Former Mossad Chief Dedi Barnea Joins Ondas Defense as Global President and Chairman

Two months after concluding his tenure as head of Mossad, Dedi Barnea has transitioned to the private defense sector. Barnea was appointed as the global president and chairman of the board at Ondas Defense, a Nasdaq-listed American company valued at over $5 billion. Ondas Defense specializes in autonomous systems, robotics, and advanced artificial intelligence technologies for defense and security markets.

Barnea, who led Mossad from 2021 to 2026 following nearly 30 years in Israeli intelligence, will be responsible for shaping and directing the company’s business and technological strategies. His role includes expanding Ondas Defense’s international presence and overseeing the development of cutting-edge defense technologies.

Ondas Defense focuses on air defense systems, intelligence gathering, precision strike capabilities, and unmanned ground vehicles. The company has recently acquired around 15 Israeli defense technology firms in deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Barnea’s move marks a shift from leading Israel’s intelligence agency during a challenging period to advancing defense innovation in the civilian business sector.