DronTech Asia 2026 takes place from 11 to 13 November at the IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center in Thailand, bringing together international drone, robotics, and autonomous technology developers as the Asia-Pacific unmanned systems market experiences rapid commercial and defense expansion.
Momentum continues to build ahead of the third edition of DronTech Asia 2026, with a growing international lineup confirming participation less than two months before the event opens. The gathering arrives as the regional market undergoes swift financial and operational scaling.
According to Grand View Research data cited for the exhibition, the Asia-Pacific drone market was valued at approximately US$22.6 billion in 2025. Projections indicate the sector will reach US$54.9 billion by 2033, marking a compound annual growth rate of 11.1% driven by commercial deployment and government defense procurement.
Global Technology Developers Expand Presence in Southeast Asia
The exhibitor roster highlights the converging nature of modern unmanned systems, spanning propulsion, navigation, communications, and structural components. Participating enterprises represent a broad cross-section of the global supply chain supporting aerial and ground robotics.
T-MOTOR, a global developer of drone propulsion technologies, is among the confirmed exhibitors aiming to deepen regional engagement. Maria Li, Project Manager at T-MOTOR, noted that the platform allows the company to showcase latest propulsion technologies, build partnerships, and understand evolving market needs.
Inertial Labs, a VIAVI Solutions Company specializing in advanced navigation and positioning technologies, is also preparing to exhibit. Heather Vitner-Hurt, Senior Sales and Marketing Specialist at Inertial Labs, emphasized that reliable communications and resilient navigation are critical as drones integrate further into commercial, public safety, and defense applications.
Additional companies joining the floor include STM, a developer of tactical UAV systems, command and control, and cybersecurity; Grepow / Tattu Battery, providing advanced battery solutions; CHC Navigation, focused on positioning, surveying, mapping and precision agriculture; and Thailand-based SDT Composites, manufacturing high-performance carbon-fiber UAV structures. They are joined by Systronics, Thai Sky Vision, NAC Drone Industrial, Shenzhen Hobbywing Technology, Zhejiang Tianze Communication Technology, Icreativesystems, Zhuxun Intelligent Technology, and L&S Advanced Equipment.
| Exhibitor | Specialization | Application Focus |
|---|---|---|
| T-MOTOR | Drone Propulsion Technologies | UAV Performance & Efficiency |
| Inertial Labs (VIAVI Solutions) | Advanced Navigation & Positioning | Resilient UAS & Counter-UAS |
| STM | Tactical UAVs & Cybersecurity | Defense & Command Control |
| Grepow / Tattu Battery | Advanced Battery Solutions | Extended Flight Operations |
| CHC Navigation | Positioning & Surveying | Precision Agriculture & Mapping |
| SDT Composites | Carbon-Fiber Structures | Lightweight Airframes |
Technological Convergence of AI and Autonomous Systems
Artificial intelligence, computer vision, and advanced communications are fundamentally shifting what unmanned platforms can achieve in the field. Mr. Manu Leopairote, Chairman of GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd., pointed out that the industry is witnessing rapid integration of AI and robotics into unmanned platforms, establishing DronTech Asia as a central meeting point for regional business opportunities.
Improvements in positioning, lightweight materials, and batteries allow drones to carry more advanced payloads across longer durations. These engineering upgrades directly support complex operations in demanding environments, ranging from industrial monitoring to infrastructure inspection.
Dual-Use Deployment Across Commercial and Defense Sectors
Unmanned platforms across Asia serve an expanding role in civilian sectors such as agriculture, surveying, and mapping. Simultaneously, government agencies maintain high demand for surveillance, public safety, security and defense applications.
To support this ecosystem, DronTech Asia 2026 has secured backing from key Thai regulatory and governmental bodies. Official supporters include the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), the Department of Agriculture, the Defence Technology Institute (DTI), the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the Royal Forest Department, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Drone Association Thailand, Disaster Response Association Thailand, Thai Silicon, and the World UAV Federation.
