TLDR
- Ondas Holdings (ONDS) stock jumped over 17% to reach 4-year highs after securing exclusive U.S. distribution rights for Wasp drones from Norway’s Rift Dynamics
- The company placed an initial order for 500 Wasp drone units, with shipments expected to begin in Q4 2025
- Kitron will manufacture the drones with capacity to scale up to 20,000 units per month globally
- The Wasp platform is NDAA-compliant and designed for affordable, rapid production to meet U.S. defense needs
- ONDS stock has gained 231% in 2025 and 1,023% over the past 12 months
Ondas Holdings Inc. (ONDS) announced Thursday it secured exclusive U.S. distribution rights for the Wasp drone platform through its American Robotics division. The agreement with Norway-based Rift Dynamics sent shares climbing over 17% to levels not seen since November 2021.
The company wasted no time putting the partnership into action. Ondas placed an initial order for 500 Wasp drone units to kick off large-scale operations.
The Wasp system checks an important box for defense customers. It’s fully compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The platform was built with two priorities in mind: affordability and rapid production. These features align with growing Department of Defense demand for mass-producible drone systems.
Production Scale and Timeline
Kitron, a defense electronics manufacturer, will handle production of the Wasp units. The first 500 drones are set to ship during the fourth quarter of 2025.
The manufacturing setup offers room to grow. Kitron’s global network can scale production up to 20,000 units per month if demand warrants it.
This production capacity gives Ondas and Rift Dynamics flexibility to respond to order volume. The companies can ramp up quickly as defense contracts materialize.
Chairman and CEO Eric Brock called the 500-unit order “the beginning of a scalable program.” He said the Wasp is engineered to meet accelerating demand from U.S. defense forces and allies for affordable attritable platforms.
Attritable drones are designed to be expendable in combat situations. They provide cost-effective options for missions where drone loss is expected.
The timing looks right for this product category. Demand for mass-affordable drone systems has been picking up speed among defense customers.
Stock Performance and Investor Reaction
Ondas stock ranked among the top five trending tickers on Stocktwits following the announcement. Retail sentiment flipped to bullish from neutral territory.
Message volume around the stock spiked 240% compared to recent months. One bullish Stocktwits user projected the stock could hit $15, citing drones as the future of warfare.
The stock has posted strong gains before this latest pop. ONDS shares climbed 231% year-to-date in 2025.
Over a 12-month period, the stock delivered returns of 1,023%. That’s a tenfold increase from levels seen a year ago.
Company Position and Financials
Ondas already holds an investment stake in Rift Dynamics. This existing relationship likely smoothed the path to securing exclusive U.S. distribution rights.
The company recently landed other defense contracts as well. Ondas secured a $3.5 million contract for rugged unmanned ground vehicles.
Apeiro Motion, an Ondas subsidiary, unveiled combat-proven fiber-optic spools for military use. These products target tactical operation needs.
The company added strategic expertise to its roster. Karl Eze joined as Strategic Advisor for the UK market.
Brigadier General Patrick Huston joined the OAS Advisory Board. His military background brings operational insight to the team.
Revenue reached approximately $7.19 million in recent periods. The company maintains a cash position of about $68.56 million.
Free cash flow sits at around -$8.5 million as Ondas invests in development. The company is spending heavily on research and innovation during this growth phase.
Kitron’s network provides Ondas and Rift with the flexibility to scale up to 20,000 units per month globally, with the first 500 Wasp units expected to start shipping in Q4 2025.
