Draganfly Taps Retired Colonel to Lead Canadian Defence Push
Event summary
- Draganfly appointed Colonel (Ret’d) Kevin Leblond as Vice-President, Canadian Defence and Security on September 9, 2026.
- Leblond brings 29 years of military experience, including roles in NORAD, NATO, and unmanned systems.
- He previously led the NORAD Office in Ottawa, focusing on continental defence modernization.
- Leblond’s expertise includes defence procurement, joint coalition operations, and airspace surveillance.
The big picture
Draganfly’s appointment of Leblond underscores the growing importance of unmanned systems in defence and security. Canada’s focus on modernizing its defence capabilities, particularly in airspace surveillance and autonomous systems, aligns with Draganfly’s technology offerings. Leblond’s extensive experience in NORAD, NATO, and joint coalition operations positions Draganfly to capitalize on these trends, potentially expanding its market share in the defence sector.
What we're watching
- Defence Modernization
- How Draganfly’s focus on unmanned systems and autonomy aligns with Canada’s defence modernization priorities.
- Procurement Dynamics
- Whether Leblond’s procurement experience can accelerate Draganfly’s engagement with the Canadian Armed Forces.
- Allied Collaboration
- The pace at which Draganfly expands its role in supporting NATO and allied governments through Leblond’s network.