UAV Show 2025: Confirmed success for an edition at the crossroads of Civil and Defense
From October 14 to 16, 2025, the Palais des Congrès and the Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport hosted the eighth edition of UAV Show — now an unmissable event for the European drone ecosystem. Bringing together 3,600 professionals and recording a 50% increase in attendance compared to the previous edition, the show confirmed its position as the leading B2B platform for both civil and military drones.
Organized by Bordeaux Technowest and Bordeaux Events and More, with the support of Bordeaux Métropole, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, and numerous institutional and industrial partners, UAV Show 2025 marked a turning point for the industry. By more fully integrating defense and technological sovereignty issues, the event reflected the profound transformation of a rapidly maturing market.
The Defense shift: a driver of new synergies
The 2025 edition stood out for the strong presence of the Defense sector: nearly three-quarters of exhibitors now collaborate with the French Ministry of Armed Forces, the Directorate General of Armament (DGA), or the Defense Innovation Agency (AID). This convergence between civilian and military players illustrates the evolution of a sector seeking complementarity and shared innovation.
Several key partnerships were announced during the show, highlighting the sector’s dynamism. The agreement between TEKEVER and MERIO on electro-optical and infrared technologies, as well as the strategic partnership between CESA Drones and SOPEMEA (Apave Group) to enhance the qualification and market entry of aircraft, were among the key announcements. These initiatives contribute to strengthening the European value chain and supporting a fast-growing industry.
Strategic debates and high-value exchanges
UAV Show 2025 also served as a major venue for reflection and in-depth discussion. Keynotes, round tables, and workshops brought together experts, industry leaders, institutional representatives, and researchers to address key topics shaping the future of the drone industry.
Discussions on counter-drone strategies highlighted the growing complexity of threats and the need for integrated approaches between public and private stakeholders. Sessions on embedded artificial intelligence explored both technological and ethical challenges, especially regarding decision-making autonomy in military applications.
Demo Day: showcasing Europe’s operational excellence
Closing the show, the Demo Day on October 16 confirmed the strong appeal of live demonstrations. Before an audience of industry representatives, institutional figures, and Defense officials, several spectacular demonstrations showcased the operational capabilities of next-generation drones.
Among the highlights, the joint demonstration by DRONE VOLT and AEOTIC on aerial aircraft fuselage cleaning drew particular attention, as did the presentation of the PANDRONE program, which brings together seventeen public and private partners to enhance airport and critical site security through robotics and artificial intelligence.
These demonstrations underscored the sector’s technological maturity and its strong regional roots, particularly within Nouvelle-Aquitaine, now recognized as a center of excellence for drone development.
A dynamic hub for economic and collaborative growth
Beyond demonstrations and announcements, UAV Show 2025 confirmed its role as a catalyst for technological cooperation and economic development. The exchanges and meetings held during the event led to new projects and opened concrete collaboration opportunities between industrial players, institutions, and European partners.
Feedback from participants confirmed a strong business impact, high-quality networking, and a reinforced sense of community. According to François Baffou, CEO of Bordeaux Technowest and Show Commissioner, “The Defense shift of this edition is an undeniable success. The market is entering an acceleration phase, and UAV Show is where it all comes to life.”
Acknowledgments
The organizing teams extend their sincere thanks to all exhibitors, speakers, partners, and professional visitors who helped make this edition a milestone event for the European drone industry.
Through the quality of discussions, the richness of the content, and the diversity of participants, UAV Show asserts itself more than ever as the meeting point where innovation, sovereignty, and cooperation converge.