US Defense Firm Ondas Acquires Israeli Firm GATE Technologies for $205 Million

American defense technology company Ondas has announced the acquisition of Israeli firm GATE Technologies, a specialist in electronic fuze systems, for $205 million. An additional payment of up to $185 million may follow, contingent on meeting targets by the end of 2028, potentially bringing the total deal value to $390 million. This acquisition, along with the purchase of Bron Technologies, Ondas's European manufacturing partner, aims to expand Ondas's capabilities in precision strike and autonomous weapon systems, particularly those utilizing unmanned platforms.

GATE Technologies develops electronic fuze systems and electronic safe and arm devices, which are integrated into numerous weapon systems globally, including missiles, rockets, drones, and loitering munitions. These systems ensure munitions remain safe during storage and transport and activate only when pre-defined conditions are met. Ondas stated that GATE's RUBI product family, featuring a compact, solid-state electronic architecture, can be adapted to various systems.

Ondas Chairman and CEO Eric Brock highlighted the growing demand for precision and autonomous strike systems and the increasing use of electronic safe and arm devices. He indicated plans to invest in GATE's production capacity, engineering, and international expansion. GATE currently derives most of its revenue from outside Israel. Bron Technologies' operations in Poland provide a European manufacturing base, and Ondas is establishing engineering and manufacturing capabilities in the United States, with products expected to be available in the first half of 2027.

Oshri Lugasi, co-CEO of Ondas Autonomous Systems, described electronic fuze systems as critical components for precision weaponry and stated that Ondas intends to strengthen customer support and expand operations in Israel and globally following the acquisition. This move follows a series of acquisitions by Ondas in the defense sector, including other Israeli and British companies, in areas such as drones, electronic defense systems, air defense, and robotics.

The expansion is also influenced by the growing market for loitering munitions, projected to increase from approximately $5.4 billion in 2025 to $13.3 billion by 2030. Notably, former Mossad chief David Barnea joined Ondas in August as Global President and Chairman of Ondas Defense, the group's defense arm.