Defence, security & the Arctic
In recent years, the evolution of drone technology has revolutionized defense and security strategies, presenting unparalleled opportunities and challenges across various terrains. Drones have become indispensable assets in military operations, offering enhanced reconnaissance, surveillance, and strategic capabilities. From safeguarding borders and monitoring high-risk areas to contributing significantly to national defense frameworks, drones play a pivotal role in defense and security. In addition to their traditional use in warfare, they have expanded their reach to encompass counterterrorism efforts, disaster response, and law enforcement activities. Moreover, in remote and critical regions like the Arctic, drones have emerged as pivotal tools in diverse operations within climate change, rescue missions, surveillance, and defense capabilities in this unique and remote environment. Their versatility, adaptability, and ability to collect real-time data continue to redefine security landscapes while minimizing risks to personnel, underscoring their significance in the complex interplay of defense, security, and strategic interests.
Industry use cases & new technologies
In recent years, the proliferation of drone technology has revolutionized numerous industries, offering innovative solutions and transforming traditional practices across various sectors. Drones are now deployed in a myriad of applications, showcasing their versatility and adaptability in solving real-world challenges. From aerial photography and surveillance to agricultural monitoring and package delivery, drones have rapidly evolved, reshaping the way businesses operate and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
As industries continue to embrace this technology, the potential use cases for drones are expanding. Whether it's in infrastructure inspection, disaster management, environmental monitoring, or even healthcare logistics, drones are proving to be indispensable tools, offering cost-effective and time-efficient solutions while minimizing risk and human intervention.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
AAM is defined by NASA as “an air transportation system that moves people and cargo between places previously not served or underserved by aviation – local, regional, intraregional, urban – using revolutionary new aircraft that are only just now becoming possible”.
AAM will become a supplement to current transportation infrastructure by in many cases offering faster, more efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly supplement to traditional ground-based travel and traditional aviation, becoming a part of public transportation supported by MaaS (Mobility as a Service).
AAM refers to the transformative concept of using new upcoming innovative aircrafts such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircrafts, to transport people and goods in urban, suburban, rural and regional areas. This emerging field encompasses the development of new aircraft technologies, the creation of new infrastructure like vertiports and the integration of these systems into existing airspace and ground-based infrastructure.
AAM holds the promise of reducing congestion, improving accessibility, connecting the country more coherent, improve work-life-balance and fostering economic growth, while also addressing challenges related to safety, regulation, and public acceptance.
At IDS 2025 we aim to dive into both the immense opportunities but also the several significant challenges that impact AAM’s development and implementation. This includes regulatory hurdles, technological barriers such as battery technology, public acceptance, infrastructure development and not least economic viability - ensuring that AAM solutions are commercially sustainable. This involves developing healthy business models and demonstrating clear economic benefits but also integrating AAM into public infrastructure and understanding how different use cases sets requirements for the aircraft’s range, payload capacity etc.”
Legislation & operational safety
In an era marked by unprecedented technological innovation, the rapid increase of drones has surged as a transformative force across industries and personal applications. However, this rapid expansion has brought forth a crucial challenge: how to navigate the skies safely and responsibly. The evolution of drone legislation and operational safety stands as a pivotal theme, encapsulating the delicate balance between harnessing innovation and addressing public safety and privacy concerns. This complex interplay necessitates a comprehensive framework encompassing regulations, technological advancements, and societal awareness. From safety protocols and privacy safeguards to collaborative industry standards, the landscape of drone operation regulation is evolving rapidly to ensure the integration of drones into airspace is harmonious, secure, and respectful of both innovation and the public's welfare.
