POSTED ON December 18, 2025
Perth, Western Australia: Innovaero Pty Ltd (‘Innovaero’) marked a significant milestone in Australia’s sovereign defence capability with the completion of the transition to full Australian ownership, from BAE Systems Australia (‘BAE’).
Founder and Chairman of Innovaero, Mike von Bertouch said, “The transaction returns full ownership and control of Innovaero and marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth as a sovereign defence technology leader focused on turning proven innovation into scalable capabilities for Defence.”
“In this new chapter, Innovaero plans to accelerate investment, expand our manufacturing footprint, and deliver the next generation of affordable precision mass capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and our allies.”
“I thank BAE Systems for its stewardship of Innovaero over the past few years.”
With the change in ownership finalised, Innovaero has appointed Greg Tunny as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Greg has been part of the Innovaero leadership team for the past five years as Chief Strategy and Development Officer, bringing continuity and momentum to the role.
On his appointment, Innovaero Chief Executive Officer Greg Tunny said, “I look forward to leading the company through its next phase of growth as we work to scale OWL production to deliver affordable precision mass to the ADF.”
Greg succeeds Marcus Colman, who served as CEO for over two years and oversaw the company through a period of significant commercial maturation. Marcus will return to BAE following the completion of the acquisition. The Company thanks Marcus for his contribution, and BAE for its endorsement of Innovaero through the signing of a distribution agreement in markets outside Australia.
Andrew Gresham, Managing Director – Defence Delivery, BAE Systems Australia, said, “BAE Systems Australia has made the strategic decision to return control of Innovaero to its founders and former owner, Aerovation.”
“The change of control was carefully considered, and Innovaero and BAE Systems Australia will continue a strategic partnership to pursue opportunities to secure further demand for OWL B and advance development of STRIX. We wish Innovaero every success in its continued growth and development and look forward to continuing to build on our relationship.”
With ownership consolidated, Innovaero will continue to progress its precision-strike and counter-UAS programs, while maintaining continuity for Defence, government and industry partners. Further announcements are expected in early 2026 as the company enters a period of sustained growth aligned with Australia’s increasing emphasis on sovereign capability, resilient supply chains and rapid innovation.
Background:
Innovaero is a 100 per cent Australian-owned focused on development and manufacture of affordable precision mass – such as the OWL precision loitering munition – which are aligned with Australia’s Defence needs and the growing emphasis on mass, resilience and rapid capability delivery. We also deliver CASA-certified products, with a key focus on the integration of aerial imaging and survey systems. Western Australian-based Innovaero has a proven track record in specialist engineering for Australian businesses as well as partners in the United States and Canada. Innovaero provides end-to-end sovereign industrial capability including aeronautical product design, certification, manufacturing, as well as systems integration and support services
Further information:
Government Relations Questions:
Sarah Cullens
sarah@precisionpublicaffairs.com
M: 0411 166 305
Investor Relations Questions:
Annalise Batchelor
annalise.batchelor@sodali.com
M: 0432 312 807
