DroneShield Strengthens Operations with New Executive Appointment

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In a strategic move to support its expanding global business, counter-drone technology firm DroneShield has announced a key addition to its leadership team. The company has appointed Michael Powell as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), a hire aimed at scaling production and supply chain operations to meet rising demand.

The appointment, confirmed this Tuesday, places a clear emphasis on streamlining the company's engineering, manufacturing, and logistics functions. DroneShield's objective is to accelerate and secure the delivery of its growing suite of products. This operational refinement comes at a critical time, with defense entities and operators of critical infrastructure increasingly seeking counter-UAS solutions.

Michael Powell joins the company with a mandate to tightly integrate development, production, and the supply chain. His leadership is expected to bring disciplined and resilient management to the firm's growth trajectory, with a stated focus on enhancing customer outcomes.

Manufacturing Expansion Underway

This executive change coincides with a significant physical expansion of DroneShield's manufacturing capabilities. The company is scaling up its production facility in Alexandria, New South Wales. This investment is projected to increase production throughput, reduce delivery timelines, and fortify the overall supply chain resilience.

CEO Oleg Vornik described Powell in the company statement as a "proven operator" with a track record of executing complex programs on an international scale.

Strong Business Momentum Amid Market Volatility

DroneShield's operational performance has shown considerable strength. The company reported fourth-quarter 2025 revenue of US$51.3 million, representing a substantial 94% increase compared to the same period the prior year. Furthermore, at the start of the year, DroneShield disclosed a committed revenue and order backlog of US$95.6 million for 2026.

The business also received a significant endorsement in January, being selected as a supplier for the Australian government's LAND 156 project. This inclusion places DroneShield on a pre-approved panel for potential future procurement.

Despite this positive operational news, the company's shares have recently faced downward pressure. Market data indicates the stock declined from approximately US$4.70 in late January to a range between US$3.15 and US$3.38 in recent trading sessions?a drop exceeding 25% in a matter of weeks.

Powell's Industry Pedigree

The newly appointed COO brings over 25 years of senior leadership experience within defense, aerospace, secure communications, and critical infrastructure sectors. His previous roles include serving as COO and Managing Director at Thales Australia, along with holding significant operational positions at Knorr-Bremse, where he managed cross-country operational structures.

DroneShield highlighted Powell's specific background in establishing and scaling global manufacturing organizations and leading large-scale transformation programs. His effectiveness will be measured in the coming months by how successfully the expanded Alexandria capacity translates into faster deliveries and higher output volumes.