From launching a new U-space Concept of Operations to showcasing the next generation of research, SESAR Joint Undertaking demonstrated its contribution to building a safe, scalable and competitive European drone ecosystem at the EU Drone Summit 2026.
Held on 9–10 November 2026 at the Egmont Palace in Brussels, the EU Drone Summit brought together representatives from EU institutions, industry, regulators and the research community to take stock of progress under the European Drone Strategy 2.0 and discuss the next steps for Europe's drone sector.
As a supporting partner of the event, SESAR JU played a central role in the programme, highlighting how European investment in research and innovation are now translating into practical solutions for the integration of drones into European airspace.
Turning research into operational reality
Opening the SESAR technical sessions, Executive Director Andreas Boschen reflected on the progress made since the first U-space blueprint was developed almost a decade ago.
He highlighted the importance of moving beyond successful demonstrations towards scalable, interoperable and commercially viable U-space services, capable of supporting increasingly complex drone operations alongside conventional aviation.
The Summit also marked an important milestone in this journey. Four years after the European Drone Days in 2022, when CORUS-XUAM and U-ELCOME were presented alongside the launch of the Drone Strategy 2.0, both projects returned to showcase how their work has evolved.
A key highlight was the presentation of the fifth edition of the U-space Concept of Operations, developed by the SESAR-funded CORUS FIVE project. Building on earlier CORUS research, the updated concept addresses more complex operational environments, including controlled airspace and areas around airports. The extended executive summary was released at the Summit, with the full document to follow.
Complementing this work, the U-ELCOME Digital Sky Demonstrator presented its U-space Implementation Handbook, bringing together practical experience and lessons learned from U-space deployment activities across Europe.
Together, these deliverables provide complementary resources for the next stage of U-space implementation: a common operational vision and practical guidance to help turn that vision into reality.
Investing in the next generation of drone innovation
Looking ahead, the SESAR JU also put the spotlight on its newest research projects, which are tackling the challenges of scaling up drone operations and integrating innovative air mobility into Europe's aviation system.
Through dedicated sessions moderated by SESAR JU, projects including:
- 5 industrial research projects: VERTI-GO, GOF3, RAXUS, DAEDALUS and UP-EXPAND
- 4 exploratory research: HIVE, TUNED, SMART and DiFerRent CORUS
presented their research ambitions, covering topics such as dynamic airspace management, digital flight authorisations, automation and the integration of new airspace users.
These initiatives build on the achievements of earlier SESAR projects and contribute to the long-term vision of the European ATM Master Plan, supporting the transition towards a fully integrated Digital European Sky.
Bringing innovation closer to stakeholders
Beyond the conference programme, 8 SESAR JU projects also featured in the Summit exhibition.
Visitors had the opportunity to engage directly with project teams, discover the technologies and operational concepts under development, and explore how SESAR research is helping address real-world challenges faced by the European drone industry.
The exhibition provided a valuable opportunity to connect research with the wider drone community, fostering dialogue between innovators, policymakers, regulators and potential users of future services.
Supporting Europe's ambitions for the future of aviation
The Summit came at an important moment for European aviation policy, with the European Commission reviewing progress under Drone Strategy 2.0 and preparing its new Aviation and Aeronautics Strategy.
For SESAR JU, the message is clear: continued investment in research, innovation and demonstration will be essential to ensuring that Europe can unlock the economic and societal benefits of drone technologies while maintaining the highest levels of safety, security and interoperability. SESAR JU and its partners remain committed to helping turn Europe's ambitions for drone integration into operational reality.
Discover more: Explore SESAR's drone research and innovation projects
