Singapore: American drone manufacturers are seizing the opportunity presented by this year's Singapore Airshow to expand their market reach into Asian countries wary of China's growing military influence.

According to Thai News Agency, prominent U.S. drone manufacturers like Anduril, Shield AI, Neros Technologies, and AeroVironment, known for supplying weapons to Ukraine, are actively engaging with Asian military powers. They aim to convince nations such as Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, South Korea, and Japan that their battlefield-proven systems, backed by the U.S. Department of Defense, are essential for countering China's strengthened military presence in the region.

The Singapore Airshow 2026, a biennial event held from February 3-8, gathers representatives from government, military, and private defense sectors. Traditionally showcasing commercial aircraft, fighter jets, and transport helicopters, this year's event marks a significant shift in focus. The effectiveness of drones in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has prompted a surge in investment from U.S. Silicon Valley technology firms into drones and artificial intelligence (AI). As a result, drones have emerged as the centerpiece of the airshow, showcasing their critical role in next-generation warfare and moving beyond their previous supporting roles.