The appointment of Brigadier General (Res.) Oshri Lugasi as Co-CEO marks a strategic move to expand Ondas Autonomous Systems' presence in global defense and homeland security markets.
Ondas Holdings Inc. a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions, announced the appointment of Brigadier General (Res.) Oshri Lugasi, as Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company's Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS) business unit. With decades of experience in military operations, autonomous systems, and global defense technology, Mr. Lugasi is uniquely positioned to lead OAS' expansion in the defense and homeland security sectors as Co-CEO alongside Eric Brock.
Prior to joining OAS, Oshri Lugasi served as VP of Marketing in Israel at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (Rafael), one of Israel's leading defense technology companies and a key supplier of cutting-edge military solutions to global defense forces. Mr. Lugasi successfully led the negotiation and execution of government-to-government (G2G) defense contracts exceeding $20 billion. His expertise in strategic defense sales enabled Rafael to expand its global footprint, securing major contracts for world-renowned defense solutions, including the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Trophy active protection systems. His deep industry connections with defense ministries, armed forces, and intelligence agencies worldwide have been instrumental in forging high-value, long-term partnerships. Mr. Lugasi's expertise in G2G negotiations and defense contracting makes him an invaluable asset as Ondas expands its presence in the global defense market.
Mr. Lugasi will lead OAS in advancing its industry-leading autonomous drone and robotic solutions, leveraging his extensive expertise in defense sales and military leadership to drive adoption among global defense agencies and military organizations. The appointment reinforces Ondas' commitment to scaling its autonomous systems business and driving innovation in commercial and defense applications.
Recently, Ondas reported significant bookings in the defense sector, securing new contracts for its AI-powered drone solutions. These agreements highlight the increasing demand for autonomous defense technologies and position Ondas as a leading player in this emerging growth market. Notably, in the third quarter of 2024, OAS secured initial orders including two programs of record with a major military customer totaling approximately $14.4 million. This includes multiple purchase orders amounting to $9.0 million for the Iron Drone Raider system and $5.4 million for the Optimus System. These bookings underscore the growing demand for Ondas' advanced AI-powered drone solutions and highlight the Company's strategic expansion within the defense sector, reflecting strong momentum and growing interest in its advanced drone solutions from military and government clients.
"Oshri Lugasi is an accomplished leader with an exceptional track record in defense sales and securing G2G military programs. His leadership in securing multi-billion-dollar contracts at Rafael has demonstrated his ability to drive strategic growth in the defense sector. Mr. Lugasi's deep industry relationships with defense ministries, military forces, and security agencies worldwide provide Ondas with a unique opportunity to expand its presence in the defense market. Under his leadership, we believe that Ondas Autonomous Systems will strengthen its position as a premier provider of cutting-edge autonomous solutions for defense and homeland security applications," said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas Holdings.
Mr. Lugasi's distinguished military background includes leading the IDF Combat Engineering Corps as the IDF's Chief of Engineering, where he commanded over 30,000 personnel, including active-duty soldiers and reservists. Under his leadership, the Corps played a crucial role in combat operations, integration of robotic solutions, infrastructure development, and defensive strategy implementation. His expertise in managing large-scale military units and coordinating high-stakes defense projects provides Ondas with a leadership perspective uniquely suited for scaling autonomous defense technologies globally. We believe his expertise in military robotics, tunnel warfare, explosives handling, and battlefield engineering provides Ondas with a strategic advantage in the evolving defense landscape.
"I am thrilled to join Ondas Autonomous Systems at this pivotal moment," said Oshri Lugasi, co-CEO of Ondas Autonomous Systems. "Our Optimus and Iron Drone platforms are precisely aligned with the evolving requirements of defense and homeland security markets. I am confident that our innovative solutions will continue to lead the industry, and I am eager to collaborate with our talented team and partners to drive growth and innovation."
OAS, a subsidiary of Ondas Holdings, is a pioneer in autonomous drone and robotic systems, offering fully automated, AI-driven solutions designed for mission-critical operations. With Mr. Lugasi's extensive background in military engineering and defense sales, Ondas is strategically positioning itself as a key player in the defense technology market, leveraging AI-powered drone and robotics solutions to support military and homeland security applications. With expanding global demand for counter-drone and data automation technologies, OAS is positioned to redefine autonomy across multiple sectors, including defense, critical infrastructure, and public safety. With ongoing global conflicts and rising demand for advanced defense technologies, we believe now is the right time for Ondas to expand into the defense market. As traditional defense contractors are struggling to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape, Ondas is aiming to build strong alliances with defense ministries, military forces, and homeland security agencies worldwide, accelerating the deployment of AI-powered autonomous solutions in critical defense operations. Ondas remains committed to enhancing its technology portfolio and expanding market reach to meet this growing demand, particularly in defense and homeland security, driving new strategic partnerships and opportunities.