The Czech drone industry is emerging as a technological powerhouse in Europe, combining deep aviation heritage with cutting-edge research in autonomy, robotics, and advanced software. In this interview, Jakub Karas outlines where Czech companies excel, why collaboration is key, and how Europe’s push for technological sovereignty is reshaping the future of unmanned systems.
Interview with Jakub Karas
How does the Czech drone industry stand today in the European context?
The Czech drone sector is technologically very strong. We have a number of innovative companies and research teams that are succeeding in international projects and global markets.
Our major advantage lies in a strong tradition of the aviation industry and high-quality technical education. Thanks to this, Czech companies often specialize in technologically demanding parts of the drone ecosystem, such as avionics, sensors, software applications, 3D printing, and other essential components or autonomous systems.
In which areas are Czech companies and research most competitive?
Czech companies and research institutions are particularly strong in autonomy, robotics, and advanced drone control software. In these fields, Czech university teams have long ranked among the global leaders.
In addition, we have highly capable manufacturers of specialized components—such as drone sensors, propellers, and propulsion systems. We often supply key technologies within international projects.
How important is collaboration between companies, universities, and government?
In the field of unmanned technologies, this collaboration is absolutely essential. Drone development combines aviation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications—and none of these sectors can function in isolation.
Companies bring practical experience and market applications, universities contribute cutting-edge research, and the state provides the regulatory and safety framework. When these three pillars work well together, they create an environment that can rapidly translate innovation into practice.
How is the debate on Europe’s technological sovereignty reflected in the drone sector?
Technological sovereignty is currently a highly relevant topic in the drone industry. Europe is increasingly realizing that this issue was underestimated in the past.
A large share of global drone and component production comes from China, which is difficult to compete with—especially in terms of final product pricing. On the other hand, for applications related to critical infrastructure or counter-drone systems, self-sufficiency is essential. Even at a higher cost, supporting European industry becomes necessary.
This creates space for the development of European technologies and manufacturing. For Czech companies, it represents an opportunity to become part of the European supply chain in unmanned systems.
What role does the Alliance for the Unmanned Aerial Industry play?
The Alliance connects key players in the drone ecosystem—companies, research organizations, and public administration. Its goal is to create a platform for collaboration and strengthen the position of Czech technologies.
It actively promotes the Czech unmanned sector worldwide—for example through national booths at major global trade fairs and partnerships with drone associations across Europe and beyond, including Germany, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the United States.
This year alone, the Alliance has participated in events such as Drone Show Korea 2026, Xponential Europe 2026 in Düsseldorf with a record delegation of 30 Czech companies, and will again take part in Xponential 2026 in the USA. It also organizes the Czech Republic’s largest drone conference, Dronedge, which will celebrate its 11th edition this autumn.
Another key activity is advocating for effective and meaningful drone regulations in both the Czech Republic and Europe—balancing safety with the development of advanced drone applications. The Alliance regularly engages with aviation authorities, ministries, and European institutions such as the European Commission, EUROCONTROL, and EASA.
What can visitors expect from the Dronedge 2026 conference?
Dronedge has long been a key meeting point not only for the Czech drone community but also for aviation authorities.
Since last year, the format has expanded into a two-day event, which will again take place at Prague’s Fantova Building at the Main Railway Station on October 7–8, 2026. A tradition of hosting a prominent international guest—often from EASA—continues.
This year, the second day will place greater emphasis on drones and counter-drone technologies in defense, research, and strategic domains shaping the future of the industry.
Visitors can look forward to technological innovations, real-world drone applications, and discussions on regulation, safety, European cooperation, and research. A major program highlight is already in preparation.
What trends will shape the drone industry in the coming years?
One of the key trends is the increasing autonomy of drones and their ability to operate with minimal human intervention. This goes hand in hand with their integration into standard airspace and the development of unmanned traffic management systems, including U-space.
Security and defense applications will also play a major role—such as drone swarms, interceptors, and the use of artificial intelligence. At the same time, we will see rapid growth in automated industrial applications, including energy, infrastructure, and logistics, particularly drone delivery.
Equally important will be counter-drone technologies and the protection of critical infrastructure against non-cooperative drones.
Interview by: Katerina Urbanova
Photo Credit: Jakub Karas
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