David Ibbetson, Former General Manager of General Dynamics Mission Systems International joins board

Paul Mangano retires from the Board

OTTAWA, ON, April 20, 2026 /CNW/ - DEFSEC Technologies Inc. (TSXV: DFSC) (TSXV: DFSC.WT.U) (NASDAQ: DFSC) (NASDAQ: DFSCW) ("DEFSEC" or the "Company") today announced that David Ibbetson, former General Manager of General Dynamics Mission Systems International ("GDMS") has joined DEFSEC's board of directors.

Mr. Ibbetson has more than 35 years in the Aerospace and Defence Industry, and 25 years with General Dynamics, where he served in progressively senior executive roles, most recently as the General Manager of the international division of General Dynamics Mission Systems, headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. Mr. Ibbetson successfully lead operations throughout Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Turkey and the UAE, delivering major US and Canadian programs such as Land C4ISR, CH-148 Cyclone and CP-140 Aurora Integrated Mission System and exporting products and systems into immense programs of the UK Ministry of Defense and other allied nations' militaries. During his tenure with General Dynamics Mission Systems Dave also built out significant programs in South America, Asia and Eastern Europe. "I'm excited to be joining DEFSEC's board at a critically important time for the Company and the defense and security industry. Digitization and integration is mission critical for the warfighter to secure and maintain operational advantage within the battle space. My goal is to see DEFSEC's technology embedded as standard kit, so that the warfighter can rely on this technology for mission success and survivability."

"Dave brings immense wisdom and experience to the Company," said Sean Homuth, President and CEO of DEFSEC. "His experience growing and leading defense enterprises on a global scale while successfully navigating relationships with governments and major defense contractors, will be of very great value to DEFSEC, as we enter a new phase of expected growth. Dave's expertise in architecting companies' technology development paths to ensure acceptance and alignment with major Canadian and related foreign programs is, of course, invaluable to DEFSEC," added Homuth, "I look forward to achieving great outcomes with Dave on board."

The Company also announced the departure of Paul Mangano from the DEFSEC board of directors. "Paul has agreed to step down to allow the board space to bring on a seasoned Canadian executive with deep experience in the delivery of large-scale Canadian defence programs.This aligns with Company's growth strategy and focus on increasing participation in Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy", commented Sean Homuth. "On behalf of the Board, I thank Paul for his guidance, hard work and commitment to the Company."

About DEFSEC

DEFSEC (TSXV: DFSC) (TSXV: DFSC.WT.U) (NASDAQ: DFSC) (NASDAQ: DFSCSW) (FSE: 62UA) develops and commercializes breakthrough next-generation tactical systems for military and security forces. The company's current portfolio of offerings includes digitization of tactical forces for real-time shared situational awareness and targeting information from any source (including drones) streamed directly to users' smart devices and weapons. Other DEFSEC products include countermeasures against threats such as electronic detection, lasers and drones. These systems can operate stand-alone or integrate seamlessly with OEM products and battlefield management systems, and all come integrated with TAK. The company also has a new proprietary less-lethal product line branded PARA SHOTTM with applications across all segments of the non-lethal market, including law enforcement. The Company is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada.

DEFSEC Announces Board Changes, Strengthening…