DroneHorizon 2025

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This September, Rotterdam will host a landmark gathering of Europe’s drone and autonomous systems ecosystem at the DroneHorizon 2025 event. Taking place on 4 and 5 September, the event aims to connect industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators at the forefront of unmanned and autonomous technologies.  

Aerospace Delta and InnovationQuarter are proud to be strategic partners of the event. 

Organized by DronePort Rotterdam in close collaboration with the Port of Rotterdam, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and Hamburg Port Authority, the summit launches a three-year European partnership focused on scaling autonomous operations across ports and critical infrastructure. The main summit takes place on the 4th of September, while the 5th of September is dedicated to live demonstrations and public engagement at the Innovation Dock during World Port Days. 

4th of September: Strategy and Operations
The first day of DroneHorizon unfolds at the Maassilo, Rotterdam. The summit brings together business and government leaders to explore the real-world challenges and opportunities of autonomous systems, dual-use technology, and collaboration across sectors. 

The day’s focus topics include: 

  • Integration of drones and unmanned systems in logistics and critical infrastructure: Focuses on how autonomous systems create operational value through predictive maintenance, 24/7 logistics, and real-time monitoring. Emphasis is placed on bridging legacy infrastructure with robotics and AI to improve efficiency and resilience. 
  • Civil-military interoperability and resilience: Explores how dual-use technologies support both civilian and defense missions. Highlights include scenario-based demonstrations, cross-border coordination, and strategies for secure integration. 
  • AI-powered operations and data infrastructure: Looks at how AI, data platforms, and next-gen connectivity enable real-time decisions and scalable autonomy. Includes discussions on edge computing, digital twins, and secure data sharing. 
  • Governance, regulation, and workforce transformation: Addresses the policy, education, and public-private collaboration needed to responsibly scale autonomous systems. Covers regulatory frameworks, talent development, and cross-sector implementation. 

Confirmed speakers include Paul Timmers (Eurostack, former Director at the European Commission), Andreea Strachinescu (DG MARE, European Commission), and Justin Quinn (NATO Maritime Unmanned Systems Innovation Coordination Cell), among other leading voices from EU institutions, defense networks, and research bodies. 

Workshops and breakout sessions will allow attendees to go deeper into domains such as counter-UAS, drone detection, AI simulation, and the evolving legal frameworks around U-space and autonomous systems. 

5th of September: From Ideas to Action at the Innovation Dock
In partnership with World Port Days, the second day of the event transforms the Innovation Dock into a 2,000 m² open-air testbed for real-world demonstrations. Companies and research teams will showcase live operations of UAVs, USVs, ROVs, and hybrid platforms in an active port setting. 

Visitors can expect to see: 

  • Drone-enabled infrastructure inspections 
  • Autonomous vessel navigation 
  • AI-driven monitoring and analytics platforms 
  • Cross-platform data-sharing tools and interfaces

The demos aim to highlighting how unmanned systems can deliver value today in logistics, maritime security, environmental monitoring, and smart infrastructure. 

A European Platform for Scaled Innovation
DroneHorizon is not a one-off conference but a launchpad for long-term collaboration. With participants from at least 14 countries and growing, the event positions itself as a European platform for scaling innovation across borders. Strategic partners include NLR, The Beacon, EUROCONTROL, and several national innovation agencies. The initiative underscores a broader ambition: to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty and digital autonomy in the face of global disruption. 

How to Join
For more information on the event, tickets, and partnership opportunities please refer to the event webpage: https://www.dronehorizon.org/  

Organizations interested in exhibiting, speaking, or demonstrating tech are encouraged to reach out through the official platform. 

 

Counter Drone Conference: Detect & Protect II

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Image: Unmanned Valley

The use of drones for security brings many benefits and has become a standard practice in today’s world. However, the question then arises: what happens when there is an unwanted drone in our vicinity? The technologies, policies, and counteraction processes are important aspects of counter UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) solutions, and will be explored in the Counter Drone Conference on the 12th of June at Unmanned Valley in Katwijk aan Zee.  

If you are interested in the discussions about how technology, money, people and, policy, and shape the future of counter drone solutions, make sure to secure a ticket here! 

Technology background 

As drones become increasingly integrated into bothe commercial and recreational environments, the need to detect and neutralize unwanted UAS grows. With the new technological advancements, drones are becoming small and more autonomous, making it more challenging to detect and stop them in advance.  

Modern counter-drone systems are built to be able to detect, identify, track, and mitigate the flying vehicles. They leverage technologies such as radar, radio frequency sensors, optical cameras, and artificial intelligence to detect and classify unwanted UASs. Mitigation strategies range from jamming and spoofing their navigation and guidance systems, to kinetic interception. 

The type of detection and mitigation strategies used depend on the available technologies, as well as the environment they are used in, and the local regulations. Therefore, effective implementations depend also on the definition of cohesive policies, skilled operators, and a responsive legal framework that advances at the same speed as the new technologies.  

Event agenda 

The challenges and innovations in the field of C-UAS will take the center stage at the upcoming conference. The event will host a diverse group of professionals and companies of the field, including a strong Dutch military presence. This event is a follow-up to the first successful edition two years ago, and features presentations, networking opportunities, and case studies of C-UAS applications. The program will explore both civilian and defense applications, two fields that are growing increasingly connected. 

An overview of the presentation and speakers of the day’s agenda can be seen below. Stay updated on the latest version of the agenda here. 

  • Drone Capability Coalition – Royal Netherlands Army
  • How to Solve the Gaps in C-UAS? – NLR (Netherlands Aerospace Centre) 
  • Air & Space Operations – Royal Netherlands Army 
  • Detect & Act – Airhub 
  • Protection of the Olympic Games Paris – Senhive 
  • Counter-Counter UAS – Emergent Swarm Solutions 
  • Airspace Protection from a Provincial Perspective – Province of South Holland 
  • Quality of GNSS Signals – EUSPA 
  • Navigation Under All Circumstances – EUSPA 
  • Drones and Vulnerabilities – CGI 
  • Counter-Counter Drone Technology – Emergent Swarm Solutions 
  • Innovating Effectors for the Future of Counter-Drone Defense – Delft Dynamics 
  • Networking & Drinks

Relevant partners and stakeholders in the Aerospace Delta Network 

The Counter Drone Conference is supported by a network of organizations actively working on aerospace innovation in the Netherlands and beyond. Core partners include Unmanned Valley, a field lab that fosters collaboration between startups, knowledge institutions, and government bodies focused on autonomous systems. 

Take a look below to read more about some of the other parties that will be present at the event! 

Emergent Swarm Solutions: Specializing in autonomous swarm behavior, this startup is pioneering “counter-counter UAS” concepts that enable drones to resist jamming and act collaboratively in high-threat environments. 

Delft Dynamics: A well-established player in the Dutch drone sector, Delft Dynamics develops tethered drone systems and effectors for counter-drone defense. Their innovations are often used for security, inspection, and defense missions.  

AirHub: A technology company offering integrated software solutions for drone operations and airspace management. AirHub focuses on “detect and act” systems that allow operators to safely manage drone flights in controlled airspace. 

Robin Radar Systems: Known for its advanced radar technology, Robin Radar delivers detection systems tailored for both aviation safety and counter-UAS operations. Their radars can track small, low-flying drones with high precision. 

NLR (Netherlands Aerospace Centre): As a national aerospace research center, NLR contributes to technological advancements in drone navigation, airspace integration, and counter-UAS strategy through both applied R&D and policy advising. 

CGI: A global IT and consulting firm with a strong footprint in the Netherlands, CGI works on cybersecurity and drone vulnerability assessments, helping governments and infrastructure operators understand and mitigate threats from unmanned systems. 

Senhive: A security tech company offering real-time drone detection and countermeasure systems, recently involved in drone protection initiatives for high-profile events such as the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. 

About Unmanned Valley 

Unmanned Valley is a cutting-edge field lab located at the former Valkenburg naval airbase in Katwijk, Netherlands. It serves as a hub for the research, development, and testing of unmanned systems and sensor-based technologies. The facility offers unique airspace that allows for continuous and flexible drone operations, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights. By bringing together startups, scale-ups, established companies, knowledge institutions, and government entities, Unmanned Valley fosters innovation in autonomous systems and aims to position the Netherlands at the forefront of the European unmanned technology sector. 

 

 

Launching Aerospace Delta LinkedIn: Follow us for Zuid-Holland Aerospace News!

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The global aerospace industry is moving at a pace faster than ever, and the Netherlands is keeping its place at the forefront of European developments. A large part of the Dutch activity happens in the province of Zuid-Holland, focused on all the major aerospace sectors, including aeronautics & aviation, drones, UAM & UAS, and upstream & downstream space activities. However, it is well known that no matter how impactful and ground-breaking a development can be, without the right outreach and visibility, its footprint in the industry is limited. With the launch of this new project, Aerospace Delta’s goal is just this: to showcase the significance of the aerospace developments and innovations emerging from companies, organizations, institutions, start-ups, and hubs across the province of Zuid-Holland.

 

What is Aerospace Delta? 

Aerospace Delta is Zuid-Holland’s regional aerospace network, created to bring together the members of the aerospace sector in the region. Launched by the regional economic development agency InnovationQuarter, the Province of Zuid-Holland, and the Technical University of Delft, its goal is to promote collaboration to tackle the societal, economic, and geopolitical challenges of the industry. Its network ranges from knowledge institutions, manufacturers and suppliers, research institutions, and startup communities, consisting of more than 260 parties and 9,000 full-time employees. With both an international outlook and regional connectivity, Aerospace Delta is in the perfect position to drive technological progress and sustainability while strengthening the aerospace identity of the province.

 

Why now?

Alongside the innovative developments within the Aerospace Delta ecosystem, the Aerospace Delta Agenda 2030 describes the current status of the cluster, outlines strategic priorities, and highlights dozens of regional projects already underway. To avoid missed opportunities, communication is essential and a core part of the strategy. The strength of the Aerospace Delta network lies in alignment, knowledge-sharing, and a clear voice to the outside world.

Over the coming months, there are already several key opportunities to connect with the regional and international aerospace community:

Through the Aerospace Delta network, we aim to highlight the Zuid-Holland ecosystem’s contributions to the wider sector at events like these, but also through regular updates, shared stories, and ongoing collaboration across the region. In parallel, we’re also updating and improving our website: www.aerospacedelta.nl.

 

Share your story

The Aerospace Delta news project is designed to serve the entire regional ecosystem. If your organization is involved in an initiative or development relevant to the aerospace sector, we are here to help you highlight your achievements. Whether it’s a new partnership, a milestone, or an event worth sharing, this platform offers the opportunity to increase visibility and connect with a wider audience. You can always reach out to us at info@aerospacedelta.nl. We are waiting to hear your story!