Victorian UAS at Avalon Airshow 2025

For this event, we took the largest contingent of staff ever to the Thursday trade day. Some of our team were airshow veterans, while others attended for the first time.

Victorian UAS at Avalon Airshow 2025

A Shift in Focus

In previous years, most booths in the main halls focused on general aviation, with only a few drones on display. This year marked a significant shift. There was barely a stall in the halls that didn’t have a drone offering. Whether it was composite materials, services, payloads, or the aircraft themselves, the industry is moving toward uncrewed systems in a big way.

Uncrewed systems are not just a trend; they represent the future of aviation. The interest in drones reflects a major evolution in industry focus. Companies are starting to recognize the potential of these technologies.

The Uncrewed Systems Display Dilemma

While the halls were filled with RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft), the outdoor displays told a different story. There were very few uncrewed systems showcased, and even fewer were flying. The notable absence of the Global Hawk was particularly surprising. This aircraft has been a staple at airshows for as long as I can remember.

Most countries are ramping up their uncrewed capabilities, especially in military applications. Despite this, it seems that public displays are lagging behind. I wonder how long it will take for uncrewed systems to shatter the glass ceiling and be part of the flying display. I envision a future where technologies like the Ghost Bat share the skies with the F22 Raptor.

The aviation industry is moving further toward autonomy, and we'll likely start to see these capabilities showcased sooner than most think.

Unique Experiences from Our Team

All staff members attending the airshow took away something unique from the event. Each person made their own set of new connections. Here are a few glimpses into their experiences:

Darren's Insight

"The surprising thing about Avalon Airshow was that every time I turned around, there was another drone. This was great for me! I have been going to Airshows since the RAAF displays at Laverton. It clearly indicates a focus of the entire industry. No one selling airliners; everyone’s talking drones."

Powered lift Drone

Hanna's Favorite Moment

“My personal favorite was seeing the Air Force Malinois puppies in training.”

Military dog Puppies

Mitch's Reflection

“My favorite parts were speaking with the additive manufacturing specialists and feeling nostalgic during the F18 display.”

Metal 3D Printing

Casey's Thrilling Experience

“The pyrotechnics were thrilling but do sit uncomfortably close to reality.”

Pyrotechnics

Paul's Simple Enjoyment

“Shark.”

Shark Light sport aircraft

Michael's Networking

"Catching up with industry members not seen since the last show."

Cubepilot International

The Avalon Airshow continues to be a vital event for showcasing the latest in aviation technology. This year’s shift towards uncrewed systems signifies an important evolution within the industry. As new technologies emerge, we look forward to seeing how they will shape the future of aviation.

We are excited about what lies ahead, as the journey toward autonomy in aviation takes flight. The connections made at this event will undoubtedly pave the way for future collaborations.

We can only imagine the possibilities as uncrewed systems become a standard part of aviation. If you're interested in learning more about this shift, you can check out our resources here: Victorian UAS Resources.