7. UAV Flight Test Convention 2026

The UAV Flight Test Convention is one of the most important annual specialist events for unmanned aerial systems in the German-speaking world and beyond. Each year, it provides a unique platform for research institutions, public authorities, industry partners and users from a wide range of sectors to come together to shape the future of drone technology. In 2026, the 7th Convention will take place in Austria for the first time – a special occasion with an international audience strengthening the local research landscape but also underlining the enormous significance of Graz as a location for the further development of UAS technology.

With FH JOANNEUM as the technical and scientific host and AIRlabs Austria as the implementation and infrastructure partner, the 7th UAV Flight Test Convention 2026 brings together two worlds: scientific expertise and practical application. The focus is on real-world applications, industrial development and direct exchange between research and industry – with test environments offering real-world operational conditions in an alpine setting.

The event‘s diverse setting provides a particular highlight: selected flight demonstrations will be streamed live directly from Winterthur (CH) and Leck (GER). This extends the convention beyond the venue itself, giving participants direct access to a variety of test environments and operational scenarios across Europe.
The two-day event thus offers an extraordinary perspective on what is technologically possible – in the lecture theatre, in the laboratory and in the open air.

The day begins with the official opening and a welcome address by the scientific directors followed by an interactive discussion session. Experts in research, industry and government/public administration will discuss the latest developments in UAS technology, regulatory frameworks and specific use cases.

The focus will be on practical issues such as innovative drone propulsion systems, flight safety in real-world operations, BVLOS missions, sensor integration and automation solutions. Technological developments are not presented in isolation but are examined collectively with regard to their industrial feasibility and future market potential. Direct dialogue and open discussion are deliberately placed at the forefront.

In the afternoon, the ideas from the morning will be explored further in moderated development dialogues. Industry representatives and researchers will present current projects and, together with the audience, discuss specific challenges and potential solutions facing the sector. A particular highlight will be the topic of drone propulsion, which will not only be explored in technical depth but also brought to life through a practical demonstration.

The day will conclude with a networking dinner in a historic setting. The exact venue will be announced soon — but one thing is certain: the evening will provide a unique atmosphere for in-depth discussions, new collaborations, and international networking.

Thanks to its natural weather conditions, topography and infrastructure, the region is an ideal location for testing sensor technology, BVLOS cross-country flights, mobile communications measurements, aerodynamic properties and navigation systems under real-world conditions. Where laboratory conditions reach their limits, the real-world test environment begins.

As part of the flight demonstrations, various project teams and research partners will present their platforms, missions and systems. Participants will experience first-hand how UAVs navigate difficult terrain, the challenges posed by the topography, and how key factors such as thermal conditions, signal ranges and technical redundancy affect operations in the Alpine environment. Depending on the weather and final arrangements, the lunch break will take place at the Sulzriegelalm or the Freinerhof, before the afternoon continues with further demonstrations.

With the conclusion of the second day, the 7th UAV Flight Test Convention 2026 draws to a close, opening up space for new perspectives, collaborations and ideas that extend far beyond the event itself.