US-based defense industry company Ondas announced that former Mossad Director David Barnea has been appointed as global president.
According to the company's statement, Barnea will lead the company's global expansion, formulate its technology development strategy, and manage commercial integration operations.
Ondas CEO Eric Brock stated that Barnea brings an exceptional combination of modern operational experience, strategic vision, technological leadership, and international relations.
Company and Barnea's Role
According to Israeli newspaper Yisrael Hayom, Ondas, which trades on the Nasdaq stock exchange, develops autonomous systems and AI-based defense solutions. The company focuses on air defense, intelligence, precision strike, and ground robots.
In a statement to the newspaper, Barnea said, "The nature of warfare in the Middle East and Europe is rapidly changing. Operational superiority now depends on the integration of intelligence, artificial intelligence, and autonomous platforms in an integrated environment."
Yisrael Hayom wrote that as global president, Barnea is expected to focus on developing strategic relationships with governments and security institutions in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, and identifying new technologies for investment.
Barnea's Background
Barnea served as Mossad Director from 2021 to 2026. The newspaper reported that during this period, the organization went through a complex process, including direct conflicts with Iran and Hezbollah.
Before Mossad, Barnea served in Sayeret Matkal, an elite unit of Israeli military intelligence, and gained experience in mergers and acquisitions in the private sector. He holds a bachelor's degree in business from the New York Institute of Technology and a master's degree from Pace University.
Barnea's term at Mossad ended after completing the five-year period that began in June 2021. He was replaced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's military secretary, Roman Gofman. It was noted that this appointment caused controversy within the Israeli security establishment because Gofman came from outside Mossad.
