Ondas Reveals $1 Billion Investment in Israel at UVID 2026
Ondas disclosed $1 billion in Israeli investments and 27 defense-tech acquisitions at UVID 2026, attended by AdriaDefense Editor-in-Chief Daniel Opoku.
US-based defense technology group Ondas has invested approximately $1 billion in Israel over the past year and acquired 27 defense technology companies in the last 18 months, according to figures disclosed at UVID DroneTech 2026 in Tel Aviv on November 12.
The announcement was made by Dr. Judith Hocherman-Frommer, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Engineer of Ondas Autonomous Systems, during the conference at Expo Tel Aviv. Most of the acquired companies are Israeli, with others based in the United States and Europe.
AdriaDefense Editor-in-Chief Daniel Opoku attended UVID 2026, where the announcement highlighted the growing role of private investment and industrial consolidation in Israel's autonomous defense sector.
Building an Integrated Defense Technology Group
Ondas is pursuing a strategy of combining autonomous aerial systems, counter-drone technologies, ground robotics and intelligence capabilities under a broader industrial platform.
Hocherman-Frommer emphasized that acquiring companies is only part of the strategy. Ondas also aims to invest in their development and encourage cooperation between businesses that might otherwise operate independently.
The approach reflects a broader challenge facing defense manufacturers: the speed at which battlefield threats are evolving, particularly inexpensive drones that can be produced and deployed at scale.
According to Hocherman-Frommer, the industry must move away from lengthy development programs and expensive standalone solutions toward faster development cycles, affordable production and greater autonomy.
Implications for European Defense
The acquisition strategy could also influence the European defense market, where governments and manufacturers are seeking greater production capacity and faster access to autonomous systems.
Ondas already operates across several technology categories relevant to European military and security customers, including counter-UAS systems, unmanned aircraft and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms.
Its expansion comes as European governments increase spending on autonomous technologies and seek industrial partners capable of delivering systems at scale.
The company's strategy also extends to production. Shortly before UVID, Ondas announced a purchase order under its Digital Bat tactical attack drone program, which it described as a step toward serial manufacturing.
For the wider defense industry, the significance of Ondas' latest figures lies not only in the amount invested but in the company's effort to bring development, manufacturing and operational capabilities together across multiple businesses.
