South Korean Drone Startup PABLO AIR Completes an M&A Transaction with VOLK to Strengthen Global Competitiveness in the $30B Defense Drone Market

• One of Asia's few drone companies combining AI swarm intelligence (AI enabling multiple drones to coordinate and operate collectively) and proven manufacturing capability
• 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
• Positioned to participate in U.S. DoD, NATO, and allied defense procurement programs

INCHEON, South Korea, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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

Official website

Website: https://www.pabloair.com/en/

SOURCE PABLO AIR