Former Mossad Chief Dedi Barnea Joins US Defense Firm Ondas as Global Chairman

Dedi Barnea, former head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, was appointed on Monday as the global president and chairman of the American defense company Ondas. Ondas has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, particularly targeting Israeli defense technology firms, and has been recruiting senior executives from Israel's defense sector. Barnea’s technological expertise and extensive security background, including leading covert operations against Hezbollah and Iranian targets, align with Ondas’ strategic goals.

Barnea brings a blend of military experience, business education from New York Institute of Technology and Pace University, and prior investment banking expertise. He joins a leadership team heavily composed of retired Israeli generals and defense officials, such as Brigadier General (res.) Oshri Lugasi, former chief engineer of the Northern Command, and Yoav Har Even, former CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

Ondas’ recruitment of Barnea is also seen as a competitive move against other defense tech firms like Anduril, which recently raised $5 billion and plans to establish operations in Israel. Ondas’ subsidiary 4M Defense secured a $10 million contract from the Israeli Ministry of Defense for mine-clearing as part of a new eastern border security barrier.

Ondas’ stock price surged 11% following Barnea’s appointment, adding nearly half a billion dollars to its market value, which currently stands at $4.8 billion. Despite rapid revenue growth to $51 million in 2025, the company reported a $137 million loss, reflecting its heavy investment in acquisitions. Since entering the Israeli defense market three years ago with the purchase of drone maker Aerobotics, Ondas has acquired about 25 defense companies, mostly in Israel, for over $1 billion and employs around 1,000 people worldwide.

Oshri Lugasi highlighted Ondas’ openness to innovation and collaboration, emphasizing that the company seeks to partner with entities that outperform it technologically or operationally. Barnea’s appointment underscores Ondas’ commitment to leveraging Israeli technological and operational strengths within the global defense industry.