Draganfly Appoints Colonel (Ret’d) Kevin Leblond to Lead Canadian Defence and Security Initiatives

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Draganfly Appoints Colonel (Ret'd) Kevin Leblond to Lead Canadian Defence and Security InitiativesAuthor of the article:Former Royal Canadian Air Force senior leader brings 29 years of operational, NORAD, NATO and unmanned systems experience to Draganfly’s growing Canadian defence businessTHIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountOttawa, 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.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againHis 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.This advertisement has not loaded yet.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.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.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.Media ContactErika RacicotEmail: media@draganfly.comCompany ContactCameron ChellChief Executive Officer(306) 955-9907Email: info@draganfly.comNotice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.