Former Mossad chief David Barnea joins Ondas Defense as global president

Summary

Former Mossad director David Barnea has been appointed global president and chairman of Ondas Defense, where he will shape the company’s international strategy, technology integration and acquisition priorities. The defense technology firm develops autonomous systems for security applications, and Barnea’s mandate centers on combining its existing capabilities into coordinated, AI-driven platforms.

Ondas focuses on four core domains: air defense, intelligence collection and systems, precision-strike capabilities and unmanned ground vehicles. The company aims to link these elements through advanced software and artificial intelligence to deliver multidimensional defense solutions that can adapt to evolving operational requirements. Barnea will support this integration while expanding relationships with defense customers, technology partners and governments.

His responsibilities extend to assessing capability gaps, evaluating potential acquisitions and aligning development priorities across the group. The work will concentrate on markets in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, where demand is rising for autonomous defense systems, counter-drone technologies, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, resilient communications and robotics.

Barnea’s experience leading an intelligence organization through periods of active conflict and rapid technological change is expected to inform how emerging tools such as artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities and specialized operational technologies are translated into deployable systems. He has noted that operational advantage now depends on connecting intelligence, autonomous platforms and precision effects within a single coordinated environment.

Why it matters

This article highlights strategic leadership and market expansion in AI-powered defense systems targeting Europe. It provides insights into how defense companies are integrating AI, autonomous platforms, and intelligence into unified operational environments, which is crucial for NATO and European defense strategists.