Industry meeting point

While there were some protests against the event outside, the event team recorded a complete success within the Wiener Werkshallen. The symposium DroneVation & Defence, organized for the first time by the military magazine Militär Aktuell last September, met all expectations and will take place for the second time on May 21, 2026. Around 80 exhibiting companies, about 50 high-profile speakers, and even the first national collective stand will be present.

Already a month before the second edition of DroneVation & Defence on May 21 in Vienna, all booths and exhibition spaces were allocated. No wonder, given that this high-profile event addresses a topic currently attracting considerable attention from military and security agencies. Leading the participant lineup of around 80 companies are big names like Rheinmetall, Lockheed Martin, Thales, and MBDA. However, many startups and medium-sized companies are also expected in the Wiener Werkshallen. Around 1,000 interested visitors from the military, industry, academia, and society are anticipated.

Networking and exchanges are an essential part of the event concept

„After 49 exhibitors last year, we have achieved a significant growth step“, explain the two organizers, Matthias Heigl and Jürgen Zacharias. In addition to discussions about current products and upcoming trends, DroneVation & Defence will once again focus on networking and discussions about the opportunities and challenges of military drone usage this year. Moreover, it will be even more international in May 2026 than it was in September 2025. For example, the Swiss association Swissmem will come to Vienna with a good dozen companies. „We are very pleased to welcome a national collective stand for the first time already at the second edition“, look Heigl and Zacharias ahead.

Disclosure

The magazine Drones is a media partner of DroneVation & Defence