8-K: Ondas Appoints Former Rafael CEO to Autonomous Systems Board

Ondas Holdings Inc. announced the appointment of Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Yoav Har-Even, former President & CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, to the Advisory Board of Ondas Autonomous Systems.

Summary

• Ondas Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: ONDS) appointed Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Yoav Har-Even, former President & CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., to the Advisory Board of its Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS) business unit.
• Har-Even's career spans nearly four decades across Israel's defense forces and industry, where he led complex operational and technological programs, including the development of Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Trophy Active Protection systems.
• The appointment is intended to strengthen OAS's strategic depth, leverage Har-Even's experience in international defense collaboration and technology integration, and advance OAS's global defense-technology strategy.
• OAS achieved record international orders in 2025 for its Optimus and Iron Drone Raider systems across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
• OAS also launched a strategic acquisition program to broaden its solutions portfolio and accelerate operational scale and financial returns.

Sentiment

Score: 8

Explanation: The appointment of a highly respected and experienced defense industry leader like Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Yoav Har-Even, coupled with the reported record international orders and strategic acquisition program for OAS, indicates strong positive momentum and strategic intent for Ondas Holdings in the defense technology sector.

Positives

• The appointment of Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Yoav Har-Even, a highly experienced and respected defense industry leader, to the OAS Advisory Board.
• Har-Even's background includes leading Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, a major global defense technology company responsible for systems like Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Trophy Active Protection.
• His expertise is expected to be instrumental in scaling OAS operations worldwide, advancing strategic acquisitions, guiding product integration, strategic partnerships, and international expansion.
• OAS achieved record international orders in 2025 for its Optimus and Iron Drone Raider systems across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
• OAS launched a strategic acquisition program to broaden its solutions portfolio and accelerate operational scale and financial returns.

Risks

• Forward-looking statements are predictions based on current expectations about future events and are not guarantees of future performance, being subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict.
• Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements due to factors discussed under 'Risk Factors' in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Future Outlook

The company expects the appointment of Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Yoav Har-Even to be instrumental in scaling Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS) operations worldwide, advancing its strategic acquisition strategy, guiding product integration, strategic partnerships, and international expansion. OAS aims to continue its growth through informed strategic decision-making, disciplined execution, and alignment of its technology roadmap with evolving operational needs of allied defense and homeland-security forces globally.

Management Comments

• "Yoavs exceptional record as both a military commander and a defense-industry leader makes him an extraordinary addition to the OAS Advisory Board. His perspective on global defense collaboration and organizational growth will be instrumental as we scale OAS operations worldwide and advance our strategic acquisition strategy to expand Ondas platform and partnerships." Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas Holdings.
• "Yoavs perspective combines decades of operational expertise with a deep understanding of defense-industry execution. He has overseen the evolution of breakthrough technologies from concept to deployment and understands what defense customers expect from autonomous systems in real operations. Were proud to have him join our team as we scale our ISR and counter-UAS solutions globally." Oshri Lugassy, Co-CEO of OAS.

Industry Context

The appointment of a high-profile defense executive like Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Yoav Har-Even reflects a broader industry trend where companies in the autonomous systems and defense technology sectors are seeking to bolster their strategic leadership with individuals possessing deep operational and international experience. This move positions Ondas Autonomous Systems to better navigate the complex global defense market, capitalize on increasing demand for advanced autonomous and counter-UAS solutions, and potentially expand its footprint through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, aligning with the ongoing modernization efforts of defense forces worldwide.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The appointment of a former CEO of a major national defense technology company like Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (known for Iron Dome) to an advisory board is a significant strategic move, comparable to other defense tech firms bringing in top-tier military or defense industry leaders to guide growth and market penetration.
• Rafael's global reach, serving over 80 countries, provides a benchmark for the international expansion ambitions of Ondas Autonomous Systems.
• OAS's record international orders in 2025 for Optimus and Iron Drone Raider systems across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East indicate strong market traction in key defense regions, aligning with the global demand for advanced ISR and counter-UAS solutions.

Management Changes

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential positive impact due to enhanced strategic guidance, accelerated growth, and improved market positioning in the defense sector, potentially leading to increased shareholder value.
• Employees: Potential for increased opportunities and strategic direction within the Ondas Autonomous Systems unit as the company scales operations and pursues acquisitions.
• Customers (Defense Organizations): Benefit from enhanced product integration, strategic partnerships, and a technology roadmap aligned with evolving operational needs, potentially leading to more advanced and reliable autonomous defense solutions.
• Partners: Opportunities for new and strengthened collaborations, particularly in international defense markets, as Ondas expands its platform and partnerships.

Next Steps

• Scale OAS operations worldwide.
• Advance Ondas' strategic acquisition strategy to expand its platform and partnerships.
• Guide product integration, strategic partnerships, and international expansion for OAS.
• Ensure continued growth through informed strategic decision-making, disciplined execution, and alignment of Ondas' technology roadmap with evolving operational needs of allied defense and homeland-security forces worldwide.

Key Dates

Keywords

Ondas Holdings, Ondas Autonomous Systems, OAS, Yoav Har-Even, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Defense Technology, Autonomous Systems, UAS, Counter-UAS, Iron Dome, Advisory Board, Defense Industry, ISR, Robotics, Nasdaq: ONDS