AeroShield Alliance Establishes Mississippi Headquarters

Key Terms

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AI-driven infrastructure analytics uses artificial intelligence to monitor, analyze and predict the health, performance and costs of physical and digital infrastructure — from data centers and networks to roads and utilities. For investors, it matters because this technology can reveal hidden risks, reduce unexpected expenses and point to efficiency gains or growth opportunities, much like a smart inspector that spots problems early and recommends cheaper fixes before they become costly failures.

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Drone-based data collection uses unmanned aircraft equipped with cameras, sensors or other instruments to gather images, measurements and observations from the air. For investors, it matters because drones can deliver faster, cheaper and more frequent information about assets or operations—like a flying surveyor that spots problems or opportunities sooner—affecting revenue, costs, risk management and the accuracy of forecasts. Regulatory limits, privacy concerns and weather can influence its commercial value.

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Workforce development is the set of actions a company or community uses to recruit, train and retain the people needed to do the work—think of it as building and sharpening a toolbox or training a sports team so everyone can perform their role. For investors it matters because a well-developed workforce lowers hiring and training costs, boosts productivity and innovation, and reduces execution risk, all of which affect revenue growth, profit margins and long-term value.

u.s. department of transportation grants regulatory

U.S. Department of Transportation grants are federal funds awarded to public agencies, private firms or nonprofit groups to build, upgrade or study transportation projects such as roads, bridges, transit, airports and technologies. For investors, these grants act like a partial “match” or kick‑start that lowers a project’s cost and risk, can speed timelines, unlock additional funding, and influence the revenue prospects or capital needs of companies tied to infrastructure and mobility.

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A routes program is a drug development effort focused on testing and advancing different ways to deliver a medicine or vaccine to patients—such as by mouth, injection, inhalation, or topical application. It matters to investors because the delivery method can change effectiveness, safety, manufacturing cost, ease of use, regulatory hurdles and market reach; think of it like offering a product in both bottled and single-use packets to serve different customer needs.

Expansion Positions Aero Velocity and its partners to Scale Public-Sector Infrastructure Technology and Workforce Development Platform

MINNETONKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BT Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTBD) today announced that its proposed merger partner, Aero Velocity Inc. and its fellow AeroShield Alliance members, are establishing a Mississippi headquarters, expanding the footprint in infrastructure technology and positioning the consortium to scale its public-sector solutions platform.

The expansion is expected to accelerate the deployment of the Alliance’s and Aero Velocity’s AI-driven infrastructure analytics and drone-based data collection capabilities across state and local government markets, while supporting workforce development and enabling broader access to large-scale infrastructure inspection and monitoring opportunities.

The initiative represents a significant opportunity to expand access to advanced technology and workforce development in rural Mississippi through partnerships with Holmes Community College and local government leaders.

“The Alliance’s mission is to deliver better outcomes for government agencies, reduce costs for taxpayers, and streamline procurement by deploying proven emerging technologies across federal, state, and local operations,” said Deborah Martin, president of AeroShield Alliance and CEO of Alliance member Service Specialists LLC.

Alliance member firms have collectively secured more than $100 million in government contracts, serving agencies including the U.S. Department of War, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Intelligence Community, and the U.S. Forest Service.

“A major factor in selecting Mississippi was the strong partnership with Holmes Community College and the Holmes County Board of Supervisors,” said Mark Hastings, CEO of Aero Velocity. “With support from U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker, we are launching the Rural Transportation Resilience Center at Holmes Community College.”

The Center’s mission aligns with the national ROUTES program — Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success — launched during President Trump’s first administration. Initial proposed funding would deploy the Alliance’s artificial intelligence technology to conduct automated roadway and bridge inspections and condition assessments across more than 70,000 linear miles of county and municipal roads in Mississippi.

If proposed U.S. Department of Transportation grants are awarded, the initiative is expected to support workforce training for approximately 200 residents and the creation of an additional 100 jobs over three years.

About AeroShield Alliance

AeroShield Alliance is a consortium of businesses advancing technologies that strengthen U.S. defense, security, and resilience. The Alliance unites expertise in AI, aerial systems, disaster recovery, operational intelligence, and workforce readiness to support government and commercial missions nationwide. www.aeroshieldalliance.com

About Aero Velocity

Aero Velocity, based in Cincinnati, OH, designs and manufactures American-made, NDAA-compliant UAVs and operates a robust Drones-as-a-Service (DaaS) business. Aero Velocity is a founding member of AeroShield Alliance, a consortium devoted to emerging AI and technology, UAVs, ISR and workforce solutions to deliver mission success from air to ground. Aero Velocity offers end-to-end UAV-powered solutions that enable organizations to assess, analyze and respond to real-world conditions with enhanced speed and safety.

Aero Velocity and BT Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTBD) entered into a definitive merger agreement in September 2025 pursuant to which the combined company is expected to be renamed "Aero Velocity Inc." and trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Mr. Hastings will serve as CEO of the combined company. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. It is expected to close in 2026, subject to stockholder approvals for each company and other customary closing conditions. www.aerovelocity.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding the benefits of the proposed transaction, the anticipated timing of the transaction, the products and services offered by Aero Velocity and the markets in which it operates, and Aero Velocity’s projected future results.

These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including the risks described in BT Brands’ SEC filings available at www.sec.gov.

These statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the companies disclaim any obligation to update them except as required by law.

Participants in the Solicitation

BT Brands, Inc. and Aero Velocity Inc. and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Additional information will be included in the Form S-4 filing.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

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Investor Relations & Media Contacts

BT Brands, Inc.

Kenneth Brimmer, Chief Financial Officer

kbrimmer@itsburgertime.com

612-414-5104

Source: BT Brands, Inc.