Ondas and Mistral Partner to Boost Autonomous Drone Sales for U.S. Defense

On June 24, 2025, Ondas Holdings Inc. announced a strategic partnership with Mistral Inc. to accelerate sales of its AI-powered autonomous drone platforms, the Optimus System and Iron Drone Raider, in U.S. defense and homeland security markets. This collaboration leverages Mistral’s extensive government relationships to deploy advanced aerial solutions amid rising demand for counter-drone and intelligence capabilities.

Strategic Alliance for Market Expansion

The three-year agreement, with an automatic renewal option, positions Mistral as a key intermediary, connecting Ondas’ subsidiary, American Robotics, with federal, state, and local government buyers, including military and law enforcement. Mistral’s 35 years of expertise in defense contracting and business development will open new sales channels, supported by a success-fee model tied to realized sales.

“This collaboration with Mistral accelerates and strengthens our commercial strategy in the U.S.,” said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas Holdings, emphasizing enhanced access to critical security sectors.

Advanced Drone Technologies

The partnership highlights two flagship platforms. The Optimus System, a fully autonomous drone-in-a-box solution, supports 24/7 remote operations with automated battery swapping and versatile payloads. Designed for persistent data collection and security monitoring, it suits large-scale infrastructure and defense needs, covering areas up to 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) in radius. The Iron Drone Raider, a counter-UAS (unmanned aerial system) platform, uses AI to autonomously intercept hostile drones without collateral damage. Reusable and GPS-independent, it’s built for urban and combat environments, neutralizing threats at ranges up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers).

Yoav Binai, Sr. Vice President of Mistral, praised the systems’ readiness: “The Iron Drone Raider and Optimus systems represent a leap forward in autonomous capabilities—combat-ready, scalable, and built for the missions of tomorrow.”

These technologies align with Ondas’ “Continuum of Autonomy,” integrating real-time sensing and AI-driven decision-making for layered defense.

Industry Trends and Implications

The partnership responds to growing aerial threats and demand for sovereign drone solutions. U.S. agencies are prioritizing scalable, AI-driven systems for airspace security, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and critical infrastructure protection. The Optimus System’s FAA certification and the Raider’s combat-proven design position Ondas to meet these needs, potentially reducing reliance on foreign UAS technologies. Economically, the deal could drive job creation in domestic manufacturing and integration, with Mistral’s logistics expertise ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness.

Regulatory tailwinds also favor adoption. Recent FAA policies streamline approvals for autonomous drones, enabling faster deployment in sensitive areas. However, challenges like spectrum allocation for drone communications and evolving counter-UAS regulations may require ongoing collaboration with policymakers. The partnership’s focus on scalable solutions could set a precedent for public-private cooperation in addressing these hurdles.

Looking Ahead

Ondas aims to establish itself as a next-generation defense contractor, with this partnership marking a key step in its U.S. expansion.

“This agreement is aligned with Ondas’ strategic roadmap,” said Oshri Lugassy, Co-CEO of Ondas Autonomous Systems, highlighting plans for broader adoption of AI-driven platforms.

As aerial threats evolve, the collaboration could reshape how U.S. agencies deploy autonomous drones, offering operational efficiency and enhanced security for a range of missions.

With Mistral’s network and Ondas’ cutting-edge technology, this partnership is poised to deliver mission-ready solutions to protect national airspace and infrastructure, meeting the urgent needs of defense and homeland security professionals.