables the system to identify, adapt to, and mitigate interference sources—whether natural or intentional.
4. AI-Assisted RF Optimization
Artificial intelligence continuously analyzes link performance and adjusts network parameters to improve reliability and efficiency. This ongoing optimization ensures consistent connectivity in dynamic conditions.
Together, these capabilities create a communications system capable of performing in environments where conventional infrastructure would struggle or fail.
Supporting Multi-Domain Mobility Applications
Airspan’s airborne 5G platform extends across multiple operational domains, enabling use cases such as:
- Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) drone operations
- Airborne ISR and sensor backhaul
- Mobile command and control (C2)
- Rapidly deployable tactical infrastructure
- Emergency and disaster response communications
In BVLOS operations, for example, maintaining secure and low-latency connectivity is critical for safe and reliable drone control. Airspan’s architecture provides robust C2 links and broadband connectivity to support these operations.
Similarly, for airborne ISR missions, large volumes of sensor data must be transmitted back to command centers. The platform’s high-capacity backhaul ensures real-time data flow without dependency on fragile ground networks.
Integration with Satellite Networks
A defining feature of Airspan’s expanded solution set is seamless integration with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems. By combining terrestrial 5G infrastructure with satellite connectivity, the platform creates a hybrid network capable of delivering:
- Wide-area coverage
- High resilience
- Rapid deployment capability
- Continuity in remote regions
This hybrid approach is particularly valuable in remote or austere environments where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or damaged.
Strengthening Leadership in Open RAN and In-Motion 5G
Airspan has long been recognized as a leader in Open RAN and small-cell technologies. By extending its In-Motion 5G capabilities into airborne and defense-grade applications, the company is further strengthening its position in high-performance wireless innovation.
Its portfolio spans three core solution areas:
- In-building systems (including digital DAS)
- Outdoor wireless solutions
- Air-to-ground (ATG) platforms
These solutions serve mobile network operators, neutral host providers, enterprises, public sector organizations, and service providers worldwide.
The expansion into airborne and stratospheric connectivity reflects a broader industry shift toward distributed, software-defined, and resilient network architectures.
Showcasing Innovation at MWC Barcelona
Airspan is showcasing its latest ATG, digital DAS, Open RAN, and 5G innovations at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona from March 2–5. The event provides a global stage for demonstrating how In-Motion 5G is evolving beyond traditional terrestrial deployments.
MWC serves as a key gathering point for telecom leaders, innovators, and policymakers—making it an ideal venue for presenting next-generation airborne connectivity solutions.
The Future of 5G in the Air
As global connectivity demands increase, the limitations of ground-based infrastructure are becoming more apparent. High-mobility platforms, remote environments, and contested operational theaters require new networking paradigms.
Airspan’s expansion into defense-grade MANET, HAPS, UAV, and drone applications demonstrates how 5G is evolving into a multi-domain communications framework—one that spans air, land, and autonomous systems.
By combining:
- 3GPP-compliant IAB architecture
- Self-forming mesh networking
- AI-driven RF optimization
- SWaP-efficient hardware design
- Seamless satellite integration
Airspan is helping to establish a resilient communications layer in the airspace—capable of supporting mission-critical operations across industries and defense sectors alike.
From commercial aviation to stratospheric platforms and tactical mobility networks, the next generation of wireless connectivity is no longer confined to the ground. With its expanded In-Motion 5G solutions, Airspan is redefining what airborne connectivity can achieve—delivering secure, scalable, and high-performance networks wherever mobility demands it.
