DroneShield Forge Ahead with New COO as Global Counter-Drone Demand Accelerates

DroneShield is strengthening its executive ranks to keep pace with rising global demand for drone-defense systems. Michael Powell has been appointed the company?s new Chief Operating Officer, with the mandate to scale operations to support continued expansion in Europe and the United States. In a simultaneous internal move, Nathan Vardanega shifts to Chief Delivery Officer, sharpening focus on program execution and customer-facing delivery. The next key milestone on the calendar is the annual report due on 24 February. Meanwhile, the stock has shown notable volatility, including a sharp pullback over the past month.

Powell arrives from the French defense group Thales, where he held roles such as General Manager for Secure Communications and Information Systems and Operations Director. DroneShield says he will broaden and streamline global operations?strengthening structures, processes, and capacity to better handle international growth.

The executive brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across defense, aerospace, secure communications, simulation, and critical infrastructure. In prior roles at Thales Australia and at Knorr-Bremse, he managed operational portfolios valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Concurrently, DroneShield is reordering its management team: the former COO, Nathan Vardanega, moves into the new post of Chief Delivery Officer, concentrating more on client-facing activities and program execution.

Growth Ambitions and Manufacturing Expansion

The personnel shift is framed as part of a broader growth phase. The company cites increased activity in Europe and the United States, coupled with rising demand from defense, government, and infrastructure customers. A substantial manufacturing expansion is also underway at the Alexandria facility in New South Wales.

CEO Oleg Vornik described Powell as a seasoned operator with a track record of delivering complex programs on a global scale. With Counter-UAS capabilities in higher demand, Powell is expected to help channel growth in a disciplined manner, with an emphasis on delivering tangible customer outcomes.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying DroneShield?

DroneShield notes that the expanded production capacity in Alexandria should lift overall output, shorten lead times, and bolster the resilience of the supply chain.

Stock has Been Volatile

Despite the growth narrative, DroneShield?s shares have faced pressure. The stock closed at 3.07 AUD on Thursday after retreating 6.69% intraday. Over 30 days, the share price has fallen about 24%, while over 90 days it sits roughly 30% higher. Trading activity was notable, with around 13.0 million shares exchanging hands for approximately 39.2 million AUD on the session.

The next concrete milestone on the horizon is the firm?s annual report, which market observers expect to be released on 24 February.

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