The Drone World Congress 2026 officially opened in Shenzhen on Thursday, May 21, marking a record-breaking milestone for the event. Spanning 110,000 square meters across all nine halls of the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, the congress is set to run through May 23, highlighting the rapid expansion of the global low-altitude economy.
This year's event showcases the immense scale of innovation coming from the Chinese mainland. A total of 1,220 companies from 17 countries and regions are presenting tens of thousands of drones and low-altitude products. For many, the event is a testament to China's role as the central hub for drone development.
"Now the whole world looks to China for drones," stated a representative from Hangzhou Qifei Intelligent Technology. The company emphasized their ability to provide one-stop, full-supply-chain solutions and customization to meet any global requirement, underscoring the efficiency and versatility of the regional manufacturing ecosystem.
The growth of the industry is evident in the participation of new exhibitors. Anhui Qingjia Aviation, which had previously attended the event only as a visitor, is making its debut as an exhibitor this year. Company representatives noted that this edition feels significantly larger than previous years, providing an ideal platform to demonstrate their latest capabilities.
The congress has attracted professional buyers from over 50 countries and regions, including South Korea, India, the UAE, Japan, Vietnam, Sweden, Belgium, Russia, Spain, the US, and Canada. Additionally, the event has drawn government agencies, operators, and end-users from more than 30 Chinese provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions.
Since its inception in 2017, the congress has been held for 10 consecutive years, attracting over 1 million representatives from more than 150 countries and regions. This sustained growth is mirrored by the industrial strength of the host city; Shenzhen currently produces 70% of the world's consumer drones and nearly 50% of its industrial drones, cementing its status as the global epicenter of drone technology.
Reference(s):
Drone World Congress: 'Whole world looks to China for drones'
cgtn.com
