Ondas Wins Strategic Government Tender to Develop and Deploy Autonomous Border-Protection System with Thousands of Drones

Rhea-AI Summary

Ondas (NASDAQ:ONDS) said Ondas Autonomous Systems was selected as prime contractor for a multi‑phase government program to develop and deploy an autonomous border‑protection System‑of‑Systems.

The program begins with an initial purchase order expected January 2026, spans the next two years, and is intended to culminate in the deployment of thousands of autonomous drones for persistent ISR, swarm response, and automated threat mitigation across fixed and mobile border environments.

OAS will lead design and integration, combining aerial platforms with partner technologies and advanced AI, sensor fusion, and centralized command‑and‑control capabilities.

Positive

• Initial purchase order expected in January 2026
• Program duration: multi‑phase over two years
• Planned deployment of thousands of autonomous drones
• Selection as prime contractor after highest performance in competitive tender

Negative

• Multi‑phase, two‑year program creates near‑term execution and integration risk

News Market Reaction

+10.53%

54 alerts

+10.53% News Effect

+8.3% Peak Tracked

-11.2% Trough Tracked

+$319M Valuation Impact

$3.35B Market Cap

1.1x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, ONDS gained 10.53%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +8.3% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -11.2% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 54 alerts that day, indicating high trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $319M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $3.35B at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Initial purchase order timing: January 2026 Program duration: Two years Drone deployment scale: Thousands of autonomous drones +1 more

4 metrics

Initial purchase order timing January 2026 Expected initial order to launch multi-phase border program

Program duration Two years Multi-phase autonomous border-protection deployment timeline

Drone deployment scale Thousands of autonomous drones Target scale for border-protection System-of-Systems

Operational coverage 24/7 ISR Continuous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability

Market Reality Check

Price: $11.38 Vol: Volume 65,345,026 is belo...

low vol

$11.38 Last Close

Volume Volume 65,345,026 is below 20-day average 118,313,871 (relative volume 0.55x) ahead of this news. low

Technical Shares at $9.02 were trading above the 200-day MA at $3.74, after a -9.8% move and still 1482.46% above the 52-week low but 22.91% below the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

ONDS was down 9.8% while key peers were mixed with smaller moves: EXTR -4.47%, V...

ONDS was down 9.8% while key peers were mixed with smaller moves: EXTR -4.47%, VIAV +2.05%, COMM +0.59%, BDC +0.67%, VSAT +1.81%, pointing to a stock‑specific reaction rather than a broad equipment-sector move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 08 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 08	Strategic investment	Positive	-0.6%	Announced intent to invest up to $11 million in Drone Fight Group.
Dec 03	Government tender award	Positive	+10.5%	Won multi‑phase government program for autonomous border‑protection drones.
Dec 02	Board appointment	Positive	+6.5%	Rail leader joined Ondas Networks board to drive 802.16t adoption.
Dec 01	Counter‑UAS order	Positive	-4.0%	Secured additional ~$8.2 million Iron Drone Raider airport order in Europe.
Nov 25	Acquisition agreement	Positive	-3.2%	Announced plan to acquire Roboteam with at least $30 million 2026 revenue.

Pattern Detected

Recent positive strategic and defense-contract news often led to mixed price reactions, with several positive catalysts followed by negative moves, indicating a tendency for divergence between upbeat headlines and short-term trading.

Recent Company History

Over late November–December 2025, Ondas reported multiple defense- and autonomy-focused milestones: a planned investment of up to $11 million in Drone Fight Group, the strategic border‑protection tender, a rail-industry board addition to advance 802.16t, two approximately $8.2 million counter‑UAS airport orders, and a definitive agreement to acquire Roboteam with at least $30 million 2026 revenue expectations. Despite largely positive strategic news, price reactions ranged from -4.05% to +10.53%, underscoring inconsistent alignment.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-09-09

The company has an effective Form S-3ASR shelf registration filed on September 9, 2025, allowing it to offer various securities, with multiple prospectus supplements (Forms 424B5 and 424B7) already filed, indicating active usage capacity.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock surged +10.5% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction would align w...

Analysis

The stock surged +10.5% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction would align with past responses to major wins, such as the prior border‑protection tender news that saw a 10.53% move and the board addition that saw +6.46%. The scale of deploying thousands of drones over two years reinforces Ondas’ defense positioning. However, active shelf capacity, significant recent acquisitions, and prior instances where positive orders coincided with negative moves highlight ongoing dilution and integration risks.

Key Terms

system-of-systems, isr, swarm-based response, command-and-control, +1 more

5 terms

system-of-systems technical

"into a strategic System-of-Systems engineered to protect national borders"

A system-of-systems is a collection of independently useful systems that are linked to work together and create new, larger capabilities—like individual appliances in a smart home that together enable home automation. For investors it matters because value, revenue and risk come not just from each part but from their interactions: integration can boost performance and market reach, while complexity, compatibility issues, or a single failing component can magnify costs and disruption.

isr technical

"to provide persistent ISR, swarm-based response, and automated threat mitigation"

ISR stands for socially responsible investing (from the French phrase Investissement Socialement Responsable) and means choosing stocks, bonds or funds based on environmental, social and governance criteria in addition to financial return. Like picking a brand that matches your values, ISR matters to investors because it helps align portfolios with personal or institutional priorities, can reduce exposure to companies with regulatory or reputational risks, and can influence demand and valuation for firms deemed more sustainable.

swarm-based response technical

"provide persistent ISR, swarm-based response, and automated threat mitigation"

A swarm-based response is a way of organizing many small, independent actors or teams to act quickly and in a coordinated way toward a common goal, similar to how a flock of birds or a hive of bees adjusts together. For investors, it matters because this approach can speed up problem solving, reduce single points of failure, and scale operations cheaply—affecting a company’s ability to react to crises, launch products, or compete efficiently.

command-and-control technical

"unified under a centralized command-and-control architecture."

"Command-and-control" describes a system where authority is centralized, and decisions are made by a single leader or a small group that directs how activities are carried out. In financial or organizational contexts, it means strict oversight and top-down management, leaving little room for individual discretion. For investors, it highlights how power and decision-making influence the stability, efficiency, and flexibility of an organization or market.

sensor fusion technical

"including real-time sensor fusion, AI-driven targeting, automated swarm operations"

Sensor fusion is the process of combining data from multiple sensors—like cameras, radar, microphones, or motion detectors—to create a single, clearer picture of what’s happening in the real world. For investors, better fusion means products and systems that are safer, more reliable, or smarter (think a car using several eyes and ears to avoid collisions), which can reduce costs, speed product adoption, and improve a company’s competitive edge.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Multi-year, multi-phase program with initial purchase order anticipated in January 2026

Ondas Autonomous Systems selected as prime contractor after achieving the highest performance across key criteria in a rigorous competitive tender process against major defense primes

The program will integrate multiple advanced defense technologies into a strategic System-of-Systems engineered to protect national borders and maneuvering units with fully autonomous, scalable defense and homeland security capabilities

Program will include development of multipurpose drones, ground launching systems and advanced software and AI capabilities for maximizing systems autonomy and effectiveness

BOSTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / December 3, 2025 / Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS) ("Ondas" or the "Company"), a leading provider of autonomous aerial and ground robot intelligence through its Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS) business unit and private wireless solutions through Ondas Networks, today announced that OAS has been selected as the prime contractor for a major development and commercialization program on behalf of a major governmental entity. Ondas expects to receive the initial purchase order in January 2026 to launch a multi-phase program spanning the next two years.

Under the tender, OAS will architect, develop, and integrate a full-scale drone-based autonomous border-protection system designed to operate across both fixed and mobile environments. The multi-phase program is expected to culminate in the deployment of thousands of autonomous drones to provide persistent ISR, swarm-based response, and automated threat mitigation across complex border terrain.

OAS was selected as prime contractor following a rigorous, competitive evaluation involving detailed technical proposals, architecture reviews, and operational demonstrations against leading global defense primes. OAS achieved the highest overall performance and was awarded the program based on its proven autonomous capabilities, scalable architecture, and demonstrated operational maturity.

"This award is a strong validation of Ondas' leadership in autonomous security technologies and our increasing role as a defense prime contractor," said Eric Brock, Chairman & CEO of Ondas. "Governments worldwide are seeking autonomous, scalable systems that can secure borders and respond instantly to emerging threats. This program builds directly on our global momentum and accelerates our strategy to deliver integrated, mission-ready autonomous solutions to defense and homeland security customers."

"Being selected as prime contractor for such a strategic national program underscores the maturity of our technology, our operational experience, and our ability to integrate multiple effectors and sensors into a cohesive autonomous security architecture," said Oshri Lugassy, Co-CEO of OAS. "By combining OAS' autonomous platforms with capabilities from our partners, we will deliver a highly automated border protection architecture capable of swarm deployment, rapid threat interception, and persistent ISR. This strengthens our position with a critical defense customer and expands our footprint across global defense markets."

The program will deliver a next-generation autonomous drone system designed for continuous border protection in both fixed and mobile configurations. The system will enable 24/7 ISR, autonomous swarm deployment, and rapid detection and mitigation of ground and aerial threats across complex terrain and high-activity border zones. All sensors, effectors, and mission operations will be unified under a centralized command-and-control architecture.

As prime contractor, OAS will lead system design and integration, combining its autonomous aerial platforms with complementary technologies from key partners to deliver a cohesive and scalable security solution. Ondas expects the architecture developed under this program to be highly relevant to additional defense and homeland security customers across Allied nations.

This award also advances Ondas' System-of-Systems strategy, which integrates aerial, ground, and cyber capabilities into a unified operational framework. Through platforms such as Airobotics' autonomous drones, Iron Drone's interception technologies, and Sentrycs' cyber-over-RF safe-takeover capability, OAS is delivering an end-to-end autonomous defense ecosystem capable of countering both airborne and ground-based threats.

The program will incorporate key elements of this architecture, including real-time sensor fusion, AI-driven targeting, automated swarm operations, navigation, and high-reliability autonomous mission execution capabilities that set Ondas apart globally and have been proven in international deployments and record customer orders.

About Ondas Holdings Inc.
Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS) is a leading provider of autonomous systems and private wireless solutions through its business units Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS), Ondas Capital and Ondas Networks. Ondas' technologies offer a powerful combination of aerial intelligence and next-generation connectivity to enhance security, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making across essential industries.

OAS delivers a portfolio of AI-powered defense and security platforms that are deployed globally to safeguard sensitive locations, populations, and infrastructure. Through American Robotics, Airobotics, Apeiro Motion, and Sentry CS Ltd., OAS offers the Optimus System, the first U.S. FAA-certified small UAS for automated aerial security and data capture, the Iron Drone Raider, an autonomous counter-UAS platform, Apeiro's advanced ground robotics and tethered UAV systems, supported by innovative navigation and communications technologies, and Sentrycs' Cyber-over-RF (CoRF) and Protocol-Manipulation counter-UAS technology.

Ondas Capital plans to combine advisory services and strategic investment management services to accelerate the rapid scaling and global deployment of unmanned and autonomous systems to Allied defense and security markets. 

Ondas Networks provides software-defined wireless broadband technology through its FullMAX platform, based on the IEEE 802.16t standard. This standards-based system delivers high-performance connectivity for mission-critical IoT applications in markets such as rail, utilities, oil and gas, transportation, and government.    

For additional information on Ondas Holdings: www.ondas.com, X and LinkedIn
For Ondas Autonomous Systems: LinkedIn
For Airobotics: www.airoboticsdrones.com, X and LinkedIn
For American Robotics: www.american-robotics.com, X and LinkedIn
For Apeiro Motion: www.apeiro-motion.com, LinkedIn
For Ondas Networks: www.ondasnetworks.com, X and LinkedIn

Forward-Looking Statements 
Statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are predictions based on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" discussed under the caption "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Part I of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Part II of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise that occur after that date, except as required by law.    

Contacts
IR Contact for Ondas Holdings Inc.
888-657-2377 
ir@ondas.com

Media Contact for Ondas
Escalate PR 
ondas@escalatepr.com

Preston Grimes 
Marketing Manager, Ondas Holdings Inc. 
preston.grimes@ondas.com

SOURCE: Ondas Holdings Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

What did Ondas (ONDS) announce on December 3, 2025 about a government contract?

Ondas said OAS was selected as prime contractor for a multi‑phase program to develop an autonomous border‑protection system, with initial purchase order expected in January 2026.

When will Ondas (ONDS) receive the initial purchase order for the border‑protection program?

The company expects the initial purchase order in January 2026.

How long will the Ondas (ONDS) border‑protection program run and what is the scale?

The program spans the next two years and is planned to culminate in deployment of thousands of autonomous drones.

What capabilities will Ondas (ONDS) deliver under the government program?

OAS will deliver a System‑of‑Systems with 24/7 ISR, autonomous swarm deployment, AI‑driven targeting, sensor fusion, and centralized command‑and‑control.

Will Ondas (ONDS) act as prime contractor or a subcontractor for the program?

Ondas Autonomous Systems was selected as the prime contractor following a competitive evaluation against major defense primes.

Which partners or technologies are mentioned in Ondas (ONDS) program integration?

The program references integration with partner platforms including Airobotics, Iron Drone, and Sentrycs for drones, interception, and cyber‑over‑RF capabilities.