The global defence technology landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by geopolitical volatility and the urgent need for AI-integrated systems. Ondas Capital, the newly launched business unit of Ondas Holdings, is positioning itself at the epicenter of this transformation. By deploying $150 million to accelerate AI-driven unmanned systems in Eastern Europe and the UK, the firm is aligning with a market poised for exponential growth. This investment is not merely a financial play—it is a calculated response to the strategic imperatives of modern warfare, where autonomy, speed, and data dominance define success.
Geopolitical Tailwinds and Strategic Partnerships
The urgency for advanced defence systems is most acute in Eastern Europe, where NATO’s eastern flank faces persistent security threats. Ondas Capital’s focus on Ukraine, Estonia, and the UK leverages existing NATO and EU partnerships, ensuring rapid deployment of technologies that address immediate operational needs. For instance, the UK’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3.5% by 2035 creates a fertile ground for AI-driven innovations. Similarly, the EU’s European Defence Fund (EDF) and AI Continent Action Plan—allocating €10 billion for AI Factories and €20 billion for AI Gigafactories—underscore a continent-wide push for technological sovereignty.
Ondas Capital’s vertical integration of sensor technology via its acquisition of S.P.O. Smart Precision Optics further strengthens its value proposition, as high-resolution sensors are critical for autonomous systems to operate effectively in contested environments.
AI-Driven Capital Efficiency: A New Paradigm
The integration of AI into defence systems is not just about capability—it’s about capital efficiency. In the UK, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has already demonstrated the ROI potential of AI: its Typhoon Predictive Maintenance Optimisation tool saves 4,750 maintenance hours annually by analyzing maintenance records. Meanwhile, startups like Helsing and Quantum Systems are scaling battlefield-tested AI-enabled drones, reducing reliance on U.S. imports and proving the continent’s ability to iterate rapidly in real-world scenarios. These examples highlight a broader trend: AI is compressing the time between R&D and deployment while reducing operational costs.
The financial case is equally compelling. European defence tech startups raised $5.2 billion in 2024 alone, a 30% increase over two years. This surge is fueled by initiatives like the NATO Innovation Fund and the EUR 1 billion Rapid Adoption Action Plan, which prioritize AI-powered analytics, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems. Ondas Capital’s advisory services, combined with direct investment, position it to capitalize on this momentum. By targeting mature, combat-proven technologies, the firm avoids the high attrition rates of early-stage ventures, ensuring a more predictable ROI.
Strategic Leadership and Market Timing
Ondas Capital’s leadership, under James Acuna—a former CIA field operations veteran with deep expertise in drone technology—adds a layer of operational credibility. Acuna’s background in international security aligns with the firm’s focus on high-impact, geopolitically sensitive markets. The timing of the initiative, set to launch in Q4 2025, is also strategic. With European defence spending projected to reach 2.04% of GDP in 2025, and the UK prioritizing defence over AI as a top growth sector for the first time since 2025, Ondas Capital is entering a market at its inflection point.
Ondas Capital’s strategy is a masterclass in aligning geopolitical necessity with technological innovation. By focusing on AI-driven unmanned systems, sensor integration, and capital-efficient deployment, the firm is addressing the twin challenges of modern warfare: speed and cost. As Eastern Europe and the UK continue to prioritize defence spending and technological sovereignty, Ondas Capital is uniquely positioned to benefit from a market that is not only growing but also reshaping the rules of engagement. For investors seeking exposure to a sector defined by urgency and innovation, this is a high-conviction opportunity.