South Korean Drone Startup PABLO AIR Completes an M&A Transaction with VOLK to Strengthen Global

  ž   One of Asia’s few drone companies combining AI swarm intelligence (AI enabling multiple drones to coordinate and operate collectively) and proven manufacturing capability ž   Level 4 Swarm Coordination (high-level of autonomous swarming) – enabling real-time data sharing and AI-driven collective decision-making – a milestone comparable to DARPA and NATO research programs ž   Positioned to participate in U.S. DoD, NATO, and allied defense procurement programsThe S10s loitering munition drone, part of the PabloM defense portfolio, can fly for 30 minutes and strike simultaneously from multiple angles.   INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA – Sep.4, 2025 – PABLO AIR, a South Korean drone technology company specializing in autonomous swarm control, today announced its merger with defense components manufacturer VOLK. This integration makes PABLO AIR one of the few companies in Asia capable of combining advanced swarm intelligence with defense-certified mass production.   The merger, approved by shareholders on August 22 and expected to close on September 27, represents a pivotal step in PABLO AIR’s expansion from drone delivery and aerial performance markets into the global defense and unmanned systems sector, valued at $30 billion annually and projected to surpass $80 billion by 2030.   Founded in 1983, VOLK manufactures control systems, drive units, and military-grade actuator equipment for South Korea’s armed forces. The company generated $24 million in revenue in 2024 (up 11% year-on-year) and projects $29 million in 2025. With decades of turnkey production experience, VOLK brings a strong foundation of certified defense manufacturing to the merged company.   By integrating this expertise with its AI-driven swarm coordination technology, PABLO AIR will accelerate production of its PabloM defense drone line, which includes loitering munitions, reconnaissance drones, and multi-purpose inspection systems.   “This merger allows us to pair advanced swarm intelligence with proven defense manufacturing expertise,” said Kim Young-Joon, CEO of PABLO AIR. “It gives us the innovation and production scale required to compete with leading U.S. and European drone makers and to meet the essential requirements of global defense contracts.”   Earlier this year, PABLO AIR achieved Level 4 Swarm — where multiple drones are connected in real time to share sensor data, make AI-driven collective decisions, and coordinate missions with minimal human control. This capability was proven in live military exercises with the Korean Army and later showcased at the Air Force’s Weapons Systems Development Conference, marking a milestone comparable to DARPA and NATO research programs.   About PABLO AIR Founded in 2018, PABLO AIR develops swarm coordination and control platform technologies across defense, inspection, logistics, and aerial performance markets. -          PabloM: Swarm-enabled loitering munitions and reconnaissance systems -          PabloS: Autonomous swarm inspection solutions for aircraft and ship fleets -          PabloX: Large-scale outdoor light and pyro drone show enabled by versatile drones

PABLO AIR Showcases Future Drone Technology and Global Vision at CES 2025

(Image 1) Perspective view of the exhibition booth at 'CES 2025' featuring PABLO AIRPABLO AIR, a leading company specializing in autonomous swarm control for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), will participate in the world’s largest electronics exhibition, CES 2025, held in Las Vegas, USA, from January 7 to 10. At this year’s CES, PABLO AIR plans to unveil its next-generation art show and defense drones and share its vision for expanding into global markets.Innovative Drone Technology on DisplayPABLO AIR will present its cutting-edge drones and solutions at its booth within the Incheon-IFEZ Pavilion at the Las Vegas Convention Center. A highlight of its exhibit is the flagship PabloX F40 drone. The F40 combines drone-mounted fireworks with bright LED lights and has already successfully performed on the global stage. The model received flight approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last year, solidifying its global recognition for safety and technological excellence.PabloX Smart CLS and Optimized Drone Show EfficiencyThe company will also introduce PabloX Smart CLS, a system designed to efficiently transport and manage hundreds and thousands of LED drones, PabloX L20. The integrated system tremendously improves the operation of drone art shows by streamlining transportation and reducing on-site setup time and efforts. The L20 drones are equipped with propeller safety guards for enhanced flight safety and are designed to maximize operational convenience during drone art shows.Vision for Defense and Urban Air MobilityPABLO AIR plans to leverage its expertise across various defense sectors to establish global partnerships. Drawing from its experience in advanced R&D, the company will showcase its vision and technology, including the UrbanLinkX UAM (Urban Air Mobility) traffic management platform, aimed at building smart cities and enhancing the urban quality of life. UrbanLinkX, which received a CES Innovation Award last year, has gained significant attention both domestically and internationally for its potential to play a pivotal role in future urban transportation ecosystems.PABLO AIR in 2025 and OnwardsYoung-Joon Kim, CEO of PABLO AIR, stated, “Participating in CES has allowed us to showcase PABLO AIR’s global technological capabilities and competitiveness on the world stage. Building on last year’s $2 million in revenue, we aim to focus on exporting drone hardware and system this year, targeting a fivefold increase in sales in the drone show and defense sectors.” He added, “CES 2025 will serve as another milestone in PABLO AIR’s journey towards global success.”PABLO AIR is committed to establishing itself as a leading company in the UAV industry through continuous innovation and strengthening its global network. The company aims to remain at the forefront of technological advancements and pave the way for a more advanced future in unmanned mobility.

PABLO AIR Set to Showcase Groundbreaking Drone Solutions at the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas

(Image 1) PABLO AIR unveils its latest drone show solution, the PabloX Smart CLS, and a new commercial LED drone, the PabloX L20.LAS VEGAS, USA - PABLO AIR, a leader in autonomous swarm control of unmanned aerial vehicles, has announced its participation in the world’s largest commercial drone exhibition, the Commercial UAV Expo. The event will take place from September 3 to 5 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, where PABLO AIR will unveil its latest drone show solution, the PabloX Smart CLS.Revolutionizing Drone Shows with PabloX Smart CLSPABLO AIR is set to revolutionize drone shows with the debut of the PabloX Smart CLS, an integrated system designed to charge drones simultaneously, streamline logistics, and store multiple PabloX L20 drones. Capable of housing up to 18 L20 drones, the system significantly reduces the complexities of traditional drone operations, slashing costs and preparation requirements. By dramatically shortening the preparation and execution time for drone shows, the PabloX Smart CLS maximizes operational efficiency and will open doors to more drone shows for broader communities.Introducing the Next-Generation LED Drone, PabloX L20In addition to the Smart CLS, PABLO AIR will introduce the PabloX L20, a new commercial LED drone designed to be compatible with the Smart CLS. The PabloX L20 emits brighter and clearer light, enabling more vivid and striking drone shows in the night sky.“We look forward to showcasing the PabloX Smart CLS and PabloX L20 at the Commercial UAV Expo,” said Young-Joon Kim, CEO of PABLO AIR. “These innovations represent the future of drone entertainment, offering unprecedented efficiency and creativity. We invite all attendees to visit our booth and experience the next level of drone technology.”For more information about the PabloX Series and PABLO AIR's full range of drone technologies, visit the PABLO AIR Store (https://pabloair.io/) and explore how they are shaping the future of drone entertainment.

PABLO AIR Collaborates with Graffiti Artist JonOne to Create Special Edition Pyrotechnic Drone

PABLO AIR, a leading company in autonomous swarm control for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has teamed up with world-renowned graffiti artist JonOne to create a special edition of their cutting-edge drone, the PabloX F40 JonOne Edition.JonOne, celebrated for his vibrant colors and unique style that embody the spirit of freedom and youth, is a distinguished figure in the art world. Known for transforming street graffiti into modern art, JonOne was awarded the prestigious Legion of Honour by the French government in 2015.This collaboration was sparked during JonOne’s visit to PABLO AIR's headquarters in Songdo, Incheon, on June 28. During his visit, JonOne used the PabloX F40 drone as his canvas, creating a one-of-a-kind piece of art.The PabloX F40 is a flagship pyrotechnic drone developed by PABLO AIR. This drone represents the culmination of the company's expertise and innovation since their first drone light show in 2019. PABLO AIR is gearing up to mass-produce the F40, with plans to introduce it to the U.S. market.The PabloX F40, PABLO AIR’s first commercially marketed drone, features a stunning design and meticulous engineering. It boasts enhanced windproof and waterproof capabilities, allowing for effective operation in any weather conditions. The F40’s LEDs are up to 2.27 times brighter than those of competing models, ensuring vivid displays in the night sky. Additionally, the F40 can create spectacular pyrotechnic effects through a 2-cue pyro system, delivering an unmatched drone show experience. In 2024, the F40 will be featured in shows on the U.S. west coast, with ambitious plans to expand nationwide in 2025."The collaboration with JonOne is a significant step in expanding the artistic boundaries of PABLO AIR's drone shows," said Kenny Kim, Vice President of PABLO AIR's U.S. operations. "Our drones offer unparalleled performances, providing a unique and memorable experience. Performances incorporating new drone technology are gaining attention, and we aim to enhance our clients’ brand value and offer audiences unforgettable experiences through our drones."PABLO AIR is a South Korean company specializing in drone technology and services. Since expanding to the U.S. market in 2021, it has partnered with industry leaders to commercialize its key technologies. PABLO AIR has been recognized for its contributions to the drone industry, winning the AUVSI Excellence Awards in 2021 and 2022, and most recently, the CES 2024 Innovation Award for its Urban Air Mobility (UAM) traffic management platform, UrbanLinkX.To learn more about the PabloX Series, visit PABLO AIR Store. 

PABLO AIR Showcasing Cutting-Edge Drone Lineup at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2024

PABLO AIR will unveil their drone lineup at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2024.PABLO AIR, a leader in autonomous swarm control of unmanned vehicles, announced its participation in AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2024, the world’s largest unmanned vehicle exhibition. The event will take place form April 23rd to 25th in San Diego, USA.‘AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2024’ brings together top players in the unmanned vehicle industry, including 560 companies like NASA and Lockheed Martin around the world, to showcase the latest technologies and industry trends.PABLO AIR, known for its groundbreaking work in the South Korean drone market and now setting its sights on the global market, will be attending for the fourth consecutive year. Visitors can find PABLO AIR at their booth, where they will unveil their impressive lineup of drone art shows and officially launch them. Additionally, PABLO AIR will provide insights into the South Korea drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industry, highlighting its leading technological capabilities and business offerings.With over six years of experience since introducing the drone art show in South Korea, PABLO AIR has curated a stellar product lineup under the ‘PabloX’ brand. This includes the fireworks drone ‘PabloX F40,’ the exhilarating maritime drone ‘PabloX A10,’ and the efficient compact LED drone ‘PabloX L20,’ making its global debut.PABLO AIR will also present its innovative UAM traffic management platform ‘UrbanLinkX,’ recognized with an innovation award at CES 2024. Additionally, they will showcase their long-range delivery eVTOL aircraft ‘BlueBird’ and short-range drone ‘PA-H3,’ demonstrating expertise in drone delivery and defense technology.During the exhibition, PABLO AIR will engage in discussion with international partners to foster collaboration networks. The company aims to finalize agreements with major US clients to deliver diverse drone art shows.Young-Joon Kim, CEO of PABLO AIR, expressed the significance of the exhibition, stating, “This is a crucial step for PABLO AIR to enter the global market. And I expect to find the potential for technology enhancement through collaboration with US companies.”In previous AUVSI XPONENTIAL events, PABLO AIR has received accolades, including 2nd plance in the enterprise operation category of the ‘XCELLENCE Awards’ for its smart mobility control platform, PAMNet. Last year, the company ranked 1st in Asia and 9th globally in the drone delivery, according to data from the esteemed German research institution, DroneII.As part of its expansion plans, PABLO AIR is gearing up for an IPO listing this year. The company aims to leverage its technology and experience to establish a solid foundation for future growth in the global market.  

PABLO AIR Unveils Innovative Versatile Drone ‘FB04’ at CES 2024

(Photo) PABLO AIR is set to make its debut at CES 2024, unveiling the first look of the performance drone FB04.PABLO AIR, a leading expert in autonomous swarm control for unmanned vehicles, is thrilled to announce its participation in CES 2024, the world's largest IT and electronics exhibition, taking place in Las Vegas from January 8th. The company will showcase groundbreaking technologies and introduce its latest performance drone, 'FireBird 4' (FB04), at the Eureka Park startup exhibition.Visitors can explore the PABLO AIR booth to witness the future of drones, featuring the versatile high-performance platform, 'FireBird 4' (FB04), and the award-winning Urban Air Mobility (UAM) traffic management platform, 'UrbanLinkX.'The 'FB04,' making its debut at CES 2024, is a versatile performance drone crafted by PABLO AIR, the sole company in Korea specializing in fireworks drone shows, leveraging its expertise. Developed with entirely domestic technology, it incorporates key components and solutions, enabling precise formation flights and designed for dynamic maneuvers with swift mobility.PABLO AIR is commencing mass production and entering the sales phase of the FB04 this year. As the first mass-produced product, it provides insight into the design direction of the upcoming drone lineup. Additionally, it is engineered to ensure convenient operation in all weather conditions by enhancing wind resistance and waterproof capabilities. The drone introduces an innovative charging method aimed at improving efficiency and convenience for battery operation and management.The award-winning 'UrbanLinkX' is a platform designed to efficiently operate and manage Urban Air Mobility (UAM) by reducing operator workload, enhancing economic viability, and mitigating operational risks. PABLO AIR has received high praise for 'UrbanLinkX,' recognizing its potential to address future transportation challenges in smart cities and contribute to improving the quality of life in urban areas.Kim Young-Joon, CEO of PABLO AIR, expressed, "I am honored to receive the innovation award for UrbanLinkX, a technology that can contribute to humanity in this new era." He added, "Starting from today's inauguration ceremony, we aim to expand our drone device export business in the Americas region, ensuring profitability, with CES 2024 as a turning point."PABLO AIR plans to expand its presence in international markets, including North America, starting this year. In particular, for business expansion in the Middle East, the company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Saudi Arabia's accelerator 'NMOHUB' for project procurement and the expansion of its fireworks business. Additionally, to facilitate the smooth development of drone art show projects in the Middle East and surrounding countries, PABLO AIR has secured partnerships by signing MOUs with the Spanish fireworks specialist 'IGUAL' and the local events company 'ALBAHIYA PALACE' in Oman.

PABLO AIR Clinches CES 2024 Innovation Award for Urban Air Traffic Management Platform ‘UrbanLinkX’

PABLO AIR, a leading provider of UAV swarm control solutions, proudly announced its victory of the CES Innovation Award in the Smart City category for its Urban Air Mobility (UAM) traffic management platform, ‘UrbanLinkX’.The award-winning ‘UrbanLinkX’ is designed to efficiently operate and manage UAM, featuring functions such as reducing traffic management workload, improving economic viability, and mitigating operational risks. The platform includes key functions such as flight plan submission and approval, traffic flow management, and management of airborne communication quality. These features utilize corridor density metrics to ensure stable and safe UAM operations. Real-time visualization of aerial communication quality data in 3D graphics facilitates connectivity between aircraft and base station.As UAM emerges as the next-generation transportation solution to address traffic congestion, it is also expected to resolve a wide range of human issues, including health, daily life, and local economies. Serving as an essential traffic management platform for UAM operations, ‘UrbanLinkX’ will act as a control center and governance tool, accelerating the integration of air taxis into everyday life and bringing about societal benefits.PABLO AIR plans to showcase its technological capabilities at CES 2024 through a drone show and kickstart the overseas expansion of drone platform and shows. The company offers a diverse range of drone platforms for visually stunning drone shows, including small drones that ignite LED lights and fireworks simultaneously, large drones that create a fireworks tower, and high-speed drones simulating a meteor shower.Kim Young-Joon, CEO of PABLO AIR, expressed, “Winning the Innovation Award with ‘UrbanLinkX’ is the result of global recognition of PABLO AIR’s innovative technological capabilities on the world stage,” highlighting the dedication of all technical personnel in solving humanity’s current problems.About PABLO AIRPABLO AIR, a member company of Global Digital Innovation Network (formerly known as Born2Global Centre), has consistently delivered a diverse portfolio of integrated drone solutions, encompassing UAV control systems, aircraft development, drone delivery platforms and services, as well as ICT drone shows since its entry into the UAV sector in 2018. The company has achieved significant milestones, including participating in drone delivery proof-of-concept initiatives in the U.S. and commercializing a camping area drone delivery service with 7-Eleven in Korea. Having achieved a cumulative fund of KRW 43 billion (USD 32 million), PABLO AIR is preparing for a prospective listing on the KOSDAQ stock exchange in the second half of 2024.

PABLO AIR to Showcase Its Unmanned Systems Technologies at 2023 AUVSI XPONENTIAL

PABLO AIR, a South Korean company specializing in UAM integrated traffic management systems and autonomous delivery, has announced that it will participate in the ‘AUVSI XPONENTIAL’, the world’s largest unmanned vehicle exhibition. The exhibition will be held in Denver, Colorado from May 9th to 11th, and will provide a platform for leading companies in unmanned vehicles to showcase their technology and trends.At the exhibition, PABLO AIR will present its cutting-edge technologies for unmanned aircraft systems and the UAM traffic management systems, under the theme of ‘Aerospace Startup PABLO AIR: Challenge Leads Change’. The company is planning to showcase a future UAM control room at the event, offering visitors the opportunity to test out the UAM traffic management system. The system, which is based on the company's self-developed smart mobility integrated control and monitoring system called PAMNet, is being jointly developed with LG Uplus. Visitors will be able to explore important features of the UAM traffic management system, such as flight plan management, traffic management, and air traffic communication quality management, displayed on screens.PABLO AIR will also showcase its self-developed long-range delivery drone, ‘BlueBird’, a platform in the form of VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) that is operational up to 140km at a speed of 70km/h while carrying 2kg of package, using vertical landing systems on fixed-wing aircraft. Additionally, PABLO AIR’s developed ‘pyro drone’ for a higher level of drone art show will also be exhibited. The company will display the FireBird, a small pyro drone, and the BigBird F3, a medium-sized fire drone, to showcase its technological capabilities. Last year, PABLO AIR presented a fire drone show using 511 FireBirds, breaking the Guinness World Record.Chanjoo Lee, Chief Operating Officer of PABLO AIR USA branch, will present on the theme of ‘realizing unmanned systems’ and explain the projects that PABLO AIR has carried out in Korea and USA. He will also address the significance of future unmanned delivery systems, and how the PAMNet that integrates various types of mobility will bring the future commercial operation and the vision of the future uncrewed drone delivery system.“This exhibition will be a place to explain to the world the next-generation air mobility business that PABLO AIR dreams of”, said Kim Young-Joon, Founder of PABLO AIR, “our developed UAM traffic management system, smart mobility integrated control system, swarm operation, drone delivery platform and solution, and drone art show of platform and high-quality performance composition will be introduced to publicize the excellence of Korean technology capabilities.”PABLO AIR, a member company of Born2Global Centre, has been recognized for its technology capabilities and was named second-place winner in the Operational category of XCELLENCE Awards for the second consecutive year in 2021 and 2022. The company has become the first Korean company to participate in the US drone delivery PoC, and the National Technology & Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) Malaysia’s technology partner. It has recently started preparing for listing on the KOSDAQ in the second half of 2024.

PABLO AIR contributes to NASA demonstration project

PABLO AIR (CEO, Kim Young-Joon) announced that it will participate in a project to improve urban airspace safety hosted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. This project feeds into NASA’s larger vision for Advanced Air Mobility.The testing will happen in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area where NASA's Langley Research Center is located from this October to July next year. The project will include collaboration from five companies: PABLO AIR, ResilienX, TruWeather, Spright and Longbow. PABLO AIR will install wind speed sensors on its multicopter delivery drone and collect and utilize data through the smart traffic management system (PAMNet, PABLO AIR Mobility Network).Through this effort, PABLO AIR will help collect and analyze real-time wind speed data that significantly affects flight stability. The prediction of the wind speed model helps ensure the stability of the flight path and identifies the effect on the battery, thereby improving flight efficiency.Regarding the project with NASA, Lee Chan-Joo, C.O.O of the U.S. branch of PABLO AIR, said, "This is a great project to bolster the UAS industry with a proven set of market leaders. We are excited to work with NASA and the ResilienX team to help enhance the safety features of our UAS operations. This effort represents an excellent opportunity for PABLO AIR to serve as a bridge and enhance cooperation between the U.S and the Republic of Korea, and to set the bar for safe UAS environments globally.”PABLO AIR established a branch in Arizona last year. This year, along with NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research), the company is steadily conducting drone delivery demonstrations at Griffiss International Airport in New York. (photo 1) PABLO AIR contributes to NASA demonstration project(photo 2) PABLO AIR’s Multicopter Delivery DroneAbout PABLO AIRSince its first step into the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market in 2018 in South Korea, PABLO AIR has provided a wide array of integrated drone solutions, including UAV control system, aircraft development, and drone delivery platform and service. In addition, PABLO AIR is continuously carrying forward research and development, and commercialization at home and abroad to become a pioneer of the global UAV industry. Furthermore, with the establishment of the U.S. branch as a starting point in 2021, it has been recognized for its technological prowess in the global UAV market. https://pabloair.comAbout ResilienXFounded in 2018 in Syracuse, NY, they are focused on ensuring the safe integration of UAS into existing airspace systems and transforming mobility around the world. About TWSTruWeather is a leading innovator in micro-weather sensing, modeling, and decision insights for weather-sensitive government activities, industries, and companies. About SprightSpright is the drone division of Air Methods, created to help solve for many of the toughest challenges facing communities across North America. Based in Gilbert, AZ, Spright as a stand-alone Part 135 Operator with a leadership team that touts more than 70 years of aviation operational experience.About Longbow GroupThe Longbow Group LLC is a privately-held, International Aviation Services Company providing Aviation Consulting, Asset & Lease Management and Technical Services to a range of global clients including Airlines, Leasing Companies, Banks and Institutional Investors.

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