The partnership brings together AVL’s world-class engineering capabilities with DCL’s expertise in FPV, mixed-reality and AI drone racing, autonomous flight, digital twins and next-generation drone ecosystems. By combining technology, sport, entertainment and talent engagement, the two companies aim to create new projects, commercial opportunities and innovation pathways in Saudi Arabia and across global markets.

Saudi Arabia will be a central pillar of the collaboration. Alongside the global DCL Mixed-Reality World Championship, DCL will launch and operate the national Saudi DCL championship beginning in Summer 2026. AVL will be represented as an official technology partner across both championships, connecting its engineering leadership with a rapidly growing international audience, an ambitious regional innovation agenda and the next generation of technology talent. This gives AVL access to a rapidly growing technology market and to young engineering and AI talent in a region that is consistently driving its technological development and diversification.

The partnership is designed to extend far beyond race-day visibility. It creates a long-term framework for jointly exploring and developing projects in autonomous drones, AI-powered flight systems, digital engineering, advanced propulsion and future drone platforms for civilian and dual-use applications.

For DCL, the collaboration represents another important step in building a larger international ecosystem around drone sport, technology and innovation. For AVL, it opens a dynamic platform to demonstrate engineering excellence, engage authentically with young technology talent and help shape emerging opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology sectors.

Dr. Michael Kostka, CEO, Drone Champions AG

“I am very pleased to welcome AVL not only as a partner of the newly launched Saudi DCL, but also as an official partner of the DCL World Championship. This partnership represents a powerful combination of innovation, engineering excellence and global ambition. It is also another clear sign that DCL is growing into a much broader international platform – one that creates new opportunities for technology partners, investors, talent and markets. Together with AVL, we want to turn that momentum into meaningful projects in Saudi Arabia and around the world.”

Thomas Scheucher, MBA, Senior Vice President and Managing Director CEE & MEA, AVL

“At AVL, we believe that the technologies of tomorrow are shaped where engineering excellence meets bold ideas and exceptional talent. Our partnership with Drone Champions League gives us the opportunity to contribute to an expanding global innovation platform, support both the DCL World Championship and the Saudi DCL, and engage authentically with the next generation of engineers, AI specialists and technology talent. We look forward to exploring new technologies and opportunities together – far beyond competitive drone racing.”

The partnership signals a shared ambition to build something larger: an international platform where technology, competition, talent and commercial innovation come together. With Saudi Arabia as a key growth market and further global projects already in view, DCL and AVL are creating new opportunities for partners who want to help shape the future of drone technology.