On January 15, the workshop “UAVs/Drones for Security and Defense Applications” took place at TechBase Regensburg. The workshop brought together manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, and interested parties from industry, research, and government to discuss current issues related to unmanned systems and develop joint solutions.
The workshop provided a platform to examine technological developments, challenges, and potential in the field of unmanned aerial systems (UAVs/drones) for security-related and defense-related applications. The goal was to share knowledge, strengthen networks, and identify opportunities for cooperation among participants.
Following a brief reception and opening remarks by Uwe Pfeil (Cluster Manager, TechBase Regensburg GmbH), the workshop was opened with a keynote address by Colonel (Ret.) Norbert Vetter (Digitalization Support, CyberReserve; Center for Digitalization and Capability Development, Cyber and Information Space, Bundeswehr). He addressed the turning point in security and defense policy, the relevance of the autonomy of unmanned systems, and the requirements for dual-use technologies in a military context. In doing so, he outlined key capability requirements of the Bundeswehr and highlighted the importance of coordinated technological developments.
In the second technical presentation, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ingo Ehrlich (OTH Regensburg, Head of the Fiber Composite Technology Laboratory and Scientific Director of the Neustadt an der Donau Technology Campus) provided a practical overview of drone systems, different types, current technology trends, and areas of application. This established a solid technological foundation for the subsequent interactive workshop sessions.
In a joint brainstorming session, participants discussed the initial challenges and opportunities of technological development in the UAV sector. This phase of the workshop fostered an exchange of perspectives—ranging from user requirements to technological implementation hurdles.
In conclusion, Uwe Pfeil summarized the event, highlighted the constructive collaboration among participants, and emphasized the importance of such formats for developing innovative solutions in the UAV sector. The workshop demonstrated that the topic of drone applications in security and defense sectors is not only technologically relevant but also a catalyst for cross-industry collaboration. At the same time, it became clear that further discussion and development formats are necessary to initiate and implement concrete projects.
Participants left the workshop with an expanded network, fresh ideas, and clear points of contact for future collaboration.
Note
The event was part of the German federal government’s Transformation Networks (funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, BMWE). The Regensburg-based project transform.r supports companies in navigating structural change in the automotive industry.