Company Announcements

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
27 August 2025

London, UK

Defence Holdings PLC

("Defence" or "the Company")

Defence Holdings Appoints Richard Bassett as Vice President, Defence Programmes

Defence Holdings PLC (LSE: ALRT), the UK's first listed software-led defence company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard "Bertie" Bassett as Vice President, Defence Programmes, a move that materially enhances the Company's operational credibility, expands its senior military relationships, and accelerates its ability to secure frontline-driven defence contracts.

With over 26 years of distinguished military service followed by senior roles in the technology and defence sectors, Bertie brings unrivalled operational expertise, trusted relationships across defence and intelligence communities, and a proven track record in securing high-value contracts. His background uniquely positions Defence Holdings to bridge strategy, technology, along with the operational needs of defence and national security.

Key Highlights

●    26 years in Special Operations and senior strategic command roles, including the first-ever appointment as Command Sergeant Major at the strategic level of UK defence.

●    Unrivalled access and trusted relationships across senior defence and intelligence stakeholders in the UK and allied nations.

●    Proven track record in securing multimillion-pound defence contracts and shaping procurement strategies around frontline requirements.

●    Brings deep insight into defence programmes and requirements, ensuring Defence Holdings' technology roadmap stays closely aligned with operational needs and procurement priorities

●    Unique bridge between cutting-edge technology and military end-users, ensuring Defence Holdings' AI-enabled solutions are trusted, deployable, and built for mission-critical environments.

Career & Credentials

During a decorated military career, Bertie rose to Regimental Sergeant Major within a highly specialised maritime unit before being selected as the first-ever Command Sergeant Major at the strategic level of UK defence, giving him oversight of specialist capabilities and direct exposure to how decisions on force generation, operational readiness, and capability development are made for the most strategically sensitive missions. He retired from service in 2021.

Since then, he has built a successful career across defence and technology, helping companies secure and deliver contracts aligned to frontline needs. He currently also holds a role at Whitespace, Defence Holdings' strategic partner, where he has been instrumental in bringing AI-infrastructure innovation into defence and national security settings.

Strategic Significance for Defence Holdings

Bassett's appointment marks a major strengthening of Defence Holdings' ability to combine operational credibility with deep-technology execution.

His unparalleled insight into frontline priorities, combined with a deep understanding of defence programmes and requirements, ensures Defence Holdings remains tightly aligned with the capability needs that matter most to the UK Ministry of Defence and NATO allies.

For investors, his appointment is clear evidence that Defence Holdings is attracting leadership talent of the highest calibre, embedding credibility that both accelerates procurement pathways and increases the Company's competitive advantage in securing sovereign AI and defence contracts.

Leadership Commentary

Richard Bassett, Vice President, Defence Programmes, Defence Holdings, commented:

"I am honoured to be joining Defence Holdings at such a pivotal stage. It is rare to see a company outside the traditional primes taken so seriously, and in such a short space of time, at the highest levels of industry. Defence Holdings is building something truly unique, and I look forward to ensuring our capabilities remain tightly aligned to the operational realities faced by the UK and allied forces."

Andy McCartney, Chief Technology Officer of Defence Holdings, added:

"Richard's appointment adds significant operational depth to our leadership team. His credibility within the military, combined with his commercial experience in defence technology, ensures we can align our product development with the priorities of those on the front line and the procurement community. This is a crucial step in accelerating our ability to deliver meaningful applications at pace."

James Norwood, Chair of Defence Holdings, added:

"Bringing Richard on board as Vice President, Defence Programmes, reflects our commitment to combining strategic leadership with deep operational expertise. His appointment strengthens our ability to connect with key decision-makers, guide our technology roadmap, and deliver on our five-year plan."

Grant of Warrants

The Company also announces the grant of 38,930,448 warrants over ordinary shares of £0.001 each ("Ordinary Shares"), exercisable at the last placing price of £0.00325 per share, for a period of five years from the date of grant (the "Warrants"). Of the total 38,930,448 Warrants, 19,465,224 are being granted to Richard Bassett as part of his appointment as Vice President of the Company, and 19,465,224 Warrants are being granted to Andrew McCartney, the Company's Chief Technology Officer. All Warrants will vest in line with the Company's normal vesting schedule.

About Defence Holdings PLC (ALRT)

Defence Holdings PLC (LSE: ALRT) is the UK's first listed software-led defence company. Its five-year strategic plan focuses on delivering sovereign digital capabilities across national security, resilience, and defence readiness.

Media Enquiries
Brian Stockbridge,  Director
Defence Holdings PLC
Tel: +44 (0)20 3855 5551 · Email: press@defenceplc.com