Fortem Technologies, the global leader in airspace security and counter-drone solutions, today announced the formation of its Government Advisory Board, a group of former senior U.S. military leaders who will provide strategic guidance as the company expands its role in protecting military forces, critical infrastructure, and civilian populations from the rapidly growing threat of hostile drones.
The formation of the board comes as drone threats reach a critical global inflection point. Recent Iranian drone attacks targeting military bases, energy infrastructure, diplomatic facilities, and commercial shipping across the Middle East underscore how inexpensive unmanned systems are reshaping the global threat landscape.
The board will be chaired by Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Clay Hutmacher, who brings more than 40 years of military service to the role, including command at every level of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (the “Night Stalkers”), service as Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, and Director of Operations (J3) at U.S. Special Operations Command.
The advisory board brings together senior military leaders whose combined experience spans every branch of the U.S. armed forces, Special Operations Command, NATO, and the National Guard – providing Fortem with unmatched operational insight. The board will help Fortem ensure that its rapidly evolving counter-drone technologies remain aligned with the operational needs of military commanders, infrastructure operators, and homeland security authorities.
“Drone threats are rapidly becoming a security challenge for service members, military bases, critical infrastructure, and public safety at home and abroad,” said Jon Gruen, CEO of Fortem Technologies. “The leaders joining our Government Advisory Board have spent decades confronting evolving threats at the highest levels of command. Their insight will help ensure Fortem continues delivering the most effective counter-drone solutions to those responsible for protecting our nation and its allies.”
In addition to Hutmacher, board members include:
- Gen. (Ret.) Steve Townsend, former Commander, U.S. Africa Command
- Gen. (Ret.) Jim Slife, former Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force
- Gen. (Ret.) Andrew Poppas, former Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces Command
- Vice Adm. (Ret.) Mary Jackson, former Commander, Navy Installations Command
- Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Sam Mundy III, former Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command
- Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jon Jensen, former Director of the Army National Guard
- Lt. Gen. (Ret.) John Deedrick, former U.S. Military Representative to the NATO Military Committee
- Mr. Geoff Downer, former USSOCOM Program Executive Officer for Rotary Wing
- Rear Adm. (Ret.) Matt Burns, former Commanding Officer, Naval Special Warfare Development Group
“The pace at which drone threats are evolving demands close collaboration between technology innovators and the national security community,” said Hutmacher. “Fortem has built a unique capability to detect, track, and defeat hostile drones with precision and minimal collateral risk. The Government Advisory Board exists to help ensure those capabilities are aligned with the real-world needs of military operators, security professionals, and allied governments.”
The board will meet regularly to provide strategic counsel on technology development, government engagement, and operational requirements across all branches of the U.S. armed forces and allied militaries. Members may also participate in industry and policy forums where their expertise can help advance understanding of emerging counter-drone challenges.
About Fortem Technologies
Fortem Technologies is the global leader in airspace security, delivering advanced solutions that protect against today’s autonomous aerial threats while ensuring the safety of tomorrow’s advanced air mobility. Fortem’s AI-powered SkyDome® Family of Systems combines TrueView™ sensors, command-and-control software, and autonomous DroneHunter® interceptors to defend military, government, and commercial operations worldwide from hostile or unauthorized drones. Fortem is the only company authorized to deploy a drone-on-drone kinetic interceptor in U.S. airspace, and its technology has been validated in operational deployments across Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. Headquartered in Lindon, Utah, Fortem is privately held and backed by Lockheed Martin, DCVC, Toshiba, AE Industrial Partners, AIM13, Signia Venture Partners, and others. To learn more, visit https://fortemtech.com.
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