Ondas wins Defense Ministry tender for next generation attack drones

US company Ondas has secured a multi-million dollar tender from the Israeli Defense Ministry to develop the next generation of attack drones for the IDF, beating out competitors like Elbit Systems and Rafael. The "Digital Bat" program aims to provide a low-cost, next-generation tactical drone platform with advanced software to meet the IDF's evolving operational requirements for rapid and inexpensive supply. Ondas, a Nasdaq-listed holding company, recently appointed former Mossad chief David Barnea as president and chairman of its defense division and has acquired several Israeli defense companies in the past year. Eric Brock, chairman and CEO of Ondas, stated, "This strategic award represents an important validation of the defense technology platform we are building at Ondas." The new drones will provide IDF infantry battalions with advanced tactical aerial capabilities that are rapidly deployable and adaptable to complex operational environments.