Category: AAM

b.r.m. IT & Aerospace at XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit

From May 11 to 14, 2026, Harald Rossol and Marius Ammermann will be attending XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit—the world’s largest trade show for unmanned systems and robotics.

b.r.m. IT & Aerospace will be exhibiting at the German Pavilion in Hall B–D, Booth 26013-4.

The German Pavilion is the joint booth for German exhibitors at XPONENTIAL and is organized as part of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy’s (BMWE) international trade fair program. This year, 14 German companies and institutions are represented at the joint booth—including b.r.m. IT & Aerospace, Beagle Systems, Germandrones, HHLA Sky, and Germany Trade & Invest, among others.

Our key areas of focus: unmanned systems (UMS), autonomous platforms, sensor technology, and control systems.

XPONENTIAL is the world’s largest event dedicated to unmanned systems and robotics, bringing together the international UAS community—manufacturers, operators, government agencies, and research institutions—every year. This year, the event is being held jointly with the Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX) for the first time. This underscores the growing importance of autonomous systems in the defense sector. For us, it is an important platform for expanding our international network, gaining first-hand insight into current developments, and positioning b.r.m. IT & Aerospace as a future U-Space service provider in an international context.

For more information about the trade show, visit xponential.org, and learn more about our presence at the German Pavilion.

Drone Days will take place August 26–28, 2026, at Bremen Airport and Oldenburg-Hatten Airfield. Register now as an exhibitor. For more information, visit drone-days.de.

A Look Back at AERO 2026 in Friedrichshafen

AERO 2026 is now behind us, and we look back on an intense few days in Friedrichshafen.

The focus was on the presentation of the new Advanced Air Mobility Initiative for Northern Germany and the German Bight, along with the updated map. For the first time, we presented our concrete proposal for an initial U-Space and a VTOL route along the Weser River —from Bremen via Bremerhaven to Heligoland. In initial discussions with the aviation authorities in Lower Saxony and Bremen, we were able to discuss the basic feasibility of the project.

In addition, we have engaged in dialogue with key institutions and ministries: the Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Navigation Services (BAF), the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV), the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), the Federal Aviation Authority (LBA), and various state aviation authorities. Of particular note is our collaboration with the IDRF, the Association of Regional Airports, which advocates for the role of regional airports as future infrastructure hubs for new forms of mobility.

Two themes emerged as recurring themes at AERO: the relevance of existing aviation infrastructure and manned aviation to the development of the drone economy, and the belief that digital visibility in airspace enhances safety for all airspace users.

AERO has once again demonstrated how closely manned and unmanned aviation are converging. We look forward to the next steps.

We would like to thank everyone involved and the organizers of the Bremen joint booth “BREMEN/BREMERHAVEN – CITY OF AEROSPACE.”

Unmanned drone flying over security fence at airport while commercial airplane prepares for landing, leading to possible collision

First U-Space in Northern Germany: b.r.m. IT & Aerospace to Present a Concrete U-Space Proposal at AERO 2026

A contiguous U-Space airspace stretching from Bremen through Bremerhaven to Heligoland—that is our concrete proposal for one of the first U-Spaces in northern Germany. The U-Space concept has been presented to the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV). At AERO 2026 in Friedrichshafen, we will present the project to a wider professional audience for the first time.

The planned U-Space follows the Weser River from south to north: from Bremen Airport along the port facilities in Bremen-Stadt and Bremen-Nord, across the Lower Weser with the port locations of Elsfleth, Brake, and Nordenham to the seaport of Bremerhaven—and from there onward across the Weser estuary into the German Bight toward Heligoland. This creates a seamless identification chain from inland waters to the open sea.

Why there, specifically? According to EU Regulation 2021/664, a U-Space may be established, among other reasons, when the protection of critical infrastructure requires regulated and identified drone operations. This is precisely the basis for our proposal: along the Weser River, port facilities, maritime shipping routes, logistics infrastructure, and industrial sites are concentrated within a small area. The U-Space enables the reliable identification of all drones in the area and the immediate distinction between legal and illegal operations

As the first concrete proposal for a U-Space in northern Germany, b.r.m. IT & Aerospace has presented the idea to the Federal Ministry of Defense (BMV), the Bremen Aviation Authority, and the Lower Saxony Aviation Authority. We already have active sensor systems in place throughout the entire planned U-Space area and possess the technical capabilities to operate as a future U-Space Service Provider (USSP). The German U-Space Act is expected to be enacted in the course of 2026.

At the same time, the Bremen-Bremerhaven-Helgoland corridor offers ideal conditions for one of the first urban air mobility routes in northern Germany. The U-Space infrastructure lays the groundwork for future VTOL air taxi traffic to integrate seamlessly—with potential vertiport locations ranging from Bremen Airport to the waterfront, Bremen-Nord, and the Lower Weser region, all the way to Bremerhaven and Heligoland.

For more information on the regulatory landscape, please see our article " U-Space in Germany & Europe."

We look forward to connecting with you at AERO 2026. You can find us in Hall 5, Booth 5-225.

Joint Booth of the State of Bremen

  • Bremen Bremerhaven: City of Aerospace
  • Accodis
  • Bremen Airport
  • b.r.m. IT & Aerospace
  • German Windguard
  • The Senator for Economic Affairs, Ports, and Transformation
  • DMO
  • Drone Days
  • Oldenburg-Hatten airfield
  • Fraunhofer IFAM
  • iMAR Navigation & Control
  • ignite group
  • Lower Saxony State Authority for Road Construction and Transportation
  • Bremen Aviation Authority
  • Rheinmetall
  • TOPAS

Harald and Markus Rossol

State Councillor Jan Fries and Martin Schulze from RKW Bremen visit brm IT & Aerospace

On April 7th, we welcomed State Councillor Jan Fries, Senator for the Environment, Climate and Science, and Martin Schulze, Head of the Environmental Business Office at RKW Bremen, to our location at Bremen Airport. During a company visit, they learned about our work at the interface of IT services and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Our Managing Director, Harald Rossol, explained to the guests, among other things, the airspace mapping for our Bremen UAS control center as a future U-Space Service Provider . Furthermore, he discussed our long-standing approach to Green IT and sustainable data centers – a topic that has been with us since the beginning and which we have consistently transferred to aviation.

During his visit, State Councillor Jan Fries emphasized the importance of companies like brm IT & Aerospace for the sustainable transformation of Bremen's economy: Here, they don't just talk, they take action. Especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), practical solutions are being developed that bring climate and economic interests together.

As a member of the Bremen Environmental Partnership for Businesses, we have a long-standing partnership with RKW Bremen. Together with RKW, we already laid important groundwork in developing the foundations for the Blue Angel ecolabel for data centers.

We thank State Councillor Jan Fries and Martin Schulze for their visit and the valuable exchange.

The full report on the company visit can be found on the website of the Partnership Environment Business .

Successful launch of the SafeUAVnav project!

On March 11, 2026, the kickoff meeting for our collaborative project SafeUAVnav took place at Fraunhofer IFAM in Bremen. Together with our partners and the project sponsor, we laid the groundwork for the coming years.

What is SafeUAVnav?

Our goal: To develop and test a robust multi-hybrid sensor system for the safe navigation and localization of UAVs (drones) in so-called “GNSS-denied” environments—that is, in areas where satellite-based navigation is disrupted by jamming or spoofing. The project brings together the expertise of iMAR Navigation GmbH, Fraunhofer IFAM, and b.r.m. IT & Aerospace GmbH and is funded under the LuFo Klima VII-1 aviation research program.

The kickoff was marked by an open, constructive atmosphere and in-depth technical discussions. We were particularly pleased with the enthusiastic participation of everyone involved. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Jonathan Berberich of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) for his participation and valuable insights regarding the project’s implementation.

We are excited about this collaboration and look forward to working together to achieve our ambitious project goals.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).

XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 – Day 2

We’re back at XPONENTIAL Europe in Düsseldorf for a second day as b.r.m. IT & Aerospace. Today’s focus was on professional networking—at the DLR (German Aerospace Center) booth and at UAV DACH e.V. We’re delighted to have had many productive conversations, seen familiar faces, and made new connections.

The discussions show that U-Space, BVLOS, and Advanced Air Mobility are major topics in the industry—and Bremen is right in the thick of it. 

We’re taking away a lot of great ideas and look forward to continuing these discussions at Drone Days 2026, taking place August 26–28 at Bremen Airport and Oldenburg-Hatten Airfield.

b.r.m. IT & Aerospace at XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 in Düsseldorf

Our managing directors, Harald and Markus Rossol, are in Düsseldorf today with a delegation from Bremen to attend XPONENTIAL Europe 2026. From March 24 to 26, the international community for autonomous systems and unmanned technologies will gather there.

In addition to our management team, Andreas Eickhoff from the Senator for Economic Affairs, Ports, and Transformation, Martin Nägele from OptoPrecision GmbH, and Moritz Dartsch from the Bremen Economic Development Agency (WFB) are also on site from Bremen.

We were already represented at XPONENTIAL Europe last year, including at the BMDV’s 1st Roundtable on Advanced Air Mobility. The trade show has established itself as a key venue for discussions on U-Space, UAS integration, and advanced air mobility—topics that we, as a future U-Space service provider and organizer of Drone Days, deal with on a daily basis. 

We look forward to fruitful discussions and new ideas from Düsseldorf—and will incorporate them into our preparations for Drone Days 2026, taking place August 26–28 at Bremen Airport and Oldenburg-Hatten Airfield.

Simulation screen showing various flights for transportation and

ADS-B: Backbone of cooperative airspace surveillance

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast has established itself as a critical component for the integration of unmanned systems into airspace. Satellite-based positioning with continuous data transmission achieves a level of precision that significantly exceeds that of conventional SSR systems.

System architecture and data flow

Bidirectional communication via air-to-air and air-to-ground links enables symmetrical information distribution between aircraft and ATC. ADS-B input provides pilots with the same situational awareness as air traffic control, thereby realizing the concept of cooperative surveillance.

b.r.m. Operational Implementation

We use ADS-B for air situation awareness in our 3,600 km² BVLOS flight area, Hatten-UAS. Data processing is carried out via our future USSP infrastructure, with both manned and unmanned systems being recorded and coordinated in real time.
From our new location at Bremen Airport, we are developing the IT architectures for these critical surveillance systems.

Integration into DAA architectures

ADS-B acts as an essential component for detect and avoid systems. In combination with TCAS, it enables reliable detection and tracking of cooperative targets.
As an IT service provider with aviation expertise, b.r.m. develops software solutions that seamlessly integrate these systems.

As a designated U-Space service provider, we develop ADS-B-based UTM services for seamless ATM/UTM integration. Data processing in our GDPR-compliant green IT data center ensures both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. With the EASA standardization of ADS-L, we are continuously expanding our monitoring capabilities for UAS-specific requirements.

Technology leadership from Bremen

b.r.m. combines IT expertise with aviation expertise. Our solutions enable customers to make optimal use of ADS-B technology, from system integration to operational implementation in U-Space. ADS-B remains the standard for cooperative surveillance. At b.r.m., we make it usable.

abstract background of futuristic technology screen scan flight

Drone detection: paving the way for tomorrow's aviation

Airspace is becoming more complex. With the exponential growth of unmanned aircraft systems, we are faced with the challenge of balancing safety and innovation. Drone detection is not only a technical necessity, it is the key to the successful integration of UAS into our airspace.

Technological breakthroughs build trust

The Due Regard Radar (DRR), with its Active Electronically Scanned Array technology, enables remotely piloted aircraft to detect other traffic participants with the same precision as manned systems.

This technology surpasses the human eye in range and accuracy and represents a decisive advantage for flight safety.

Regulatory course setting

The remote identification of drones in Europe, which has been mandatory since 2024, marks a milestone for transparency and safety. Authorities and citizens can now clearly identify UAS, which is an important building block for social acceptance.

System integration as a factor for success

The combination of proven systems such as TCAS and ADS-B with modern detection technologies creates a robust safety architecture.

As a future U-Space service provider, we at b.r.m. are developing the IT infrastructures that will enable this integration.

Our contribution to the industry

From our new location at Bremen Airport, we are working on sustainable solutions for U-Space, advanced air mobility, and safe drone operations. Our proximity to the aviation industry enables us to develop practical innovations that drive the market forward.

The future of aviation is digital, connected, and safe. Drone detection is the cornerstone of this.

Digital vector flying drone objects color

Capability description part 6 "Hatten-UAS German Flight Center"

Comprehensive services for your UAS projects: Our Hatten-UAS German Flight Center

Unmanned aviation requires more than just technical expertise—it needs a well-designed infrastructure and comprehensive support. At b.r.m. IT & Aerospace, our Hatten UAS German Flight Center at Oldenburg-Hatten Airport (EDWH) offers a unique combination of state-of-the-art equipment and professional support for your UAS projects.

Complete infrastructure for testing and training

Our testing center for unmanned aviation supports companies, authorities, organizations with security tasks, universities, and scientific institutions in projects and product developments for unmanned aircraft systems. With 5,500 m² of hall space, licensed aircraft testers, and an operating area that also allows mixed manned/unmanned operation, you get everything from a single source.

In addition to our core competencies, we can provide comprehensive support for your testing or training campaigns: Our training rooms can accommodate up to 25 participants and are equipped with state-of-the-art IT equipment, while a modern campus network ensures Internet connectivity on the premises. Hangar capacities are available for maintenance, repair, and training tasks, and building land allows for the expansion of usable space.

Comprehensive service for longer projects

Catering can be provided for short assignments or long campaigns, while hotels are available for large-scale accommodation close to the airport. The seclusion and integration into agricultural land offer ideal conditions for undisturbed testing, while the highway connection with two motorway junctions (A28, A29) ensures optimal accessibility.

Professional training and certification

The Borkum Flight School supports your UAS operations by providing qualified training for your remote pilots. As one of the first applicants for a Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC), we support you in setting up a qualified flight operation. Our Hatten-UAS German Flight Center sets new standards for the development of UTM, USSP, U-Space, UAS, and BVLOS routes and is open to new collaborations.

Drone Days

Our Drone Days originated at the ILA Berlin (International Aerospace Exhibition) and Oldenburg-Hatten Airport. Essentially, the idea is to establish horizontal and vertical networking on the overarching topic of UAS nationally and internationally.

The starting race for this year's Drone Days has begun, and we invite you to be part of Drone Days 2026

From August 26 to August 28, 2026, the Drone Days community will once again gather at Bremen Airport and Oldenburg-Hatten Airfield.

Be there as a participant or present yourself as an exhibitor at Drone Days – regardless of whether you are participating as a scientific institution or research institute, bringing new ideas to market as a start-up, offering practical solutions as an SME, or further developing your applications and products on a large scale as a corporation.

Public sector organizations and authorities such as emergency services, police, and the armed forces are also expressly welcome. Showcase your project ideas, technologies, services, and use cases where the UAS community meets.

As an exhibitor, you can present yourself at Oldenburg-Hatten Airport with your own booth. There are many opportunities for exhibitors—whether roll-ups, exhibition walls, visibility on social media and/or on site, exhibiting a display, or a presentation slot at our two event locations.

Of course, you are also welcome to fly your UAS, but please contact me separately to arrange this.

Let's grow the community and the drone economy.

We look forward to seeing you

Markus and Harald Rossol