Former Mossad head Barnea joins US defense company Ondas Inc. as new global president, chairman

August 3, 2026 - 21:19

Ondas Inc., a US-based defense technology firm, has named David Barnea, the former head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, as its new global president and chairman. The company announced the appointment on Monday, signaling a major push into international markets.

According to Ondas, Barnea will focus on building partnerships across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, regions where governments are sharply increasing spending on autonomous defense systems. His role will involve overseeing strategy for the company's unmanned aircraft and counter-drone technologies, which have seen rising demand in recent years.

Barnea led Mossad from 2021 until his retirement in 2024, a tenure marked by covert operations and intelligence cooperation with Western allies. He has no prior public experience in the private defense sector, but his deep knowledge of security threats and regional dynamics is seen as a valuable asset for Ondas as it competes for contracts in volatile areas.

The move comes as defense startups and established contractors alike race to develop autonomous platforms that can operate without direct human control. Ondas, which has focused on both commercial and military drone systems, sees Barnea's appointment as a way to open doors with government buyers who prioritize trust and discretion.

Industry analysts note that hiring former intelligence chiefs is unusual but not unprecedented in the defense world. Barnea's network across multiple governments could give Ondas an edge in negotiations that often hinge on classified information and long-term security commitments.

Barnea will report directly to the company's board and is expected to travel frequently to key markets in the coming months. Ondas did not disclose the length or financial terms of his contract.