Former Navy Aviator to Lead Company Into Next Era of Growth
Ascent AeroSystems has announced that Paul Fermo will become the company’s new president on October 1, 2025, as cofounder and CEO Peter Fuchs retires and transitions to an advisory role. The leadership change comes at a pivotal time for the drone industry in the United States, as demand from defense and government customers reaches historic highs and investment in domestic manufacturing accelerates.
Leadership Transition at Ascent AeroSystems
Fermo, who currently serves as Vice President of Business Development, has played a central role in forging strategic partnerships and expanding the company’s reach across defense, public safety, and industrial markets. He joined Ascent in 2020 and has been a key driver of growth for its Spirit, Helius, and Spartan platforms.
“I’m honored by the trust placed in me to lead this exceptional team into its next chapter,” Fermo said. “Peter’s vision and genuine commitment built the foundation we stand on today. Together, we will continue delivering secure, reliable, aircraft-grade unmanned aerial systems that our customers can trust in any environment, while also expanding opportunities for integrated manned-unmanned operations under the Robinson banner.”
Fuchs, who cofounded Ascent in 2014, guided the company from its startup origins to its 2024 acquisition by Robinson Helicopter Company. Reflecting on the transition, Fuchs said: “We have grown steadily through the last decade, and I can confidently say that there is no finer team in this industry. After an exhaustive search it is clear—no one is more well-suited to lead the company forward than Paul, whose experience, vision, and passion will guide Ascent to even greater success.”
A Background of Service and Strategy
Fermo brings a unique blend of military, business, and policy experience to his new role. A former U.S. Navy aviator, he flew both HH-60 and F/A-18 aircraft, completing five combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He later served at the Pentagon as Air-Sea Branch Chief on the staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and as deputy commander of a NATO air command in Afghanistan.
Following his military career, Fermo worked as a management consultant with the Boston Consulting Group, advising Fortune 100 companies on market entry strategies, supply chain optimization, and organizational transformation. He holds an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management and is a distinguished graduate of the National Defense University.
In 2023, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative appointed him to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Aerospace Equipment, where he provides policy advice on trade issues affecting the U.S. aerospace industry.
Industry Context and Future Outlook
The announcement comes as the U.S. drone industry undergoes rapid transformation. Federal agencies are signaling urgent demand for unmanned systems to support defense and public safety missions. At the same time, a looming crackdown on the use of Chinese-made drones—long dominant in the commercial market—is reshaping procurement decisions and accelerating the push for secure, domestic alternatives.
The FAA’s proposed rulemaking to normalize Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight is expected to further expand opportunities, reducing barriers for both commercial and defense applications. With Ascent’s coaxial UAV platforms designed for rugged, all-weather performance, the company is positioned to take advantage of these regulatory and market shifts.
David Smith, President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, underscored the significance of the transition. “Paul is the right leader to support and expand Peter’s vision, taking Ascent AeroSystems beyond its current capabilities and markets. With Paul as President, we are confident Ascent will not only continue to thrive but will also play a central role in Robinson’s strategy to expand unmanned UAV capabilities and advance further integrated operations.”
The new president at Ascent AeroSystems change highlights both continuity and adaptation—building on the company’s foundation while aligning with the shifting dynamics of the global drone market.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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Impressive background for Paul Fermo!