Why it matters
DWC is the single most important annual procurement and partnership event for the global UAV supply chain, offering direct access to Chinese manufacturers who dominate 70%+ of the consumer drone market and nearly 50% of the industrial drone market worldwide. For defence suppliers and dual-use SMEs, the dedicated low-altitude security and counter-UAS exhibition zone (Hall 5 in 2026) and associated forums provide unmatched visibility into Chinese C-UAS technology trends and potential export partners. The event's scale — 1,200+ exhibitors and 180,000+ visitors in 2026 — makes it an essential intelligence-gathering venue for any organisation tracking UAS threats, capabilities, or supply-chain dependencies.
About
The 11th Drone World Congress (DWC) is China's flagship annual UAV and low-altitude economy event, co-located with the Shenzhen International UAV Expo (UASE) and the International Low-Altitude Economy & Unmanned Systems Expo. The congress combines a large-scale trade exhibition covering the full UAV industry chain — including UAS platforms, eVTOL, counter-drone systems, AI robotics, and low-altitude infrastructure — with a plenary summit and over 100 parallel forums and thematic seminars. First held in 2017, the event has grown into one of the world's largest gatherings for the unmanned systems sector, drawing participants from over 140 countries and regions. The 2027 edition moves to the larger Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Bao'an District.
Market intel
Moderate pricinghigh confidence
The 10th edition (2026) set all-time records: 1,220 exhibitors, 110,000 sqm across 9 halls, 180,000 visitors, 630+ speakers, and ~CNY 23 billion in intended transactions. The 9th edition (2025) recorded 131,463 cumulative visitors including 6,041 from 103 overseas countries, 825 exhibitors, and ~CNY 20 billion in deals. The 11th edition (2027) relocates to the larger Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Bao'an, signalling continued scale expansion.
Notable exhibitorsDJI (大疆创新)JOUAV (联合飞机)Autel Robotics (道通智能)EHang (亿航智能)Meituan Drone (美团无人机)Cobalt UAV / Keweitai (科比特航空)Shanghai Terjin (特金无人机管控 — counter-UAS)Xpeng AeroHT / HT Aero (小鹏汇天 eVTOL)
AI-researched Tue, 25 August 2026. Estimates from public sources. Verify with the organizer.
Topics
UAS / DronesC-UASAutonomy & RoboticsAIDual-use
Who it's for
PrimesSMEsStartupsInvestorsInstitutions