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SAE Media Group will host the 5th Annual UAV Technology USA Conference: Driving the Future of Uncrewed Aerial Systems from 2-3 February 2026 in Arlington, Virginia.
The North American tactical UAV market is forecast to reach $1.79 billion in 2025, reflecting strong growth in unmanned systems tailored to modern defense need.
This year’s conference will bring together 175+ senior military and industry leaders, offering attendees access to advanced technology providers, policymakers, and strategic insights into future force readiness.
Explore the Agenda
The 2026 programme dives deep into emerging UAV priorities, including:
- Heavy-payload UAV operations
- ISR integration
- Counter-UAS strategies
- Autonomy in contested environments
- Secure communications
Sessions will feature perspectives from U.S. and allied military services, leading R&D organizations, and pioneering industry innovators.
Network with the UAV Community
Past attendees have included senior representatives from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, DARPA, NATO, Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, and Raytheon. UAV Technology USA has established itself as the forum to benchmark progress, share expertise, and forge lasting partnerships.
See who you could meet this year >>
Meet the Conference Chair: Dr. Robert J. Kraus
Leading the 2026 UAV USA Conference is Dr. Robert J. Kraus, Dean of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota.
With a distinguished 28-year career in the United States Air Force, Dr. Kraus retired as a Colonel, having served as an operational and experimental test pilot, instructor and evaluator pilot, and Hurricane Hunter. He has logged over 3,300 flight hours across 35 aircraft. In academia, he now oversees 850 faculty and staff supporting 2,100 students, advancing research in aviation, aerospace, atmospheric sciences, and space studies.
In his welcome address, Dr. Kraus notes, “This conference is the perfect forum for dedicated discussions and networking opportunities to enhance approaches, analyses, and solutions to address operator requirements with the latest developments in uncrewed aerial capabilities.” Read Dr. Kraus’s full letter of invitation >>
Showcase Your Brand
With leading sponsors such as Sagetech Avionics, uAvionix, and Kulr already confirmed, now is the time to explore sponsorship packages. Whether through exhibition booths, branded networking, or thought-leadership sessions, sponsorship guarantees visibility among senior UAV stakeholders.
Register your interest in sponsorship today >>
Secure Your Place
Prefer to join as a delegate?
- Early bird discount: Save $400 if booked by October 24, 2025
- International Active Military & Government Personnel: $499
- U.S. DoD personnel attend for free (excluding contractors)
Contact the UAV Team
The UAV Technology USA Conference Team look forward to welcoming you to Arlington in February 2026.
- Conference Producer: Victoria Ayuso, Production Manager (Defence) [email protected]
- Sponsorship Enquiries: Nick Jordacijevic, Sponsorship Sales Manager (US), [email protected]
- Delegate Bookings: Abigail Owen, Business Development Executive, [email protected]
- Marketing & Media Enquiries: Elliott Karmel, Marketing Lead,
[email protected]
