Global Defense Spending Soars to $3 Trillion Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 27 2026
0mins
Source: stocktwits
- Defense Spending Surge: Oppenheimer estimates that global defense expenditures have reached approximately $3 trillion, reflecting a 50% increase over the past five years, with projections suggesting this figure could double within the next decade due to escalating geopolitical tensions driving military budgets.
- Drone Market Potential: The firm forecasts that the total addressable market for drones could expand from $45 billion today to $400 billion globally, encompassing hardware, services, AI, and related software, indicating the rapid growth potential of drones in modern warfare and commercial markets.
- Ondas Holdings Standout: Analyst Timothy Horan highlighted Ondas Holdings Inc. (ONDS) as a preferred investment within the rapidly expanding lower-skies segment, focusing on AI-enabled aerial security and infrastructure monitoring, with its stock gaining over 925% in the past 12 months.
- Complementary Satellite Operators: Horan also pointed to satellite operators BlackSky Technology Inc. (BKSY) and Iridium Communications Inc. (IRDM) as complementary plays, emphasizing their roles in providing real-time imagery and secure connectivity for unmanned systems, further driving growth in the drone market.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy ONDS?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on ONDS
Wall Street analysts forecast ONDS stock price to rise
8 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 9.360
Low
13.00
Averages
17.50
High
25.00
Current: 9.360
Low
13.00
Averages
17.50
High
25.00
About ONDS
Ondas Inc. is a provider of autonomous systems, robotics, and mission-critical connectivity solutions for defense, security, and industrial markets. Through its business units, Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS), Ondas Capital and Ondas Networks, it develops and deploys integrated technologies that deliver advanced sensing, mobility, and communications capabilities. OAS delivers a portfolio of artificial-intelligence (AI)-powered defense and security platforms to protect sensitive sites, populations, and critical infrastructure. OAS also provides an integrated suite of autonomous aerial, ground, and counter-UAS solutions through its operating companies. It also provides Airborne Missile Protection Systems (AMPS) and airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) solutions for the military, government and others. It also specializes in the procurement, integration, and lifecycle support of heavy engineering equipment for military and national infrastructure programs.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
- Acquisition Finalized: Ondas has officially closed the acquisition of Israeli firm Omnisys for approximately $196.6 million, marking a significant step in its transition to a software-defined defense technology company.
- Equity Transaction Details: The deal involved the issuance of around 3.1 million shares, including those placed in escrow, with the remaining consideration to be paid in additional common stock through scheduled installments, enhancing the company's capital structure.
- Revenue Expectations: Omnisys is expected to contribute over $100 million in revenue across 2026 and 2027, while adding a high-margin software business to Ondas' platform, thereby improving overall profitability.
- Market Reaction: Despite the acquisition announcement, ONDS stock has declined by approximately 13%, with a year-to-date return of -4.20%, indicating market caution regarding the company's future performance.
See More
- Acquisition Overview: Ondas announced the acquisition of Israel-based AI software developer Omnisys for $199 million in common stock, with payments structured in three tranches, including $29 million at closing and $142.5 million in five installments within 20 days post-closing, with the deal expected to finalize in Q2 2026.
- Technological Integration Benefits: Omnisys' AI-powered Battle Resource Optimization platform will serve as a core orchestration layer within Ondas' portfolio of autonomous systems, enhancing dynamic resource allocation, mission prioritization, and coordinated responses under high-intensity combat conditions, thereby facilitating the company's transition to software-defined autonomous defense systems.
- Market Expansion Potential: This acquisition enables Ondas to leverage its growing international footprint to penetrate additional U.S. and allied defense markets, further strengthening relationships with defense integrators and customers, and enhancing its position within the global defense ecosystem.
- Shareholder Incentive Mechanism: Ondas shareholders have the opportunity to earn up to $60 million in contingent payments over three years based on specific milestones, which not only incentivizes shareholder engagement but also provides potential financial support for the company's long-term growth.
See More
- Strategic Acquisition: Ondas has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Omnisys, marking a significant milestone in its evolution into a software-defined defense technology company, which is expected to enhance its competitive edge in multi-domain defense planning.
- Core Technology Integration: Omnisys' AI-powered Battle Resource Optimization (BRO) platform will serve as a core orchestration layer within Ondas' growing autonomous systems portfolio, improving mission planning, operational coordination, and real-time battlefield resource optimization in complex mission environments.
- Operational Framework Development: By integrating BRO technology into its architecture, Ondas will establish a unified
See More
- Cautious Market Sentiment: US stock futures declined in overnight trading on Sunday, with Dow futures down 0.79%, S&P 500 futures down 0.70%, and Nasdaq 100 futures down 0.93%, reflecting investor concerns over renewed tensions in the Middle East following President Trump's remarks on Iran.
- Rising Oil Prices: Brent crude futures rose approximately 2.21% to $111.67 per barrel, while WTI crude futures increased by 2.83% to $108.40 per barrel, indicating heightened fears of disruptions to global oil supplies amid geopolitical tensions.
- Bond Yields Surge: The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield remained elevated at 4.629% following hotter-than-expected US inflation data, with economists noting that G7 government bond yields have surged to their highest levels in over 20 years, reflecting market reactions to rising oil prices and fiscal deficits.
- Asian Markets Decline: Asian markets opened lower on Monday, with the KOSPI, Nikkei 225, and SSE Composite Index all declining, illustrating the global market's response to the escalating tensions between the US and Iran.
See More
- U.S.-China Trade Agreement: Trump announced that China agreed to purchase U.S. crude oil, which not only helps ease trade tensions but also potentially boosts U.S. energy exports, enhancing domestic economic growth prospects.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following the trade deal announcement, the Dow Jones Industrial Average reclaimed the 50,000 mark for the first time, indicating a restoration of market confidence and likely encouraging further investments in U.S. equities.
- Strong Stock Market Performance: Despite early declines in stock futures on Friday, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are on track for their seventh consecutive week of gains, demonstrating market resilience and investor optimism.
- Industry Dynamics: Cerebras had a stellar debut on Nasdaq, attracting significant investor attention, reflecting strong interest in the semiconductor sector, particularly against the backdrop of surging AI infrastructure investments.
See More
- Significant Revenue Growth: Ondas reported Q1 revenue of $50.1 million, marking over a tenfold increase from last year, driven by strong demand for counter-unmanned aircraft systems and defense technologies, thereby solidifying its position in the unmanned and autonomous systems market.
- Improved Profitability: The company achieved adjusted EBITDA profitability in Q1, approximately six months ahead of internal targets, indicating a significant improvement in operational performance across its product divisions, which enhances investor confidence.
- Strong Cash Reserves: As of the end of Q1, Ondas held approximately $1.48 billion in cash and cash equivalents, providing flexibility to fund future growth, pursue acquisitions, and advance its Core + Strategic Growth Program effectively.
- Shift in Market Sentiment: Retail sentiment on Stocktwits shifted from 'bullish' to 'extremely bullish', with a 331% surge in message volume within 24 hours, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company's future performance.
See More










