As drone adoption expands across commercial and defense sectors, DronTech Asia 2026 brings together international technology providers, government agencies and industry professionals to explore emerging capabilities, practical applications and business opportunities across ASEAN.
The drone industry is entering a new phase of development. Once primarily associated with aerial photography and surveillance, drones and unmanned systems are increasingly being deployed across agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, disaster response and national defense. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, autonomous navigation and communications technologies are expanding their capabilities and creating new opportunities for both commercial operators and government agencies.
Across the Asia-Pacific region, this transformation is being supported by growing demand for more efficient operations, improved situational awareness and technologies capable of performing complex tasks in challenging environments.
The regional drone market is estimated to reach approximately US$30.2 billion in 2026 and is projected to grow to around US$62.4 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% from 2026 to 2033. Meanwhile, according to Next Move Strategy Consulting, Thailand’s drone market was estimated at approximately US$262 million in 2025, equivalent to around THB 8.6 billion.
These figures highlight the increasing commercial significance of unmanned technologies and the potential for Southeast Asia to become an important market for drone manufacturers, software developers and system integrators.
Southeast Asia: A Growing Market for Unmanned Technologies
The adoption of drones across Southeast Asia is being driven by practical operational requirements. In agriculture, unmanned aerial systems are supporting precision farming, crop monitoring and more efficient resource management. Infrastructure operators are exploring drone-based inspection and mapping solutions, while public safety agencies are increasingly interested in technologies that support search and rescue, emergency response and disaster management.
Defense and security organizations are also examining how unmanned aerial systems, autonomous platforms and counter-drone technologies can strengthen surveillance, operational readiness and the protection of critical infrastructure.
As these applications expand, the industry is moving beyond individual drone platforms toward more integrated solutions combining hardware, intelligent software, communications systems and data analytics.
For international technology providers, these developments present opportunities to establish partnerships with local distributors, government agencies, system integrators and commercial users across ASEAN.
Connecting Global Innovation with Regional Opportunities
Against this industry backdrop, DronTech Asia 2026 will return for its third edition from 11–13 November 2026 at Hall 5, IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand.
Positioned as a professional platform for commercial and defense drone technologies, the exhibition is expected to feature more than 150 exhibiting brands and companies and welcome over 5,000 professional visitors.
The event will bring together drone manufacturers, robotics developers, component suppliers, software providers, counter-drone technology specialists and industry professionals from Thailand and international markets.
For regional buyers and end users, the exhibition provides an opportunity to compare technologies, examine new solutions and connect directly with manufacturers. International participants, meanwhile, can explore potential partnerships and gain insights into Southeast Asia’s evolving technological and operational requirements.
Mr. Manu Leopairote, Chairman of GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd., highlighted the importance of understanding how drone technology is evolving beyond its traditional applications.
“Drone adoption is advancing more rapidly than many people realize, transforming industries ranging from defense and security to agriculture, logistics, infrastructure and disaster response. As these technologies become more capable and their applications continue to expand, it is increasingly important for businesses and governments to understand not only what drones can do today, but also the opportunities they will create in the future.”
Technologies Shaping the Next Generation of Drone Operations
One of the exhibition’s key areas of focus will be the growing diversity of unmanned systems and their applications across commercial and defense environments.
Among the featured exhibitors, Türkiye-based STM will showcase its TOGAN reconnaissance and surveillance UAV, KARGU rotary-wing attack drone and KUZGUN long-range loitering munition.
KNDS will present ammunition technologies, including short- and medium-range loitering munitions, reflecting the expanding role of unmanned capabilities in defense operations.
In the commercial sector, DJI Enterprise by SIS will feature the DJI Matrice 4E, a compact enterprise drone developed for surveying and mapping applications.
Beyond drone hardware, Amazon Web Services (AWS) will highlight cloud platforms and software capabilities supporting drone operations, AI, geospatial analytics and secure data processing.
STC (Special Technology Center) will also showcase its LUN-20 unmanned aerial system.
Other participating companies include SYSTRONICS CO., LTD., AUTEL ROBOTICS CO., LTD., CHC NAVIGATION and ALCRONS FRONTIER CO., LTD.
Together, these technologies illustrate the breadth of the unmanned systems industry, from aerial platforms and advanced components to software, communications infrastructure and integrated operational solutions.
From Technical Development to Operational Deployment
As drone capabilities continue to advance, a central challenge for the industry is translating technological innovation into reliable, practical applications.
DronTech Asia 2026 will address these developments through more than 15 international conference sessions and technical presentations covering commercial operations, defense requirements, emerging technologies and regional market opportunities with AI translation to support all participants around the world.
The conference programme will include the World Drone Congress (WDC) Bangkok Edition, featuring the theme “Low Altitude Economy, Soaring into the Future.”
Another discussion, “Thailand: Where ASEAN and the International Drone Ecosystem Converge,” will bring together representatives from the Defence Technology Institute (DTI), Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), private-sector companies and the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC).
The session “Next-Generation Military Unmanned Systems: Lessons, Requirements and Future Capabilities”, presented by Thailand’s Ministry of Defence and the Defence Technology Institute, will examine developments relevant to future military unmanned operations.
Technical presentations will explore cloud-powered drone operations and AI-enabled autonomy for defense and agriculture, presented by AWS, as well as anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technologies designed to address GNSS vulnerabilities, presented by INFOX NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGY.
AI-powered translation support will also be available to facilitate participation by international attendees.
Demonstrating Technology Beyond the Exhibition Stand
Live demonstrations will provide another perspective on the practical capabilities of drones, robotics and unmanned systems.
Indoor demonstrations will feature ONCOMMAND, Disaster Response ID4 Association Thailand (D.R.A.T.), SYSTRONICS and 13 ENTERPRISE, offering visitors opportunities to explore unmanned and robotic technologies in simulated operational environments.
Outdoor demonstrations presented by Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) will highlight applications related to disaster management, smart transportation and logistics.
By combining technology displays with demonstrations, the exhibition aims to help visitors better understand how different systems operate and how their capabilities may translate into real-world applications.
The Next Stage of Southeast Asia’s Drone Ecosystem
The development of the drone industry increasingly depends on collaboration between technology manufacturers, regulators, government agencies, research institutions and commercial operators.
For Southeast Asia, building these connections will be essential as organizations seek to adopt unmanned technologies that meet operational, regulatory and commercial requirements.
Industry platforms such as DronTech Asia provide a meeting point for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, assess emerging technologies and identify opportunities for cooperation.
With growing demand across commercial and defense applications, the region’s unmanned systems ecosystem is likely to continue evolving toward more intelligent, connected and mission-oriented solutions.
DronTech Asia 2026 will take place from 11–13 November 2026 at Hall 5, IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand.
For further information on the exhibition, conference programme and visitor registration, visit www.drontechasia.com.
Market figures and exhibitor information are based on materials provided by the event organiser. The market projections should be verified against the original research reports before publication.
Register for DronTech Asia 2026
For professionals seeking new technologies, suppliers, business connections and insights into the evolving commercial and defense drone sectors, DronTech Asia 2026 offers an opportunity to engage with the international drone ecosystem in one place. International visitors will also enjoy courtesy Thailand MICE VISA prepaid credit cards which can be used for transportation, shopping, spa & wellness, and even food outlets at the venue.
Visitors can discover new solutions, learn from technical experts, experience live demonstrations and connect with international technology providers across three days.
Register in advance and join the industry in Bangkok this November.
Register here: https://drontechasia.com/2026/en/visitor_profile.asp?utm_source=amr&utm_medium=press_release&utm_campaign=visitor-registration&utm_content=visitor
DronTech Asia 2026
Dates: 11–13 November 2026
Venue: Hall 5 IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok,Thailand
Media & General Enquiries
Ms. Siwaporn Srichompoo (Rose)
Marketing Manager
Email: [email protected]
Tel. 02-023-9951 ext 1009
GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.
*Source to Grand View Research’s Asia Pacific Drone Market 2026
