Volatus Aerospace Builds Defence Advisory Leadership with NATO Veteran Major General (Ret’d) Gary Deakin, CBE
Press Release
Appointment further strengthens Canadian, NORAD, and allied defence expertise as Volatus advances its sovereign aerospace and autonomous systems strategy
MONTREAL, March 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSX: FLT) (OTCQB: TAKOF) (FSE: ABB.F) (“Volatus” or the “Company”), a Canadian-controlled global aerospace and defence company delivering integrated uncrewed systems, aerial intelligence, and mission-critical operational services, today announced the appointment of Major General (Ret’d) Gary Deakin, CBE to its Advisory Board.
The appointment strengthens Volatus’ growing defence advisory leadership as the Company continues positioning itself to support Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy through sovereign aerospace capability, advanced uncrewed systems, and dual-use operational technologies aligned with NATO and allied priorities.
Major General Deakin brings more than three decades of senior leadership across the British Army and NATO, including strategic roles supporting multinational operations, defence modernization, and alliance readiness.
Deepening Canadian and Allied Defence Leadership
With this appointment, Volatus continues building a defence advisory group combining Canadian military leadership, continental defence expertise, and allied operational perspective.
Major General Deakin joins an established group of senior defence leaders supporting the Company’s long-term strategy, including:
Major-General (Ret’d) Andrew Leslie, Board Director, former Commander of the Canadian Army, and former Member of Parliament who served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, bringing rare experience across military leadership and federal defence policy
Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Christopher Coates, former Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command and Deputy Commander NORAD, providing expertise in continental defence operations and strategic readiness
Major-General (Ret’d) Gary Deakin, former British Army and NATO senior leader, bringing allied defence perspective and international operational expertise relevant to Five Eyes and NATO defence environments
Together, this advisory depth reflects Volatus’ focus on combining operational aviation experience, defence insight, and allied perspective as the Company expands its role supporting sovereign capability development.
Positioning for Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy
As Canada and its allies increase investment in autonomous systems, aerospace platforms, and domestic industrial capability, Volatus continues expanding its integrated aerospace platform spanning:
Piloted aircraft operations
Uncrewed aerial systems
Remote operations and autonomy
Aerospace manufacturing
Training and mission support
This integrated model positions Volatus to support both commercial customers and defence partners as demand grows for operationally proven aerospace capability.
“Gary brings exceptional operational credibility and NATO experience at a time when Canada is strengthening its domestic defence industrial base,” said Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace. “His perspective helps reinforce the work we are doing to align commercial capability with emerging defence requirements. We believe Canada needs globally competitive aerospace companies with real operational capability, and Volatus intends to be one of them.”
“Volatus is building something that is increasingly relevant in today’s defence environment, a company grounded in real operations with the ability to translate innovation into capability,” said Major General (Ret’d) Gary Deakin. “I am pleased to support the Company as it continues expanding its role supporting allied security and sovereign aerospace capability.”
About Major General (Ret’d) Gary Deakin
Major General Deakin served over 30 years in the British Army and NATO, including senior appointments in operational planning, multinational coordination, and strategic defence leadership. His career included Chief of Staff responsibilities within NATO command structures and senior planning roles supporting coalition operations.
Following his military service, he held executive roles in international defence consulting including Managing Director of GardaWorld Consulting (UK), where he led delivery of major diplomatic and security programs.
He currently leads Kingfisher Consulting and advises governments, defence organizations, and industry on strategy, crisis response, and international security cooperation. He was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to NATO strategic capability development.
About Volatus Aerospace
Volatus Aerospace Inc. is a Canadian-controlled global aerospace and defence company providing integrated aerial solutions including piloted aviation, uncrewed systems, intelligence services, training, and advanced autonomy technologies. The Company supports infrastructure, energy, public safety, healthcare, and government customers across Canada, the United States, and international markets.