UAV Technology UK 2026 Explores Military Uncrewed Air Power

Uncrewed aerial systems have become one of the fastest‑evolving military technologies of the past decade, but shifting operational demands continue to redefine what they are capable of.

From long‑range ISR platforms and soldier‑borne mini‑UAS to remotely piloted combat drones, innovation is accelerating to meet increasingly complex and contested mission requirements. So how are armed forces adapting doctrine, integration, and capability development to keep pace with this rapid evolution?

Join the 11th Annual UAV Technology Conference in London on 21–22 September 2026, to gain exclusive insight into these developments. Connect with global defence leaders, explore the latest advancements in UAV capability, and stay ahead of the strategies shaping the future uncrewed landscape.

Building on the success of previous editions, the conference brings together senior military, government, and industry leaders to explore how uncrewed aerial systems are shaping current and future defence operations. This year features the most senior speaker lineup to date, with confirmed representation from the British Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Ukrainian Armed Forces, and the United States Air Force (USAF), highlighting the growing strategic importance of UAVs across allied forces.

The programme is anchored by three focused panel discussions examining multi‑domain UAV interoperability, integration into shared airspace, and sustainment in contested and extreme environments. These sessions draw on operational insight from senior Royal Navy, British Army, Canadian, and Finnish defence representatives, alongside regulatory experts, to deliver practical perspectives on coordination, certification, and operations at scale.

What’s New for UAV Technology UK 2026?

Collaborative Combat Aircraft: Australia’s Wingman‑Led Approach to Human–Machine Teaming – Air Commodore Matthew Harper, Head of the Australian Defence Staff – London, Royal Australian Air Force

Scaling UAV ISR: Delivering Information Advantage in a Contested Air Domain – Colonel Angelina Maguiness, Director of RPA and Airborne ISR Capabilities, United States Air Force

Scaling the Swarm: Coordinating Large Numbers of Small UAVs – Major Volodymyr Kuzminskyi, Unmanned Systems Forces Command, Ukrainian Armed Forces

Panel Session: Multi-Domain UAV Interoperability: Enabling a UK Joint Drone Enterprise

• Air Commodore Patrick Shea-Simonds , Head of Capability Strategy, Royal Air Force
• Captain James Hall, Naval Staff Strategic Plans, Naval Aviation, Royal Navy
• Colonel Simon Pope, Commander UAS Group, British Army

Panel Session: Successfully Integrating UAVs into Shared Airspace: Military, Regulatory and Standards Perspectives

• Commodore Neil Mathieson, Head of Regulation and Certification, MAA
• Bertrand Riveill, Technical Programme Manager – Innovative Aerial Services, EUROCAE
• Callum Conde, RPAS Sector Lead, Civil Aviation Authority

Panel Session: UAV Operations in the Arctic: Sustainment, Scale, and Survivability

• Lieutenant Colonel Lara Jennings, Project Director – Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, Director Air Requirements, Department of National Defence – Canada
• Lieutenant Colonel Jaakko Kauppinen, Chief of Army Aviation, Finnish Defence Forces

View the full agenda here >>

Looking to Connect with the Global Uncrewed Aerial Systems Community Shaping the Future of Air Power?

Engage with an international audience of senior military, government, and industry leaders driving the development, integration, and procurement of UAV technologies. The conference consistently attracts one of the sector’s most senior and procurement‑focused audiences. Last year’s attendee profile included:

1. Delegations from 30+ Nations: Delivering a truly international perspective on unmanned aerial systems, cross-domain interoperability, and shared operational challenges in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions.
2. 46% military & government participation: Keeping discussions firmly anchored in frontline operational requirements, emerging UAV capability gaps, regulatory considerations, and current acquisition priorities.
3. Over 90% senior-level attendees: Providing direct access to programme managers, UAS capability leads, and key decision-makers shaping the development, integration, and procurement of next-generation unmanned aerial technologies.

Previous Attendees Have Included:

• Previous UK Industry Attendees: British Army, British Naval Staff, British Transport Police, DE&S, DSTL, Department for Business and Trade, Military Aviation Authority, Ministry of Defence, Royal Navy, UK StratCom
• Previous European Industry Attendees: Armed Forces of Ukraine, European Defence Agency, French Air Force, German Air Force, Italian Air Force, NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force, Royal Netherlands Air Force, Spanish Air and Space Force
• Previous International Industry Attendees: Aselsan A.Ş., Astro Kinetics Inc, Elbit Systems Ltd, Elsight, Mach Industries Inc., Satcom Direct LLC, uAvionix Corporation, VectorNav Technologies, Viasat
• Previous UK Military & Government Attendees: British Army, British Naval Staff, British Transport Police, DE&S, DSTL, Department for Business and Trade, Military Aviation Authority, Ministry of Defence, Royal Navy, UK StratCom
• Previous European Military & Government Attendees: Armed Forces of Ukraine, European Defence Agency, French Air Force, German Air Force, Italian Air Force, NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force, Royal Netherlands Air Force, Spanish Air and Space Force
• Previous International Military & Government Attendees: Brazilian Air Force, PEO Aviation, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force, U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, United States Air Force, US Army

View the previous attendee list >>

Showcase Your Brand

Whether through exhibition stands, branded networking opportunities, or thought‑leadership speaking sessions, sponsorship ensures high‑profile visibility among senior stakeholders driving the development, integration, and procurement of future uncrewed aerial systems.

Demand for speaking and exhibition opportunities has been particularly strong this year, underlining the conference’s reputation for attracting senior leaders across UAV procurement, acquisition, and capability development. With returning sponsors including Satcom Direct, Insitu, and uAvionix, alongside new Silver Sponsor Viasat, the 2026 programme is shaping up to be one of the strongest and most authoritative to date.

Register your interest in sponsorship today >>

Secure Your Place

Prefer to join as a delegate? Take advantage of the early-bird discount; save £400 if you book by 18th June 2026.

International Active Military & Government Personnel can attend for just £598, while Host Nation Military & Government are eligible to attend free of charge.

Reserve your ticket now >>

Contact the UAV UK Team

• Conference Producer: Luke Cotton, Conference Producer
• Sponsorship Enquiries: William Harding-Terry, Sponsorship Sales Manager
• Delegate Bookings: Adam Smith, Business Development Executive
• Marketing & Media Enquiries: Elliott Karmel, Marketing Lead