The Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology (President Hwang Ho-won) announced that it successfully completed export consultations, contract signings, and MOUs during its participation in “Xponential 2025,” the world’s largest unmanned systems exhibition, held in Houston, USA from May 19 to 22.

Since 2020, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology have been promoting the “Drone Company Global Expansion Support Project” to enhance the export capabilities of leading K-Drone companies and to boost the drone industry, thereby strengthening national competitiveness.

This year, in particular, Korea actively supported domestic drone companies’ entry into the U.S. market by leveraging the United States’ heightened import restrictions on Chinese drones, which began in 2024, as an opportunity.

To secure early entry and a competitive edge in the Americas, 11 companies aligned with U.S. market demand were selected as part of the Korean delegation. The delegation conducted export consultations and operated the Korea Pavilion exhibition booth.

Xponential, organized annually by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), is the world’s largest unmanned systems trade show. It rotates among major U.S. cities and features the latest technologies and industry trends, including drones, military UAVs, and autonomous systems. This year, more than 60 countries participated.

The Korean delegation not only operated exhibition booths but also enhanced networking through various programs such as the announcement of Korea’s drone support policies by the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology and investor relations (IR) pitching sessions by participating companies.

During the event, companies like Vololand and Weplow achieved export contracts. In total, 191 consultations were conducted, and 15 MOUs were signed, marking significant practical achievements.

Hwang Ho-won, President of the Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology, stated,

“Through the drone export support project, we have discovered export-promising companies such as Ubify, which achieved $10 million in exports, and Nearthlab, with $2 million.”

“We will continue to discover and support outstanding drone companies so that Korean-made drones can become competitive and lead the global market.”

Source: Robot News (https://www.irobotnews.com