Rotron Aerospace Ltd has completed its acquisition by US-listed Ondas Inc (NASDAQ: ONDS), a move the companies say will support expansion of long-range unmanned and autonomous defence systems for the UK, NATO and allied markets.
Rotron, described as a UK-based defence technology company, will become part of Ondas Autonomous Systems. The companies said the transaction is intended to provide additional scale and investment to accelerate development and deployment of long-range unmanned platforms and proprietary propulsion technologies for contested operational environments.
Rotron said it develops both unmanned aircraft and the propulsion systems that power them, positioning the business as vertically integrated across platform design, autonomy and propulsion. Its product portfolio includes long-endurance vertical take-off and landing systems and uncrewed combat aerial vehicles intended for precision autonomous engagement, alongside integrated aero-engine systems designed to improve power-to-weight efficiency and extend range and endurance.
Rotron founder and chief technology officer Gilo Cardozo said joining Ondas would increase the company’s “scale, reach and resources” for defence customers in the UK and allied markets, and that the company’s mission and engineering culture would remain unchanged.
Ondas chairman and CEO Eric Brock said Rotron’s propulsion and aircraft engineering capabilities would add to the company’s autonomous systems platform, and help extend endurance and operational reach of next-generation unmanned systems.
Following completion, Rotron said it will continue to operate from the United Kingdom and retain its engineering, manufacturing and development teams. The company said it will continue focusing on existing customers and programmes while integrating into the broader Ondas Autonomous Systems portfolio.
