May 7–9, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
The AI+ Expo Drone Arena Competition
Bigger. Faster. Better.
Do you have what it takes?
The Drone Arena Returns, Reimagined
Experience the next evolution of unmanned aerial competition. This year’s competition features three full days of human vs. human and human- vs. AI-piloted drones. And it all happens right in the middle of the action on the AI+ Expo show floor!
Only one team will emerge as the winner. Will it be yours? Or will it be AI?
Let’s Talk Details
Here’s Who Is Racing:
- U.S. Service Members
- AI-powered drones
Formal competition runs Thursday–Friday. Saturday is open to all.
Here’s What You’ll Experience:
Competition Schedule
Competitions run every hour, on the hour.
Thursday, May 7
Competition Begins
- 10:00 AM ET
Pre-flight briefing - 10:05 AM ET
Competition begins!
Friday, May 8
Competition Continues
- 10:00 am
Pre-flight Briefing - 10:05 am–4:00 pm
Competition continues with a winner announced in the afternoon - 4:30 pm
Winners are announced!
Saturday, May 9
Civilian Demos & Open Racing
- 9:30 am–4:00 pm
Civilian demos & open racing
Bragging Rights, Secured
Whether you pilot a drone or race with the AI-powered one, it’s a showdown built for speed, precision, and a win worth claiming. Are you ready?
Our Partners Make This Possible
The Drone Area is brought to you by SCSP in partnership with:
