8-K: Ondas Bolsters Autonomous Systems Board with Ex-CIA Officer

Ondas Holdings Inc. announced former senior CIA officer James Acuna has joined its Autonomous Systems Advisory Board, bringing extensive intelligence and unmanned systems expertise.

Summary

• Ondas Holdings Inc. appointed James Acuna to its Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS) Advisory Board on August 22, 2025.
• Mr. Acuna is the founder of the Estonia-based Baltic Ghost Wing Center of Excellence and a former senior operations officer with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
• He brings over 30 years of international security and technology leadership, including two decades of CIA field operations across Eurasia and Central Asia.
• Ondas and Mr. Acuna will present their framework for investments in unmanned and autonomous technologies at DSEI 2025 in London, taking place from September 9-12, 2025.
• Mr. Acuna's expertise includes leadership in establishing battlefield-proven drone training and an extensive network across NATO, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe, which is expected to be instrumental in building scalable investment and commercialization pathways for unmanned systems.

Sentiment

Score: 8

Explanation: The announcement is highly positive, indicating a strategic strengthening of the company's advisory board with a highly experienced and well-connected individual in a critical growth area (autonomous defense systems). This move enhances credibility and potential for strategic partnerships and market penetration.

Positives

• The addition of James Acuna, a highly experienced operator and strategist with deep intelligence, defense, and technology expertise, significantly strengthens the Ondas Autonomous Systems Advisory Board.
• Mr. Acuna's background includes 30 years of international security and technology leadership, with 20 years of CIA field operations in denied and contested environments, providing invaluable strategic insights.
• His leadership in battlefield-proven drone training and extensive network across NATO, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe are expected to be instrumental in developing scalable investment and commercialization pathways for unmanned systems.
• The planned joint presentation with Mr. Acuna at DSEI 2025, one of the world's largest defense and security exhibitions, offers a significant platform for Ondas to showcase its vision and technologies.
• This appointment enhances Ondas' credibility and strategic positioning in the rapidly evolving defense and security drone market, leveraging its existing portfolio including American Robotics' Optimus System and Airobotics' Iron Drone Raider.

Risks

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

Future Outlook

Ondas aims to connect capital, innovation, and markets for the next generation of unmanned systems, leveraging Mr. Acuna's expertise to bring forward technologies and talent from Ukraine and allied nations to meet urgent defense and security needs. The company, in collaboration with Mr. Acuna, plans to introduce its framework for investments in unmanned and autonomous technologies at DSEI 2025.

Management Comments

• "James is a uniquely experienced operator and strategist who bridges intelligence, defense, and technology expertise. His leadership in establishing battlefield-proven drone training and his extensive network across NATO, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe will be instrumental as we build scalable investment and commercialization pathways for unmanned systems." Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas Holdings.
• "Ondas has a clear vision to connect capital, innovation, and markets for the next generation of unmanned systems. I look forward to helping shape this effort and bringing forward the best technologies and talent from Ukraine and allied nations to meet urgent defense and security needs." James Acuna.

Industry Context

The appointment of James Acuna, with his extensive background in intelligence, defense, and unmanned systems, aligns with the growing global focus on autonomous technologies for security and defense applications. His experience in Ukraine and connections within NATO and Eastern Europe are particularly relevant given the current geopolitical landscape and the increasing demand for advanced drone capabilities in contested environments. This move positions Ondas to capitalize on the expanding market for defense and security drones and related technologies, potentially enhancing its competitive edge against other players in the autonomous systems sector.

Management Changes

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential positive impact due to enhanced strategic direction, increased credibility, and potential for growth in the autonomous systems market.
• Customers (Defense/Security): Benefit from advanced technologies and strategic insights brought by Mr. Acuna, potentially leading to more effective and innovative solutions.
• Employees: Potential for new strategic initiatives and growth opportunities within the company's autonomous systems division.
• Partners/Allies: Strengthened relationships and collaboration opportunities, particularly in NATO, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe.

Next Steps

• Ondas and James Acuna will present their framework for investments in unmanned and autonomous technologies at DSEI 2025 in London from September 9-12, 2025.
• Continue building scalable investment and commercialization pathways for unmanned systems.
• Bring forward technologies and talent from Ukraine and allied nations to meet defense and security needs.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The strategic appointment of James Acuna, a highly experienced former CIA officer with deep expertise in unmanned and autonomous systems and extensive networks in defense and security, significantly strengthens Ondas' position in a rapidly growing and critical market. This move enhances the company's credibility, strategic direction, and potential for securing key partnerships and commercialization pathways, particularly in the defense sector. The planned presentation at DSEI 2025 further indicates proactive market engagement. This development suggests a positive long-term outlook for Ondas' autonomous systems segment, making it an attractive investment.

Keywords

Ondas Holdings, ONDS, Autonomous Systems, Drones, Unmanned Systems, CIA, Defense Technology, Security, Advisory Board, James Acuna, Baltic Ghost Wing, American Robotics, Airobotics, Ondas Networks, Industrial Wireless, DSEI 2025