Ondas Holdings' American Robotics Engaged in AUVSI's Green UAS Program to Certify Compliance with Highest Levels of Cybersecurity and Accelerate Adoption of Optimus System by U.S. Federal and State Agencies

Rhea-AI Summary

Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS) announced that its subsidiary, American Robotics Inc., has enrolled the Optimus System in the Green UAS program, aiming to certify the drone's compliance with cybersecurity and supply chain requirements of the National Defense Authorization Act. The company expects this certification to accelerate acceptance by U.S. governmental entities for use in defense, homeland security, public safety, and municipal markets. The program also aims to provide a standardized route to the Blue UAS cleared list, making compliant drones eligible for purchase by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Insights

Cybersecurity Expert

The enrollment of the Optimus System in the Green UAS program represents a significant step for Ondas Holdings in securing a foothold within the defense and security markets. The emphasis on cybersecurity and supply chain integrity is critical, as the technology involved in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) is increasingly integrated into national defense infrastructure. The certification process aligns with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which has stringent requirements for technology providers to the Department of Defense (DoD).

From a cybersecurity perspective, the certification under the Trusted Cyber program ensures that the Optimus System is safeguarded against a wide array of cyber threats, which is paramount when considering the potential consequences of a security breach in defense-related applications. The compliance with NDAA requirements also implies that the Optimus System adheres to strict supply chain standards, mitigating risks associated with foreign components that could introduce vulnerabilities.

The implications for stakeholders include a potential increase in trust and reliability in American Robotics' products, which could lead to enhanced market opportunities and competitive advantages. Additionally, the certification process itself may serve as a benchmark for industry best practices in cybersecurity, setting a precedent for other companies in the UAS market.

Defense Industry Analyst

The Green UAS program is a strategic initiative that not only serves to fortify the UAS technology base in America but also acts as a gateway for commercial entities like American Robotics to engage with the DoD. The transition from the Green UAS cleared list to the Blue UAS cleared list is pivotal, as it opens up the possibility for substantial contracts with the DoD, providing a clear path for increased revenue streams for Ondas Holdings.

Given that the Optimus System is expected to be one of the first commercial drones to be certified, this positions Ondas Holdings as a front-runner in a niche market. The potential benefits for the company include a first-mover advantage, the ability to set industry standards and the opportunity to establish long-term relationships with government agencies.

In the long-term, this can result in a more stable and predictable revenue model, as defense contracts tend to be multi-year engagements. However, the defense sector's procurement cycles can be lengthy and complex, potentially impacting the short-term financial outlook. Stakeholders should consider both the immediate costs associated with the certification process and the long-term potential for return on investment.

Market Research Analyst

The UAS industry is rapidly expanding, with commercial drones becoming increasingly prevalent across various sectors. The participation of American Robotics in the Green UAS program is a strategic move that could position the company to capitalize on the growing demand for secure and reliable UAS technology.

Understanding the market dynamics, the entry of the Optimus System into this program could signal to investors and customers that Ondas Holdings is committed to meeting the highest standards of security and reliability. This can be particularly appealing in the context of public safety and municipal markets, where the integrity of data and systems is of utmost importance.

Furthermore, the ability to meet Green UAS compliance requirements may serve as a differentiator in the commercial drone market, potentially leading to increased market share and customer loyalty. As the UAS market continues to evolve, such certifications may become a key factor in procurement decisions, especially for clients with stringent security needs.

The Optimus System is expected to be one of the first commercial drones to be certified in the Green UAS program, verifying its compliance with the highest levels of cybersecurity and supply chain requirements of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The Green UAS program is administrated by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), in partnership with the Department of Defense and many state governments, with the purpose to enhance America's UAS technology base

Green UAS compliant drones can transition to Blue UAS cleared list and be eligible for purchase by the U.S. Department of Defense

WALTHAM, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 2, 2024 / Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS) ("Ondas" or the "Company"), a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary American Robotics Inc. ("American Robotics") has enrolled the Optimus System in the Green UAS program, a new program administered by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems ("AUVSI"). Through this program, and the related Trusted Cyber program, American Robotics will seek to certify the Optimus System as compliant with the highest levels of cybersecurity and supply chain requirements as outlined in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). By participating in the Green UAS program, American Robotics is looking to accelerate the acceptance of the Optimus System with commercial, state, and federal government agencies, including the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security.

"Our Optimus System is a valuable platform with demonstrated reliability and is now being commercially deployed and operated worldwide by Tier-1 customers and governmental agencies," said Eric Brock, CEO of Ondas Holdings. "Through participation in the Green UAS program we expect to further demonstrate the maturity and quality of our system which will help accelerate acceptance from U.S. governmental entities for use in defense, homeland security, public safety and municipal markets requiring the highest levels of security and reliability. Upon successful completion of the program, we believe our Optimus drone will be the only Green UAS certified drone that has also received an FAA Type Certificate."

"We believe that completing this rigorous program will further demonstrate that the Optimus is a best-in-class platform and will bring many opportunities to serve new customers in the United States," said Timothy "T3" Tenne, CEO of American Robotics. "Conducting operations within sensitive locations, such as strategic facilities, borders, law enforcement, first responders, and even operations within industrial sites are a huge responsibility. Certification through the Green UAS and Trusted Cyber programs will enable us to support the needs of our customers who value the trusted, secure and reliable aerial security and data solutions we provide."

Green UAS is the first broader Trusted Cyber Program by AUVSI and was launched in partnership with the Department of Defense and in collaboration with AUVSI members. The program aims to foster a safe and secure UAS market, promoting competitiveness across the industry. With the increasing number of commercial drone users, Green UAS will prove to be the foundation in drone security, providing a standardized route to the Blue UAS cleared list. Green UAS compliant drones that have a DoD sponsor and complete the required Authority to Operate (ATO) requirements will have an opportunity to transition from the Green UAS cleared list to Blue UAS cleared list and be eligible for purchase by the U.S. Department of Defense.

About Ondas Holdings Inc

Ondas Holdings Inc. ("Ondas") is a leading provider of private wireless data solutions via Ondas Networks Inc. ("Ondas Networks") and commercial drone solutions through American Robotics, Inc. ("American Robotics" or "AR") and Airobotics LTD ("Airobotics"), which we operate as a separate business unit called Ondas Autonomous Systems.

Ondas Networks is a developer of proprietary, software-based wireless broadband technology for large established and emerging commercial and government markets. Ondas Networks' standards-based (802.16s), multi-patented, software-defined radio FullMAX platform enables Mission-Critical IoT (MC-IoT) applications by overcoming the bandwidth limitations of today's legacy private licensed wireless networks. Ondas Networks' customer end markets include railroads, utilities, oil and gas, transportation, aviation (including drone operators) and government entities whose demands span a wide range of mission critical applications.

Our Ondas Autonomous Systems business unit designs, develops, and markets commercial drone solutions via the Optimus System and the Iron Drone Raider™ (the "Autonomous Drone Platforms"). The Autonomous Drone Platforms are highly automated, AI-powered drone systems capable of continuous, remote operation and are marketed as "drone-in-a-box" turnkey data solution services. They are deployed for critical industrial and government applications where data and information collection and processing are required. The Autonomous Drone Platforms are typically provided to customers under a Robot-as-a-Service (RAAS) business model. American Robotics and Airobotics have industry leading regulatory successes which include a first of its kind FAA Type Certification for the Optimus System and having the first drone system approved by the FAA for automated operation beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) without a human operator on-site.

Ondas Networks, American Robotics and Airobotics together provide users in oil & gas, rail, mining, agriculture, public safety and other critical infrastructure and government markets with improved connectivity and data collection and information processing capabilities.

For additional information on Ondas Holdings, visit www.ondas.com or follow Ondas Holdings on X formerly known as Twitter and LinkedIn. For additional information on Ondas Networks, visit www.ondasnetworks.com or follow Ondas Networks on X and LinkedIn. For additional information on American Robotics, visit www.american-robotics.com or follow American Robotics on X and LinkedIn. For additional information on Airobotics, visit www.airoboticsdrones.com or follow Airobotics on X and LinkedIn.

Information on our websites and social media platforms is not incorporated by reference in this release or in any of our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are predictions based on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" discussed under the caption "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Part I of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Part II of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise that occur after that date, except as required by law.

Contacts

IR Contact for Ondas Holdings Inc.
888.350.9994
ir@ondas.com

Media Contact for Ondas
Preston Grimes
Marketing Manager, Ondas Holdings Inc.
preston.grimes@ondas.com

SOURCE: Ondas Holdings Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is the company name and ticker symbol of the organization mentioned in the press release about the Green UAS program?

Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS) is the company mentioned in the press release about the Green UAS program.

What is the purpose of the Green UAS program mentioned in the PR?

The purpose of the Green UAS program is to enhance America's UAS technology base and provide a standardized route to the Blue UAS cleared list, making compliant drones eligible for purchase by the U.S. Department of Defense.

What is the goal of the Green UAS program in collaboration with the Department of Defense and AUVSI members?

The goal of the Green UAS program is to foster a safe and secure UAS market, promoting competitiveness across the industry and providing a standardized route to the Blue UAS cleared list.

What are the potential benefits of the Optimus System's certification through the Green UAS program?

The certification through the Green UAS program is expected to accelerate acceptance by U.S. governmental entities for use in defense, homeland security, public safety, and municipal markets, as well as provide a standardized route to the Blue UAS cleared list, making compliant drones eligible for purchase by the U.S. Department of Defense.

What are the implications of the Green UAS program for commercial drone users?

The Green UAS program aims to provide a standardized route to the Blue UAS cleared list, making compliant drones eligible for purchase by the U.S. Department of Defense, thus fostering a safe and secure UAS market and promoting competitiveness across the industry.