PriceSensitive

Kleos Space establishes U.S. based subsidiary

Technology
ASX:KSS
14 October 2019 21:26 (AEST)

Kleos Space has entered the U.S. market by engaging a U.S. based subsidiary to sell and integrate its marine ISR data in U.S. defence agencies.

Kleos’ ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) data will be deployed to multiple U.S defence and security government departments, agencies and industries.

The U.S. subsidiary, Kleos Space, will provide Kleos with access to government funding and projects which are otherwise restricted to U.S. entities.

This includes the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding, the U.S. Air Force Accelerator program or any other grants from the U.S. federal defence projects which contribute to scientific or technological advances.

The SBIR program accelerates the development and production of promising technologies that can be used by the U.S. Department of Defence.

This enables start-ups and small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from the commercialisation.

Karyn Hayes-Ryan, Head of Kleos U.S. Strategy, has been appointed Director of Kleos U.S.

As a former intelligence community and Department of Defence senior executive, Karyn is highly experienced in ISR as well as Federal Acquisition Regulation, procurement and integration.

“A U.S. entity in the world’s largest defence market allows us to work closely with government agencies to improve the U.S.’s international maritime surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, supporting its defence services both locally and abroad,” Karyn said.

“A local enterprise with appropriate security clearance, innovation and technical capability also provides opportunities to collaborate on funded projects with defence entities within the national security framework,” she added.

Kleos Executive Chairman Air Commodore Peter Round (Retired), will act as interim CEO of Kleos U.S. while a U.S. citizen is recruited.

Peter has more than 30 years of military experience as well as five years as the European Defence Agency Capability and Technology Director of UKMFTS (U.K. Military Flying Training System).

Kleos Space will continue Kleos’ existing work with the USAF (United States Air Force) Catalyst Accelerator and SBIR, grasping the achievements of the SBIR phase 1 contract and trying to secure a phase 2 contract.

Phase 2 will include SBIR funding of up to US$3 million through its U.S. technology accelerator, Ithaca Solutions.

The Kleos Scouting Mission is on track to launch from Chennai, India in the fourth quarter of 2019 despite it being pushed back two months.

Kleos shares are steady, trading for 26 cents apiece in a $27.72 million market cap.

Related News