Its drone detection and disabling products were sold to 70 countries and were used by Ukraine’s military, however it also had commercial use cases, such as preventing drones from disrupting flights and critical infrastructure.
“We’re seeing increasing interest,” Vornik said.
“Data centres, for example, are concerned about drones landing on their roofs and conducting cyber attacks through proximity.”
DroneShield listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in 2016 and its share price had languished around A20c for years, Vornik said.
However, that had changed recently – its share price hit a peak of A$4.39 in the past year, taking its market valuation above A$3b.
Vornik had a connection to New Zealand. He and his mother migrated from Chechnya, Russia to Christchurch in the late 1990s.
He and three other DroneShield executives had been named on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s sanctions list.
“I mean, I’d rather not be, but ... It is a fact of life when you’re in an industry like ours.”
Vornik said his company did not make or sell any lethal weapons that hurt human beings.
See DroneShield’s team take down drones in a simulation outside of Sydney in today’s episode of Markets with Madison, above.
Madison Malone travelled to Sydney to film this episode courtesy of DroneShield. The company had no editorial control over what was produced.
Get investment insights on Markets with Madison every week here on the NZ Herald, on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this programme is of a general nature and is not intended to be personalised financial advice. We encourage you to seek appropriate advice from a qualified professional to suit your individual circumstances.
Madison Malone (nee Reidy) is host and executive producer of the investment show Markets with Madison. She joined the Herald in 2022 after working in investment and has covered business and economics for television and radio broadcasters.
