KOTRA Promotes 'K-Drone' Globally... Korean Pavilion Opens at World's Largest UAV Exhibition

by Park Joonyi

Published 17 May.2026 11:50(KST)

More Than 8,500 Participants from 60 Countries

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced on May 17 that it had opened the Korean Pavilion at 'Xponential,' the world's largest comprehensive unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) exhibition, which was held in Detroit, USA from May 11 to 14.

A total of 10 innovative companies participated in the Korean Pavilion, including drone manufacturers as well as enterprises specializing in high-precision sensors and autonomous driving software.

'Xponential' is the world's largest unmanned vehicle exhibition organized by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). This year, more than 8,500 buyers and experts from 60 countries attended the event.

The Korean Pavilion set up at "Exponential 2026" in Detroit, USA. KOTRA.

During the exhibition, KOTRA hosted one-on-one export consultations by inviting major local distributors and public sector buyers, and also held presentation sessions to promote the security safety and technological excellence of Korean drones.

In addition, considering the demand for defense products and the recent rise in the status of Korea's defense industry, a 'K-Defense Promotion Pavilion' was also operated to create greater synergy.

Myounghee Kim, Vice President of KOTRA and Head of the Industrial Innovation Growth Division, stated, "Amid surging demand for drones due to ongoing war situations, there is a marked trend in the United States, Europe, and other regions for drones with outstanding security features. We will actively support our companies—equipped with both security and advanced technology—so they can seize this golden opportunity by connecting them to local demand."