Draganfly Appoints Colonel (Ret’d) Kevin Leblond to Lead Canadian Defence and Security Initiatives
Draganfly adds a senior former RCAF and NORAD leader to deepen its growing Canadian defence and security business.
Rhea-AI Summary
Draganfly (DPRO) has appointed Colonel (Ret’d) Kevin Leblond as Vice-President, Canadian Defence and Security, to lead its Canadian military initiatives.
Leblond brings 29 years of Royal Canadian Air Force experience spanning unmanned systems, continental defence, NATO, NORAD and joint coalition operations. His past roles include Battle Director at the Combined Air Operations Centre with U.S. Central Command in Qatar, responsibility for Canadian joint operations in Europe and Ukraine, and four years as Canada’s lead defence negotiator at NATO in Brussels.
Most recently Director of the NORAD Office in Ottawa, he worked on NORAD operations, planning and continental defence modernization. He previously commanded 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, overseeing more than 300 personnel, and holds Canadian government qualifications in project direction and management.
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Key Figures
- Military service
- 29 years
- Royal Canadian Air Force experience
- Personnel led
- More than 300 personnel
- Commanding Officer of 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron
Historical Context
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Qualified supplier status opened a pathway to compete for Canadian defence contracts.
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Key Terms
counter-uas technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Former Royal Canadian Air Force senior leader brings 29 years of operational, NORAD, NATO and unmanned systems experience to Draganfly’s growing Canadian defence business
Ottawa, ON, Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an award-winning, industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, today announced the appointment of Colonel (Ret’d) Kevin Leblond as Vice-President, Canadian Defence and Security, where he will lead the Company’s Canadian military initiatives.
Leblond joins Draganfly following 29 years of service with the Royal Canadian Air Force, bringing extensive experience across unmanned systems, continental defence, defence procurement, NATO, and joint coalition operations.
His operational experience includes serving as Battle Director at the Combined Air Operations Centre with U.S. Central Command in Qatar, where he helped direct coalition air operations across the Middle East, including integrated air defence, counter-UAS and UAS/ISR employment.
Leblond also served in the Strategic Joint Staff and was responsible for Canadian joint operations in Europe and Ukraine and spent four years with the Canadian Delegation to NATO in Brussels as Canada’s lead defence negotiator across defence policy, capability and burden-sharing files.
Most recently, Leblond served as Director of the NORAD Office in Ottawa providing leadership on NORAD operations, planning and continental defence modernization, including airspace surveillance, sensor integration and emerging domain awareness.
“Kevin brings a rare combination of operational credibility, strategic defence experience and a firsthand understanding of how military requirements move into procurement and deployment,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of Draganfly. “Canada is entering an important period of defence modernization, particularly in unmanned systems, domain awareness and autonomous capabilities. Kevin’s experience and leadership significantly strengthen our ability to support those requirements.”
As Commanding Officer of 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, Leblond led more than 300 personnel and was responsible for the readiness and operations of Canada’s frontline maritime helicopter force in direct support of the Canadian Armed Forces Pacific Fleet. He also holds Government of Canada Project Director and Project Manager qualifications and has direct experience with capability development, requirements definition, and major equipment acquisition.
“Canada and its allies are adapting quickly to a security environment where unmanned systems, autonomy, ISR and counter-UAS capabilities are increasingly central to operations,” said Leblond. “Draganfly has the technology, Canadian heritage and ability to move quickly that are increasingly important in this environment. I am excited to help expand the Company’s role in supporting Canada and its allies.”
Leblond holds a Master of Science in Leadership and Management from the University of Portsmouth, a Master of Defence Studies and a Bachelor of Arts from the Royal Military College of Canada. He has received commendations from the Minister of National Defence, the Chief of the Defence Staff, and Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command.
The appointment strengthens Draganfly’s Canadian defence leadership as the Company expands its engagement with the Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence, defence industry partners and allied governments.
About Draganfly
Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO; CSE: DPRO; FSE: 3U8) is a leader in cutting-edge drone solutions and software that are transforming industries and serving stakeholders globally. Recognized for innovation and excellence for over 25 years, Draganfly delivers award-winning technology to the public safety, civil, military, agriculture, industrial inspection, security, mapping, and surveying markets. The Company is driven by passion, ingenuity, and a mission to provide efficient solutions and first-class services to customers worldwide, saving time, money, and lives.
For more information, visit www.draganfly.com.
For investor details, visit:
NASDAQ (DPRO)
CSE (DPRO)
FSE (3U8A)
Media Contact
Erika Racicot
Email: media@draganfly.com
Company Contact
Cameron Chell
Chief Executive Officer
(306) 955-9907
Email: info@draganfly.com
