UK-based Rotron Aerospace Ltd, a pioneer in advanced unmanned aerial systems and propulsion technologies, has been acquired by US-based Ondas Inc. The acquisition, facilitated by a team from Quercus International, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of autonomous defence systems and underscores the growing synergy between UK and US defence technology sectors.
Founded in 2008, Rotron Aerospace has built a reputation for developing high-performance, long-range autonomous platforms. Its expertise in propulsion technologies and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) complements Ondas Inc.’s portfolio, which includes autonomous systems and private wireless services through its business units Ondas Autonomous Systems, Ondas Capital, and Ondas Networks.
Ondas Inc., listed on Nasdaq (Nasdaq: ONDS), is poised to strengthen its offering to the defence and security markets through this acquisition. The integration of Rotron’s capabilities will expand Ondas’ system-of-systems architecture, incorporating long-range UAVs, autonomous strike platforms, advanced propulsion, and integrated command-and-control technologies. This move is expected to enhance Ondas’ presence in the UK market and bolster its global defence solutions.
The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. A team from Quercus International, led by Michael Mortimer and Jim Clark, advised the shareholders of Rotron Aero on the sale of the business.
Gilo Cardozo, founder of Dorset-based Rotron, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “Joining the Ondas family marks a transformative milestone for Rotron and our vision for the future of unmanned systems. By combining our propulsion and aerial platform expertise with Ondas’ autonomous systems architecture and global reach, we will create powerful synergies that will accelerate the delivery of next-generation defence solutions. We are excited to leverage Ondas’ deep resources and scale to bring our mission-specific platforms to a broader global stage, providing defence forces with the innovative, cost-effective capabilities required on the modern battlefield.”
Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas Inc., highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition: “Modern conflicts demand systems that can operate at range, persist over time, and execute missions without continuous human control. Rotron Aero will strengthen Ondas’ ability to deliver long-range autonomous attack platforms as part of a fully integrated system-of-systems. This acquisition will accelerate our roadmap toward providing customers with end-to-end autonomous mission capability, from sensing and decision-making through long-range precision engagement.”
The acquisition of Rotron Aerospace by Ondas Inc. signifies a strategic alignment that will drive innovation in autonomous defence technologies. By leveraging Rotron’s advanced propulsion and aerial platform expertise, Ondas aims to enhance its autonomous systems architecture and deliver comprehensive solutions to defence forces worldwide. This collaboration is expected to set new standards in the defence industry, providing cutting-edge, cost-effective capabilities that meet the demands of modern warfare.