Senior Research Scientist Tavo Kangru and Project Manager Meigo Mõttus from Metrosert’s Drone Technologies Unit participated in the International Drone Show 2025, held at HCA Airport in Odense, Denmark. The event brought together industry leaders, researchers, and innovators from across Northern Europe’s drone sector, to discuss the future of unmanned aerial systems and the opportunities they present.
The conference focused on several key themes that define the current trajectory of drone development:
- Defence and security
- Advanced air mobility
- Integrated airspace management
- Industry use cases, including agriculture, logistics, and healthcare
As drone technologies advance and adoption accelerates, it is essential to develop a national drone strategy that encompasses all stakeholders—entrepreneurs, researchers, and operators in the field. Such a strategy would provide the clarity and confidence needed to develop dual-use technologies and services, positioning Estonia as a forward-thinking leader in the UAV domain.
Despite technological advances, a lack of shared understanding still hinders the broader integration of drone-based services into a unified airspace. Metrosert sees this as both a challenge and an opportunity—one that calls for clear frameworks, transparent communication, and international cooperation.
Several of Estonia’s neighboring countries are already implementing UAV-first response systems for police, rescue, and border services—showcasing practical applications of drone technology in public safety. These offer valuable lessons as Estonia moves to define its own roadmap.
The event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with representatives from the University of Southern Denmark and the Danish Technological Institute. Discussions focused on the development of dedicated drone test areas and the exploration of potential joint research and collaboration projects—laying the groundwork for future testing, validation, and development.
Metrosert remains committed to supporting the development of safe, smart, and secure drone technologies in Estonia. Participating in events like the International Drone Show helps ensure that we remain connected to the latest trends, best practices, and collaborative opportunities within the global UAV ecosystem.
