Ondas has acquired three defense technology companies — Insignito, Ottopia Defense and Caribou Labs. They develop technologies for acoustic drone detection, resilient communications, remote control and navigation in GNSS-denied environments.
The most notable acquisition is Insignito, which develops the DUMBO passive acoustic system for detecting, classifying, tracking and locating drones by their acoustic signatures. The system is designed, among other things, for small FPV drones and fiber-optic-controlled platforms, which can be more difficult to detect using traditional methods.
DUMBO operates without transmitting radio-frequency or electromagnetic signals and uses real-time signal processing, acoustic modeling, artificial intelligence and proprietary algorithms. According to Ondas, the system has already been deployed in conflict zones. It is intended to serve as an additional acoustic layer alongside radar, RF and electro-optical sensors in counter-UAS systems.
Ottopia Defense develops software and communications technologies for unmanned platforms. Its technology combines AI-enabled autonomy, low-latency teleoperation and resilient communications. This allows operators to control multiple unmanned systems, receive video and telemetry, and directly intervene when necessary.
Caribou Labs specializes in communications and navigation for GNSS-denied environments. The company develops technologies for GPS-independent positioning, timing and communications when satellite navigation or digital infrastructure is unavailable. The company’s technologies are also already deployed in active conflict environments.
Ondas plans to integrate the acquired technologies into its existing portfolio, including C-UAS systems and unmanned ground vehicles.
The aggregate value of the three acquisitions is $56 million. The deal also includes potential additional payments of up to $32 million through 2028, subject to the achievement of specified performance milestones.
