Volatus Aerospace strengthens advisory leadership in defense with retired NATO Major General Gary Deakin, CBE

This appointment further enhances Canada’s expertise, NORAD, and allied defenses as Volatus advances its sovereign strategy in aerospace and autonomous systems.

MONTREAL, March 24, 2026 – Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSX: FLT) (OTCQB: TAKOF) (FSE: ABB.F) (“Volatus” or the “Company”), a global aerospace and defense company controlled by Canada, providing integrated unmanned systems, aerial intelligence, and critical operational services, announced today the appointment of Major General (Retired) Gary Deakin, CBE, to its advisory board.

This appointment strengthens Volatus’s growing leadership in defense consulting as the company continues to position itself to support Canada’s defense industry strategy through sovereign aerospace capability, advanced unmanned systems, and dual-use operational technologies aligned with NATO and allied priorities.

Major General Deakin brings over three decades of senior leadership within the British Army and NATO, including strategic roles supporting multinational operations, defense modernization, and preparedness within the alliance.

Enhancing Canadian and Allied Defense Leadership

With this appointment, Volatus is continuing to build a defense advisory group combining Canadian military leadership, continental defense expertise, and allied operational perspective.

Major General Deakin joins an established group of senior defense executives supporting the company’s long-term strategy, including:

• Major General (Retired) 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 unique experience in military leadership and federal defense policy
• Lieutenant General (Retired) Christopher Coates, former commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command and NORAD Deputy Commander, bringing expertise in continental defense operations and strategic preparedness
• Major General (Retired) Gary Deakin, former senior leader in the British Army and NATO, providing relevant international defense perspective and operational expertise for Five Eyes and NATO defense environments

Together, this depth of advisory mirrors Volatus’s focus on combining operational aviation experience, defense expertise, and allied perspective, as the company expands its role in supporting the development of sovereign capabilities.

Positioning for Canada’s Defense Industry Strategy

As Canada and its allies increase investments in autonomous systems, aerospace platforms, and national industrial capability, Volatus continues to expand its integrated aerospace platform covering:

· Manned aircraft operations

· Unmanned antenna systems

· Remote and autonomous operations

· Aerospace manufacturing

· Mission training and support

“Gary brings exceptional operational credibility and NATO experience at a time when Canada is strengthening its national defense industrial base,” said Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace. “His perspective helps strengthen the work we do to align commercial capability with emerging defense needs. We believe Canada needs globally competitive aerospace companies with real operational capability, and Volatus intends to be part of that.”

“Volatus is building something increasingly relevant in the current defense environment, a company built on real operations able to translate innovation into capability,” said Major General (Retired) Gary Deakin. “I am pleased to support the company as it continues to expand its role in supporting allied security and sovereign aerospace capability.”

About Major General (Retired) Gary Deakin

Major General Deakin served over 30 years in the British Army and NATO, including high-level positions in operational planning, multinational coordination, and strategic leadership in defense. His career included duties as Chief of Staff within NATO command structures and senior planning roles supporting coalition operations.

Following his military service, he held leadership roles in international defense consulting, including serving as Managing Director of GardaWorld Consulting (UK), where he led the implementation of major diplomatic and security programs. He currently leads Kingfisher Consulting and advises governments, defense organizations, and industry on strategy, crisis response, and international security cooperation. He was awarded the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to NATO’s strategic capability development.

About Volatus Aerospace

Volatus Aerospace Inc. is a global aerospace and defense company controlled by Canada, offering integrated aerial solutions, including piloted aviation, unmanned systems, intelligence services, training, and advanced autonomy technologies. The company supports clients in infrastructure, energy, public security, health, and government sectors in Canada, the United States, and international markets.

Source: Volatus Aerospace