DroneShield appoints Chief Operating Officer with deep defence expertise

DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO) has appointed Michael Powell as Chief Operating Officer, as it looks to the future with significant growth plans across Europe and the US.

Mr Powell, the company said, had deep experience in defence and related fields.

The company went on to say:

Michael brings more than 25 years of senior executive and operational leadership experience across defence, aerospace, secure communications, simulation, railway and critical infrastructure markets. His career includes senior roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director, and Operations Director at leading international organizations including Thales Australia and Knorr-Bremse, where he led large, multinational teams and managed complex, multi-hundred-million-dollar operational portfolios. Across these roles, Michael has built and scaled global manufacturing and supply-chain operations, led international business turnarounds, and delivered large-scale operational transformation programs, balancing execution discipline with the demands of high-reliability, mission-critical customers.

Building out the supply chain

The company said in his new role, Mr Powell would be responsible for scaling up DroneShield’s global operations, “strengthening delivery and sustainment capability, and aligning engineering, manufacturing, and supply-chain functions to support the company’s expanding product portfolio and growing international customer base”.

DroneShield Chief Executive Officer Oleg Vornik said Mr Powell was a “proven operator with deep experience delivering complex programs at global scale”

As demand for counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) capability continues to accelerate, his leadership will be instrumental in ensuring DroneShield scales with discipline, resilience, and a relentless focus on customer outcomes.

Revenue growing

DroneShield, in late January, released its second-quarter activities report, in which it reported fourth-quarter revenues of $51.3 million, up 94% on the previous corresponding quarter.

While the figure was well up on the same quarter the previous year, revenue was down from $92.9 million in the third quarter of 2025.

The company said at the time it had committed revenue of $95.6 million for 2026, compared with negligible committed revenue at the start of 2025.

Operating cash flow was $7.7 million for the quarter.

The company also announced in mid-January that it had been selected as a supplier for the Australian Government’s LAND 156 project.

Selection as a supplier does not guarantee any contracts will flow; however, it does allow defence to procure from the company.

DroneShield said at the time:

While the dollar amount of expected sales associated with the Line of Effort 3 results cannot be quantified at this time, it is expected to be material as the demand for counterdrone solutions rises, and the Company will provide further guidance when available.

DroneShield shares have been under pressure lately, falling from levels around $4.70 in late January to $3.15 currently.

The post DroneShield appoints Chief Operating Officer with deep defence expertise appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Cameron England has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended DroneShield. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.