A new phase in Europe’s defense technology landscape has begun as Ondas Holdings and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG join forces to create an advanced drone defense venture in Germany.
The joint initiative, ONBERG Autonomous Systems, focuses on developing next-generation systems to detect, track, and counter aerial threats. The companies have already started operations at Heidelberg’s facility in Brandenburg an der Havel, located northeast of Berlin.
The launch event included a live demonstration that gave a glimpse into how these systems work in actual scenarios. The demonstration showed the technology’s ability to continuously monitor airspace and automatically respond to possible threats.
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ONBERG has been structured as a fully integrated operation within Europe. It brings together research, system integration, and manufacturing under one roof.
This approach intends to create a self-reliant, scalable production ecosystem within the region. The companies plan to first focus on Germany and Ukraine, before expanding into other European markets.
Jürgen Otto, CEO of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, stressed the broader vision behind the venture. He said ONBERG will serve as a main hub for building a strong and independent drone defense capability in Europe. He added that the initiative will support the region’s push toward technological independence.
At the core of ONBERG’s offering is a system that combines detection, decision-making, and response into a single architecture. The technology uses artificial intelligence to identify and track aerial objects without constant human supervision. Once a potential threat is detected, the system can respond automatically, making it suitable for environments that require fast and reliable protection.
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These systems are expected to be deployed in high-risk and sensitive areas. This includes energy infrastructure, transportation hubs, and other critical sites that need constant monitoring. The purpose is to ensure security while reducing disruptions to surrounding communication systems.
The launch of ONBERG comes as Ondas actively expands its defense presence globally. In March, the Florida-based company moved to merge with Mistral, a US contractor that provides access to key US Army and Special Operations contracts. This step strengthens Ondas’ position in large-scale defense programs by adding manufacturing and incorporation capabilities within the US.
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In addition to its European efforts, Ondas has also secured around $6 million in orders from the Middle East. These contracts involve its Sentrycs counter-drone systems, which are designed to detect and neutralize hostile drones while minimizing interference with nearby communication networks.
With ONBERG, Ondas, and Heidelberg are not just launching a new company. They are building a strategic platform to shape the future of autonomous drone defense in Europe.
