Ondas backs Norway’s Rift Dynamics to bring Wåsp FPV+ attritable drone to U.S. defense market

Rift Dynamics, a Norway-based defense UAS maker, has unveiled the Wåsp FPV+—a hybrid FPV/ISR multicopter—and secured a strategic investment and exclusive U.S. distribution via Ondas Holdings’ American Robotics, with initial availability targeted as early as October and an opening order of 500 units.

Ondas Holdings invests im Rift Dynamics

Ondas Holdings announced a strategic investment in Rift Dynamics alongside exclusive U.S. distribution through American Robotics, positioning the Wåsp as a low-cost, attritable loitering strike and ISR platform within Ondas’ layered defense portfolio (which includes Airobotics Optimus and Iron Drone Raider). The companies say American Robotics has already placed an initial order for 500 Wåsp systems and is actively bidding on DoD programs, with initial deliveries expected by October.

Rift Wåsp FP+ Platform overview

Rift describes Wåsp FP+ as a crossbreed between an armed FPV drone and an advanced AI-capable surveillance system, designed for affordability, autonomy, and rapid deployment. Built in Norway, the platform emphasizes modular payloads and adaptable software to serve ISR and loitering missions in contested environments.

Specs and performance

• Speed: 150 km/h+ (about 93+ mph), pointing to FPV-like agility for strike or high-tempo ISR tasking.
• Payload: 1.5 kg (about 3.3 lb), enabling flexible mission kits within small-UAS weight envelopes.
• Comms: IP-based radio with options for 4G/5G or fiber optic links; optional GNSS control for navigation flexibility.

Wåsp Autonomy and standards

Wåsp is presented as a multirole, combat-ready platform with support for advanced autonomy, including AI vision and potential swarm functionality. Rift and Ondas say the system is tested by the Norwegian Army and built to meet NATO interoperability, EASA C2/Class 1A, and Military Open 1A requirements—positioning it for European procurement pathways and allied integration.

Production and sourcing

Rift says it has established an NDAA-compliant European supply chain and contract manufacturing network, enabling production of more than 20,000 units per month across three international sites within six months of order. The focus on European sourcing and rapid scaling speaks directly to allied demand for attritable systems that avoid Chinese components.

Fast-tracking U.S. entry for Wåsp FP+

The Ondas partnership suggests a fast-track U.S. entry for Wåsp FP+, building on European testing and aligning with a broader shift toward attritable, modular sUAS for perimeter defense and battlefield roles. Notably, “Wåsp” (with diacritic) distinguishes the defense platform from hobby FPV products historically marketed as “Wasp,” minimizing confusion in procurement and technical discussions.

Photos courtesy of Rift Dynamics.