UNVEX 2026: the future of unmanned systems lies in integration

UNVEX 2026, a meeting point for unmanned systems

In 2026, UNVEX reaches its tenth edition, having established itself as one of Spain’s major professional events focused on autonomous and remotely operated systems. An evolution that largely reflects the transformation of the sector itself: we are no longer talking solely about drones, but about an ecosystem in which aerial, ground and maritime systems, communications, sensors, intelligence, command and control, and C-UAS technologies coexist.

Organised by Grupo Metalia, UNVEX 2026 has significant institutional backing and will bring together industry, the Armed Forces, security forces and services, public bodies, operators and technology companies in San Javier. The programme combines high-level conferences, networking spaces, technology exhibitions and dynamic demonstrations of unmanned systems under operational conditions.

It is precisely this evolution of the ecosystem that makes Integración Tecnológica Empresarial’s participation particularly relevant.

From operating drones to integrating capabilities

Over recent years, the market has evolved from a scenario largely dominated by drone manufacturers and operators towards a much broader one, in which systems integration is taking on an increasingly important role.

For Juan Díaz, Director of Drone Solutions at ITE, this transformation is key:

“The future is not solely in the platform. It lies in everything we are capable of integrating around it: communications, sensors, information, command and control and, above all, in adapting these capabilities to the real needs of those who have to operate in a critical environment.”

And that is precisely the space ITE wants to position itself in at UNVEX 2026.

C2LYNX, the focus of ITE’s stand at UNVEX 2026

Stand number 26, where ITE will be located, will focus on C2LYNX, a software ecosystem designed for the command, control and integration of unmanned systems, particularly for Defence, Security and Emergency environments.

The proposal is based on a simple idea: an operation involving drones does not begin when the platform takes off.

An operation involving unmanned systems requires multiple elements to be connected and coordinated:

• communications;
• sensors;
• telemetry;
• video and images;
• operational data;
• command and control systems;

C2LYNX acts as a technological layer capable of integrating these capabilities and providing the user with a combined view of the operation.

Furthermore, it is not limited to a single type of vehicle. The concept can be extended to different unmanned systems: UAS, UGV, USV and UUV, making it possible to move towards an operational ecosystem in which different platforms can share information and be managed in a coordinated manner.

A solution that adapts to each mission

One of C2LYNX’s distinguishing features is its modular nature.

An emergency response unit does not require the same capabilities as a Defence organisation or a fire service. For this reason, the platform can implement and incorporate different functionalities according to the user’s operational needs.

The objective is to develop specialised software for critical operations, where functionality, security, interoperability and adaptation to the operating environment are decisive: “C2LYNX does not seek to impose a way of working on the user. The platform adapts to the mission, to the systems they already have and to the capabilities they need to incorporate,” explains Juan Díaz.

LINCE and UDRUME: from technology to a real-world case

One of the examples that will help explain this philosophy is the work developed for the Unidad de Drones de la Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UDRUME), integrated into the UME and, therefore, within the structure of the Ministry of Defence, and created as a specialised capability, both operational and training-related, for the use of unmanned systems in aerial, ground and aquatic environments.

As part of this project, ITE is involved in adapting a command vehicle that integrates different equipment and capabilities for emergency operations. Within this ecosystem, the Drone Solutions Unit contributes to capabilities related to unmanned systems and the management of the information obtained from them.

Telemetry, video and images can be integrated into the operational environment, while LINCE, the name given to the adaptation of C2LYNX to the needs of the UME, enables this integration philosophy to be transferred to the field of emergency response.

It is an example of what ITE wants to showcase at UNVEX: we do not just develop technology; we integrate it into real systems and operations.

When the challenge is not just operating a drone

The evolution of the sector also creates a new need: it is not enough to know where our drone is. It is also necessary to know what is happening around it.

The detection of unmanned systems and C-UAS (Counter-UAS) capabilities are taking on increasing importance in Defence, Security and the protection of critical infrastructure. The UNVEX 2026 programme itself reflects this reality, with specific content on unmanned threats, territorial protection and C-UAS systems, as well as operational demonstrations of these technologies.

In this context, ITE is also working on capabilities related to the detection of and response to drones. The objective is to move towards an integrated concept in which detection, interpretation, decision-making and action form part of the same technological ecosystem.

UNVEX 2026 as a meeting point

For ITE, being at UNVEX does not simply mean showcasing a product.

It means being alongside those who are defining how unmanned systems will be used in the coming years: Defence, Security, Emergency Services, industry and technology.
That is why ITE’s stand will also be a space to discuss projects, integration, operational needs and new opportunities for collaboration.

Because if there is one thing the evolution of unmanned systems is demonstrating, it is that the real technological leap does not lie solely in making a vehicle fly, navigate or move autonomously.

It lies in ensuring that all the systems involved in a mission can work together.

And that is the space ITE wants to occupy with C2LYNX.