Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSX: FLT) appointed Major General (Ret'd) Peter M. "Pete" Fesler to its advisory board, the Canadian aerospace and defense company announced April 22.

Fesler served over 27 years in the United States Air Force, including command of the 1st Fighter Wing and senior leadership roles at NORAD as Deputy Director of Operations for aerospace warning and control across North America. He logged more than 2,200 flight hours in F-15 and F-22 aircraft and flew over 50 combat missions.

The company also confirmed Lieutenant-General (Ret'd) Andrew Leslie will chair the advisory board. Leslie serves on Volatus' board of directors and previously commanded the Canadian Army.

The advisory board includes Lieutenant-General (Ret'd) Christopher J. Coates, former Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command and Deputy Commander of NORAD, and Major General (Ret'd) Gary Deakin, CBE, who held senior NATO command positions.

"General Fesler brings a deep operational understanding of North American defence and the evolving threat environment," said Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace. "His experience, alongside that of Lieutenant-General Leslie, General Coates, and General Deakin, establishes a level of strategic insight that is directly aligned with Canada's defence priorities."

Fesler stated he was honored to join Volatus at what he called an important point in North American defense evolution. "The need for integrated, scalable, and operationally proven capabilities continues to grow, and Volatus is well positioned to support both Canadian and allied missions," he said.

Volatus Aerospace operates as a Canadian-controlled global aerospace and defense company providing unmanned aerial systems, aerial intelligence services, autonomy software, and training solutions for civil infrastructure, public safety, and defense markets.