The upcoming security solutions expo Securex South Africa will explore the full ecosystem of drones, software and integrated security technology as South Africa enters a new era of drone-enabled security, with rapid adoption across perimeter protection, incident response and infrastructure monitoring.

Taking place from June 2 to 4 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng, the Securex Expo is hosted by event organiser Montgomery Group Africa. The expo is co-located with health and safety-focused A-OSH EXPO, Facilities Management Expo, fire safety-focused Firexpo, and renewable energy-focused RE+ South Africa Expo.

South Africa is already the largest drone market in Africa, says Securex, citing a study by market researcher Bonafide Research which suggests strong expansion in the drone market at a compound annual growth rate of close to 26% between 2023 and 2028.

Security and surveillance remain two of the strongest adoption areas, driven by the need for faster detection, improved situational awareness and reduced response times.

Aligned with this, mining companies, industrial parks, logistics hubs, agricultural estates and private security firms are increasingly using drones for perimeter sweeps, thermal detection and live monitoring. These systems provide crucial visibility over large and difficult terrain.

Beyond security, infrastructure inspection is becoming a major driver of adoption. Municipalities and utilities are using drones to check bridges, pylons, substations and transport corridors. This reduces the need for risky manual inspections and helps maintenance teams identify problems before they escalate.  

With the integration of thermal cameras and multispectral sensors, drones can also identify overheating components or structural flaws. Exhibitors at the co-located shows will demonstrate how these inspection tools integrate with existing asset management systems.

For technicians and installers, drones are becoming part of day-to-day operations, ranging from checking blind spots on fences and locating intruders to guiding ground teams. This is boosted by developments in drone technologies which enable longer flight times and better batteries, resulting in more frequent, predictable patrols and fewer gaps in coverage.

The growing number of drones in South Africa is also reshaping the regulatory environment. Industry authority South African Civil Aviation Authority estimates that between 50 000 and 55 000 drones are currently in use, with growth at about 16% a year.

“This places pressure on regulators to modernise rules so that advanced tasks such as beyond visual line of sight flying can become safer and more accessible. Visitors and exhibitors at Securex South Africa 2026 can engage directly with suppliers who understand these regulatory challenges and offer compliant solutions,” says Montgomery Group Africa portfolio director Mark Anderson.

Another trend in the drone industry is the rise of AI and onboard processing. Many drones can now identify humans, vehicles or heat signatures without sending raw footage back to a control room. This improves speed, reduces bandwidth requirements and helps organisations deploy teams more efficiently.

One such example is that a drone can automatically flag unusual activity along a fence line or detect a breach that would have been invisible to a fixed camera. AI also helps with route optimisation, collision avoidance and detection in poor weather.

Meanwhile, drone training and skills development are also accelerating. Local initiatives, including specialist academies and youth programmes, are helping to expand the talent pool. This supports job creation in piloting, maintenance, mapping and data analysis.

The increasing presence of drones has also created a new demand for drone insurance, incident reporting tools and anti-drone technologies. These solutions are becoming important in environments where drones operate near sensitive infrastructure or public spaces.

“Securex South Africa 2026, combined with the co-located shows, offers a comprehensive view of these developments. Exhibitors can reach buyers who are actively planning drone projects and security upgrades. Visitors can compare systems, watch demonstrations, and learn how drones can strengthen safety, visibility and risk reduction across their operations,” Anderson concludes.