Update on Strategic Partnership with Whitespace

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014, as retained as part of the law of England and Wales. Upon the publication of this announcement via the Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 September 2025

London, UK

Defence Holdings PLC

("Defence" or "the Company")

Defence Holdings and Whitespace Launch Defence Technologies: A Dedicated Platform for Sovereign AI Delivery

Defence Holdings PLC (LSE: ALRT), the UK's first listed software-led defence company, announces that its strategic partnership with Whitespace Global Limited ("Whitespace") will now operate under the title, Defence Technologies, providing a single brand identity for delivery of sovereign AI capabilities.

Defence Technologies provides a dedicated platform identity for the development, integration, and deployment of sovereign AI-enabled defence software products. The project creates clarity of brand and purpose, signalling to defence stakeholders and industry primes that the partnership is structured, focused, and execution-ready.

Key Highlights

●    Defence Holdings PLC and Whitespace confirm partnership under the branded title: Defence Technologies.

●    Establishes a single, credible brand for defence stakeholders and primes, signalling focus, execution readiness, and scale.

●    Defence Holdings PLC provides strategy, partnerships, market access and shareholder value creation; Defence Technologies is the branded delivery platform inside defence.

●    Two classified MOD applications already underway, with details to follow imminently.

●    Platform structured to progress multiple products simultaneously, each with clear pathways for deployment, potential spin-outs, and collaboration with hyperscale technology partners to ensure sovereign-grade scalability and resilience.

●    Directly aligned with the UK Strategic Defence Review 2025 priorities, including ISR, cyber, autonomy, and information domain operations.

For the defence community, this clarity is essential: it demonstrates laser focus and intent, provides a clear point of engagement, and ensures the partnership is recognised as a credible delivery platform in its own right. For investors, it strengthens Defence Holdings' position as the UK's only listed vehicle with both the market access and the operational depth to build sovereign digital capabilities at scale.

The platform is already active, with two classified products in build for the UK Ministry of Defence ("MOD"), to be formally announced in the short term. This marks a pivotal step in Defence Holdings' five-year plan to deliver sovereign, software-defined capabilities across intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), cyber, autonomy, and operations in the information domain.

Strategic Rationale

The launch of Defence Technologies marks a decisive shift from concept to execution. It provides the clarity of brand and structure that both defence stakeholders and investors demand, signalling that the partnership between Defence Holdings and Whitespace is focused, credible, and built to deliver at scale.

For the defence community, Defence Technologies offers a single, recognisable platform identity. Primes, government, and procurement bodies need certainty over who they are engaging with, and this brand re-emphasises that the partnership is a sovereign ready delivery platform.

For investors, the distinction is equally important. Defence Holdings remains the listed parent company, accountable for driving shareholder returns, through market access, strategic partnerships, disciplined capital allocation, and ultimately share price growth.

Defence Technologies provides the operational face of delivery, demonstrating how those partnerships translate into products with real-world deployment.

Most importantly, the clarity of intent is already proven. The first classified product build for the Ministry of Defence is underway, with further opportunities under discussion. This is not theory or distant ambition - it is live execution in defence domains.

The brand and structure positions Defence Holdings to compete head-to-head with traditional primes while bringing the agility and innovation of a software-first approach into the defence sector.

Leadership Commentary

Andrew McCartney, Chief Technology Officer, Defence Holdings, commented:

"Defence Technologies provides the identity and focus we need to turn strategy into product. It gives our stakeholders, from primes to procurement, a clear platform to engage with, while enabling us to scale multiple developments at once. With our first classified products already in build for the MOD, the platform is proving its impact from day one, and will continue to accelerate delivery across multiple domains."

James Norwood, Chairman, Defence Holdings PLC, added:

"The launch of Defence Technologies cements one of the most strategically important partnerships in UK defence technology. This clarity of brand shows we are laser-focused, execution-ready, and able to stand alongside the traditional primes with a credible sovereign platform. For Defence Holdings, it represents a decisive shift from strategy to delivery."

About Defence Holdings PLC (ALRT)

Defence Holdings PLC (LSE: ALRT) is the UK's first listed software-led defence company. Its five-year strategic plan focuses on delivering sovereign digital capabilities across national security, resilience, and defence readiness.

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Media Enquiries
Brian Stockbridge, Director
Defence Holdings PLC
Tel: +44 (0)20 3855 5551 · Email: [email protected]