'Drone Bot Festival' Begins October 30 at Yangju Ganap Airfield

An opportunity has emerged to experience diverse programs including demonstrations of military-operated drone bot combat systems, exhibitions of advanced military equipment, drone and robot experiences, and cultural performances.

Gyeonggi Province will host the '2026 Gyeonggi·Yangju·Ground Operations Command Drone Bot Festival' from October 30 through November 1 at Ganap Airfield in Gwangjeok-myeon, Yangju City.

The event brings together Gyeonggi Province, Yangju City, and the Army's Ground Operations Command, providing an opportunity to examine the future of advanced defense industry.

At the opening ceremony on October 30, Army Aviation congratulatory flights, honor guard and military band performances, and special forces martial arts demonstrations will be held. On October 31, Army drone tactical demonstrations will take place, and on the final day, November 1, the drone bot competition awards ceremony and closing ceremony will be held.

The venue will operate approximately 30 programs where visitors can directly operate drones and robots, as well as armored vehicle riding experiences. On November 1, a Surion helicopter riding experience will also be offered for participants selected through advance registration.

In the evenings, drone light shows will be held on October 30 and 31, and fireworks will follow on October 31. Cultural events to be enjoyed by residents and the military together, including performances by the Yangju City Choir and a public-private-military harmony concert, will also be provided.

The significance of holding this event is also found in the fact that it will be held in the Ganap Airfield area, which has experienced conflict due to noise from military facility operations and restrictions on property rights.

Jo Jang-seok, Director of Balanced Development Planning of Gyeonggi Province, said, "The festival is an event that creates an opportunity for northern Gyeonggi, a strategic point of military security, to leap forward as a hub of cutting-edge industry beyond peace and coexistence," and added, "We hope it becomes an occasion for many residents to visit the venue, experience advanced defense technology, and share in the meaning of coexistence."