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Ondas' Dronebuster REACH Launch: Can Long-Range C-UAS Drive Growth?

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Key Takeaways

  • Ondas launched Dronebuster REACH, extending electronic attack capabilities to longer ranges and higher power.
  • The first REACH system is under contract for delivery to the Office of Naval Research after testing.
  • Ondas is building a layered C-UAS stack spanning detection, tracking, electronic defeat and interception.

Ondas Inc. (ONDS - Free Report) recently expanded its counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) portfolio by launching Dronebuster REACH, a long-range variant of its Dronebuster family of non-kinetic counter-drone systems. The product launch could strengthen Ondas’ position in the rapidly developing counter-drone market by addressing a key operational gap – defeating drones before they enter the effective range of handheld systems. The first Dronebuster REACH system is already under contract for delivery to the Office of Naval Research following customer acceptance testing. The system will support C-UAS research, evaluation and testing activities, providing an early validation point for Ondas’ new product.

Per management, the system extends electronic attack capabilities already demonstrated across the Dronebuster family to longer ranges and higher power. Its capabilities include command-and-control disruption and GNSS denial, with optional positioning, navigation and timing electronic attack. The objective is to create additional distance between the threat and the protected asset, potentially giving operators more time to identify a threat, determine an appropriate response and transition to another defensive layer if necessary. Dronebuster has been deployed in more than 50 countries, with more than 3,000 units delivered worldwide.

Ondas is positioning REACH as part of a layered C-UAS architecture. Ondas’ portfolio spans the broader counter-drone process. Its Detect, Track, Identify (DTI) systems feed threat data into DefenseOS, enabling operators to select responses such as non-kinetic electronic defeat through Dronebuster or REACH. If needed, the architecture can transition to kinetic interception via IonStrike. This creates an integrated C-UAS stack spanning detection, tracking, identification, decision-making, electronic defeat and kinetic interception. Such an approach could gain traction as customers increasingly seek comprehensive counter-drone architectures rather than standalone products.

To augment its high-performing defense division, Ondas is also relying on new customer acquisition besides portfolio expansion. Recently, it acquired three defense technology businesses for $56 million, adding AI sensing, resilient communications and GPS-independent capabilities.

ONDS Enters a Crowded Field of C-UAS Players

Draganfly (DPRO - Free Report) is benefiting from growing demand in the C-UAS market, supported by its 27 years of drone-building experience and deep understanding of UAS vulnerabilities. The company is expanding its counter-drone capabilities through a pragmatic strategy that combines proprietary technology with partnerships and integrations. A key catalyst is its DEVCOM contract to develop an ultralight, highly mobile counter-drone system for the U.S. Department of War. The platform features proprietary tracking and system-integration capabilities and supports multiple effectors, including kinetic and RF options. Management sees this as a significant opportunity, with potential to generate hundreds of millions of dollars over the coming years.

Unusual Machines (UMAC - Free Report) is benefiting from accelerating demand in the C-UAS market, which management views as an emerging and potentially significant growth opportunity. Counter-drone programs use many of the same components supplied for FPV drones, allowing the company to serve multiple defense applications with its existing product portfolio. Management noted that Unusual Machines is already working with more than one C-UAS customer, with Powerus being the most advanced relationship to date. As large C-UAS contracts move through the domestic supply chain, the company expects additional component demand in late 2026 and into 2027, supporting sustained long-term growth.

ONDS’ Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates

Shares of ONDS have plunged 24.9% year to date against the Zacks Wireless-National industry’s rise of 124.3%.

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On a forward 12-month price-to-sales basis, ONDS trades at 4.65, below the industry multiple of 7.88.

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For ONDS, earnings estimates for the current year have been revised significantly downward in the past 60 days.

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ONDS currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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