ABOUT SAFESKY
Safesky is an Australian defence technology company specialising in the design, manufacture, and deployment of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS). With operations in Australia and the United States, Safesky brings together sovereign capability, allied partnerships, and cutting-edge research in autonomy, tactical resilience, and AI-driven mission systems.
Our Mission
To deliver sovereign, survivable, and scalable unmanned systems that provide tactical superiority in contested environments.
Sovereign & NDAA-Compliant
Safesky is committed to sovereign capability and secure supply chains. Every system is built under NDAA-compliant frameworks, ensuring no reliance on adversarial components or PRC networks. This guarantees full compliance with allied procurement standards while safeguarding data integrity and operational sovereignty. Defence and government partners can deploy Safesky platforms with confidence that they are fully secure, sovereign, and future-proof.
AI-Enabled Autonomy
At the heart of Safesky platforms is edge-based AI autonomy. From real-time object detection to swarm coordination, our systems process intelligence onboard to reduce latency and reliance on vulnerable datalinks. This autonomy allows warfighters to operate in contested or GPS-denied environments, maintaining mission effectiveness. Safesky's AI-first approach enhances survivability, improves operator efficiency, and enables next-generation unmanned tactics.
Tactical Design Philosophy
Safesky systems are engineered from the ground up with battlefield survivability and mission flexibility in mind. Using carbon fibre composites, modular payload bays, and ruggedised avionics, our drones deliver endurance, resilience, and adaptability. From kinetic interception to persistent ISR, each platform is optimised for tactical versatility in austere conditions. This philosophy ensures every Safesky system can adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of modern warfare.
Dual Manufacturing Hubs
With production capability in both Australia and the United States, Safesky ensures supply chain redundancy, responsiveness, and compliance with allied Defence standards. Dual hubs reduce single-point dependency and guarantee rapid scalability to meet urgent operational needs. This approach not only strengthens sovereignty but also positions Safesky as a reliable long-term partner capable of supporting allied forces with consistent, scalable production.
Applied Innovation with Florida Tech's Vertex Hub
Business-in-Residence partnership → access to advanced prototyping, additive manufacturing, R&D facilities, and workforce development.
Learn More About Vertex Partnership
Meet the Team
Safesky's leadership unites proven expertise from Australia and the United States across Defence, aerospace, and software—delivering sovereign, mission-ready UAS solutions for allied forces.
André Baruch
Co-Founder
Brings extensive experience in business management, startups, and business development, backed by a strong network across industries.
Dion Epstein
Co-Founder
Former CEO in the renewables sector, Dion brings strong commercial expertise. After encountering supply chain and data risks tied to Chinese tech, he shifted focus to building sovereign UAS solutions.
Ken Fretwell
Co-Founder
25+ years leading software teams in cybersecurity, product development, and support. Expert in edge-AI, SaaS, and aviation design - at the heart of SAFESKY's tech.
Craig Baverey
Co-Founder
Over 20 years of design and flight experience with manned and unmanned aircraft for the ADF and commercial clients. Brings deep UAS expertise with a strong customer focus.
Jason Jones
CEO, Safesky USA
Jason has over 15 years' experience in unmanned aircraft, counter-UAS, and situational awareness systems. He has led U.S. and international Defence programs, securing major contracts and guiding market expansion while ensuring regulatory compliance. Based at Florida Tech's Vertex Applied Innovation Hub, he drives Safesky's U.S. operations and partnerships, advancing sovereign UAS capabilities for allied forces.
Jeffrey Blair
Software Engineering Lead
Jeffrey brings deep expertise in software engineering and situational awareness systems, with a focus on technologies that deliver real-time, automated responses to critical incidents. His background in developing mission-ready software solutions enhances Safesky's capability in autonomy, resilience, and operational effectiveness across Defence and security applications.
Darren Shandler
AI Specialist
With first-class honours in Physics and Aerospace Engineering and a Master's in AI, Darren brings deep academic and R&D experience, including published work from his time at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR).
Daniel Lipshut
Senior Defense Advisor
Daniel is a senior Defence executive with extensive experience in procurement, strategy, and governance. He advises Safesky on aligning sovereign capability development with Defence requirements, bringing high-level insight into operational readiness and industry engagement.
Nikki Eylon
Senior Advisor
Hands-on startup experience across cyber, defence, and other sectors. Specialises in business development and market penetration.
Brett Schwarz
Senior Advisor
Brett is a senior executive and Chartered Accountant with 35+ years of experience in financial leadership, capital raising, and governance across startups, scale-ups, and public companies.
Ready to Work With Us?
Discover our innovative UAS solutions and see how we can help protect and advance your operations.