Ondas Holdings Inc a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions, announced that the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) has awarded a grant worth NIS 2.1 million (approximately $540,000) to support further development of its Iron Drone Raider counter-uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) owned by its wholly-owned subsidiary Airobotics LTD.
Earlier this year, Airobotics acquired the assets of Iron Drone, an Israel-based company specializing in the development of autonomous counter-drone systems. The Iron Drone Raider uses AI technologies to identify and intercept hostile drones and can be integrated into a variety of drone detection systems. The Raider physically intercepts small, hostile drones using an incredibly swift autonomous drone equipped with interception mechanisms and combined with a highly automated docking station capable of simultaneously addressing several hostile drone targets. The grant funds a development program that aims to enhance the system’s capabilities for intercepting hostile drones in civil environments while minimizing collateral damage caused by GPS jamming and falling objects.
“The Israel Innovation Authority has identified our innovation and product capabilities in an important and rapidly growing market for counter-drone solutions,” said Eric Brock, Chairman, and CEO of Ondas. “The aerospace industry of Israel is known for its cutting-edge technology in unmanned aerial systems and interception technologies, and we are pleased to be recognized by this important Israeli governmental agency.”
“Meir Kleiner, CEO of Airobotics, stated, “There has been a notable uptick in the utilization of drones and other small, unmanned vehicles by military, terrorist, and criminal entities for the purpose of attacking and disrupting critical facilities, such as airports, oil and gas installations, as well as public gatherings and urban centers. With this grant, we will accelerate the development of additional, high value features of the Iron Drone Raider system.”
