Sydney, Jan 7, 2026, 17:33 AEDT — After-hours
DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) shares slipped 0.77% on Wednesday to close at A$3.89, after jumping 18.43% a session earlier on a burst of trading. Volume fell to 16.89 million shares from 32.94 million on Tuesday, and the stock traded between A$3.76 and A$3.99. 1
The move puts focus back on ownership and execution for the volatile defence-technology name, which has been swinging sharply session-to-session. Investors are watching whether the company can translate rising demand into steadier results, while disclosures on big holders can add to the noise.
A filing showed JPMorgan Chase & Co and its affiliates ceased to be a substantial holder in DroneShield on Jan. 2, meaning it fell below the 5% threshold that triggers disclosure in Australia. The notice cited changes linked to securities lending and collateral, and flagged trading by J.P. Morgan Securities Australia around year-end. 2
DroneShield earlier on Wednesday said it renewed support for the Australian Defence Force Drone Racing Team for 2026, extending a partnership it said includes sharing expertise beyond sponsorship. Chief executive Oleg Vornik said the collaboration is “about building the skills and technologies” for the next generation of defence capability, while team president Wing Commander Keirin Joyce said it creates “a unique environment for testing, learning” and advancing operational edge. 3
On Tuesday, the company promoted Louis Gamarra to chief commercial officer, tasking him with leading global sales strategy and the distributor network. Vornik said strong commercial leadership is critical “to turning demand into sustained performance,” while Gamarra said he was stepping into the role at “this pivotal time” for DroneShield. 4
DroneShield makes detection and electronic-warfare tools designed to spot and disrupt drones, also called counter-UAS for counter-uncrewed aerial systems. The company sells to military, government and critical-infrastructure customers, where small drones have become a growing security problem.
But the stock’s speed cuts both ways. Small-cap defence names can react sharply to contract timing, budget headlines and shifts in institutional positioning, and any stumble in execution could test support after the recent run-up.
