318 Companies from 23 Countries, 1,200 Booths Participated
Series of Advanced Technologies Unveiled for the First Time in Korea
Comprehensive Showcase of Future Technologies in AI, Defense, and Mobility
Asia's largest drone exhibition, "DSK 2026," has once again broken its previous record, concluding its three-day schedule. The event is being evaluated as a showcase of cutting-edge technology convergence and reaffirmed its position as the "Innovation Hub of the Asian Drone Industry."
Hosted by Busan Metropolitan City, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Korea Aerospace Administration, and organized by BEXCO and the Korea Unmanned System Association, DSK 2026 was held at BEXCO in Busan for three days from February 25 to 27. Over 40,000 domestic and international visitors attended the exhibition during the event.
This year's exhibition featured 318 companies from 23 countries, with a total of 1,200 booths-setting a new all-time high. Overseas participants included 72 companies from 23 countries, accounting for 22.6% of the total. This marks a clear upward trend compared to 14 companies from 8 countries in 2024 and 66 companies from 15 countries in 2025. The analysis is that the exhibition has steadily expanded its reach over the past three years, further elevating its status as an international event.
This year, DSK strengthened its role as a convergence platform encompassing advanced industries such as defense, safety, space, and future mobility, centered on drones. The exhibition featured a "Defense Zone" with participation from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Korean Air, LIG, the WB Group, and other major domestic and international defense institutions and companies. There was also an "AI Drone Security Zone," showcasing anti-drone and AI-based security technologies; a "Spatial Information Zone," concentrating on precision mapping and geospatial information technologies; and a "Space and Aerospace Joint Pavilion," introducing satellite, navigation, and space data utilization technologies.
Other highlights included the "Smart Life Hall," which unveiled convenience store delivery drones and elevator technology for vertiports, and the "Net Zero Hall," presenting eco-friendly aviation equipment and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to illustrate the aerospace industry's vision for carbon neutrality. The exhibition demonstrated how drones are expanding as a core future platform by converging with various industries such as defense, security, geospatial information, aerospace, and smart cities.
There were also notable unveilings of new technologies that drew attention from the industry. Korean Air introduced a subsonic unmanned aerial vehicle currently under joint development with Anduril Industries of the United States for the first time, while LIG showcased its AI-based swarm drone technology. Pablo Air revealed its precision strike drone "S20s," and Doosan Mobility Innovation exhibited a hydrogen drone capable of flying for over 120 minutes in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius.
SierraBase launched "Sirius Wing," equipped with rotary LiDAR-based SLAM technology. Bayris introduced an AI-powered cultural heritage management service. NextAerospace unveiled its strategic "NV-025" model for coastal reconnaissance for the first time, and A-Lux demonstrated a 100% domestically produced educational drone and AI autonomous flight technology. Poongsan presented a miniaturized version of its ammunition-dropping attack drone.
Business achievements were also notable. As of 5:00 p.m. on February 27, the estimated number of consultation sessions reached 3,176, with approximately 471 estimated contracts. A total of 43 business agreements were signed, including a partnership between Korean Air and the UK-based Skyports Infrastructure to develop an integrated urban air mobility (eVTOL) operation platform, as well as an MOU between WeFlow and Poland's defense company WB Group. Around 150 investment consultations were held for participating companies, and DSH (DSK Solution Hub) plans to provide follow-up support.
The conference also had a highly international profile. Forty-eight speakers from 13 countries participated, with around 900 industry attendees. On the first day, under the theme "2026 Air Mobility Trend," participants shared perspectives on the global drone market outlook and trends in aviation regulations by continent. Global tech giants such as IBM, AWS, and Shield AI joined to discuss the transformative impact of AI on industry and defense.
On the second day, the focus shifted to discussions on regulations and policies for drone commercialization, as well as core "New Space" technologies such as satellites, lunar exploration, and space-orbit AI data centers. The event was noted for concretely presenting the trend of the drone industry expanding into the space and data sectors.
Lee Joonseung, CEO of BEXCO, stated, "DSK 2026 ended with significant achievements as the largest event to date, with expanded overseas participation. As the drone industry rapidly converges with defense, aerospace, safety, and future mobility, DSK will further strengthen cross-industry collaboration and business creation as Asia's leading drone-specialized platform."
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