RAD has appointed industry veteran Chris Shepherd to lead its defense business expansion, effective May 1, 2026. Leveraging a background at Thales and L3Harris, Shepherd will focus on integrating RAD’s high-performance electric propulsion and maritime autonomy into next-generation naval programs and uncrewed systems. The company plans to formalize this strategic pivot at the Combined Naval Event 2026, where it will debut a new defense-focused product line.
Southampton, UK | April 30, 2026 – RAD Propulsion, the high-performance electric propulsion and maritime autonomy specialist, has announced a major move into the global defence market with the appointment of Chris Shepherd to lead its newly prioritized defence business expansion.
Effective 1 May 2026, the appointment comes as naval forces worldwide pivot toward uncrewed, low-signature, and energy-efficient maritime systems. Shepherd will be tasked with integrating RAD’s core competencies in electric propulsion and software-driven autonomy into the next generation of naval operations.
A Strategic Pivot to Uncrewed Capability
The appointment signals a shift in RAD’s trajectory, moving its proven commercial technologies into the high-stakes defence domain. Shepherd’s primary mandate includes:
- UK Defence Programmes: Expanding RAD’s footprint within domestic naval contracts.
- Strategic Ecosystems: Building deep-tier partnerships with prime contractors, SMEs, and specialist autonomy providers.
- System Integration: Positioning RAD’s modular electric architecture as the “gold standard” for future uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and subsurface platforms.
“RAD has already established itself as a leader in electric propulsion and maritime autonomy,” said Chris Shepherd. “The opportunity now is to apply that expertise to defence, where there is clear and growing demand for uncrewed, energy-efficient systems. I’m excited to deliver meaningful capability across the ecosystem.”
Heavyweight Leadership for a Complex Market
Chris Shepherd joins RAD with a formidable pedigree in the defence and aerospace sectors. His resume includes senior leadership roles at industry giants Thales, L3Harris, and MBDA, where he managed high-value programs across air, land, and sea.
Crucially, Shepherd has spent the last several years at the vanguard of the uncrewed maritime revolution. He has a proven track record of:
- Deploying autonomous surface systems for UK and allied defence customers at pace.
- Recovering complex, stalled programs and delivering them into active service.
- Advising maritime SMEs on how to scale and secure wins in rigorous defence procurement markets.
The Era of Open Architecture
For RAD CEO Dan Hook, Shepherd’s arrival is a calculated move to capitalize on the “electrification shift” currently disrupting naval procurement.
“Chris brings exactly the blend of strategic insight and deep customer understanding we need,” noted Dan Hook. “There is a clear shift underway towards electrification, modularity, and open architectures in naval capability. RAD is well-positioned to play a leading role.”
What’s Next: Combined Naval Event 2026
The industry won’t have to wait long to see the first fruits of this expansion. RAD has confirmed it will be exhibiting at the Combined Naval Event 2026, where Chris Shepherd will make his first official appearance with the company.
Significantly, RAD plans to use the event to launch a dedicated, defence-focussed product line, marking the formal beginning of its campaign to dominate the “electric and uncrewed” naval niche.
About RAD
RAD Propulsion is redefining maritime technology through a holistic approach to vessel architecture. By combining advanced electric propulsion with integrated energy solutions and cutting-edge autonomy software, RAD enables vessels in the commercial, defence, and leisure sectors to achieve higher performance levels with a significantly reduced environmental footprint.
Source: RAD Propulsion