Drone conference in Vienna: speaker slots open for “DroneVation & Defence 2026”

On 21 May 2026, Militär Aktuell will host the drone and counter-drone symposium “DroneVation & Defence” in Vienna for the second time. Following the successful premiere last year, the drone conference will again bring together political decision-makers, military leaders, authorities, industry and international partners.

The aim is to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy in unmanned systems. It also aims to share operational experience and develop the European drone and counter-UAS industry – through coordinated policy, industrial cooperation, technological innovation and networking with armed forces and authorities.

A large exhibition area is planned, along with two stages for high-profile keynotes, panels and specialist presentations. Numerous renowned speakers and panellists have already confirmed.

Speaker slots at the drone conference

In addition, Militär Aktuell is awarding one speaker slot for each of the three central focus topics:

• Drones as a military weapon
• Counter-drone defence from the front line to the home front
• Protecting critical infrastructure from unmanned threats

Speaking time is 13 minutes, or 15 minutes including introduction and close. Presentations may be given by one person or a duo. Pure product presentations and sales pitches are explicitly unwanted; strategic, operational or technological contributions of real value to decision-makers and users are sought. Presentations should ideally be in English, but German is also possible.

Submissions are due by e-mail by 13 March 2026 (23.59) to
juergen.zacharias@militaeraktuell.at. Written in German or English and between 300 and a maximum of 500 words, the application must include the following points:

• the proposed title of the presentation,
• a precise description of the content,
• its assignment to one of the three main topics.

Militär Aktuell will announce by 20 March 2026 at the latest whether a contribution has been accepted into the programme.