The Israeli company Ondas Holdings Inc. is presenting at Eurosatory in Paris (Stand B344) two AI-powered defense systems developed for the next generation of troop-protection capabilities: MODUS, a mobile counter-UAS platform, and Iron Wave, a robotic combat system for deployment in front of one's own front lines. Collectively, the two solutions are intended to contribute to autonomous protection and robotic combat for tactical formations as well as robotic maneuvering and cross-domain coordination (Multi-Domain) in complex combat environments.
According to the manufacturer, MODUS and Iron Wave enable faster and more flexible combat management by converting complex environments—composed of many subsystems—into integrated, autonomous capabilities. Modern battlefields evolve faster than conventional defense systems can adapt. FPV drones, drone swarms, threats from fiber-optic-guided systems, and battles across multiple domains (Multi-Domain) compel the shift from isolated systems to integrated, autonomous combat ecosystems. MODUS and Iron Wave are designed for this transition.
Together, the systems integrate sensing, decision-making, and robotic maneuvering into a single unified operational framework, thereby providing both protection and an operational advantage at the tactical edge. The systems were developed based on direct feedback from deployments and rapid iteration cycles. They shorten the path from emerging threat to ready-to-deploy solution and accelerate the implementation of new operational requirements into deployable combat capabilities.
MODUS – Mobile Autonomous Protection for Maneuver Forces
This approach reflects Ondas's focus: delivering simple, deployment-ready systems that can be quickly deployed, adjusted in real time, and proven in operational environments. MODUS (Modular Under-Layer System) tackles the increasing complexity of threats in the low airspace, including jam-resistant, fiber-optic-guided drones and massive swarm attacks. The system integrates CoRF cyber-detection, GNSS-jamming technology, radar, AI-powered electro-optical (EO) sensing, autonomous interception systems, and layered effectors into a single autonomous sensor-to-shooter platform.
It enables a “man above the loop” control (supervisory human oversight). Through real-time sensor fusion, MODUS continuously assesses the threat situation and coordinates the optimal response. MODUS is designed for mobility and rapid redeployment. The system moves with the maneuver forces and provides continuous protection — even in environments without GNSS availability, with a restricted frequency spectrum, or under enemy fire.
Iron Wave is a deployable robotic combat system designed to deploy robotic systems in front of one's own ground troops during high-risk missions. Based on the principle “Bots Before Boots” (Robots Before Soldiers), the system enables robotic platforms to detect, classify, and neutralize threats before human personnel are endangered.
Iron Wave – Robotic Combat Support for Ground Forces
The system includes a rapidly deployable command unit, robotic combat vehicles, an infrastructure for autonomous mission control, and operator stations for multiple platforms. Iron Wave, which is already undergoing operational testing, enables small teams to coordinate several robotic combat and reconnaissance systems simultaneously using AI-assisted coordination.
It supports a broad range of missions—from route clearance and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) to reconnaissance, logistics, and direct frontline support. Built on battle-tested subsystems, Iron Wave is designed for rapid redeployment, intuitive operation, and immediate integration into frontline missions—at minimal logistic burden.
“The operating environments are changing faster than traditional deployment cycles can cope,” said Eric Brock, CEO of Ondas. “The armed forces need autonomous systems that can be rapidly integrated, adapt to new threats, and be deployed directly at the front. Our focus is on accelerating the transition from operational requirements to field-ready capabilities on the battlefield.”
