Ondas Opens Midwest Drone Hub in Ohio for Military Operator Training
Ondas has launched a new drone hub in Ohio to train military operators, expanding its defense drone footprint in the Midwest
Ondas is expanding its presence in the Midwest with the opening of a new training, testing, and flight operations facility in Springfield, Ohio. The company has officially unveiled the site at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence, where it will be operated by Ondas Sentinel, the autonomous defense division.
Facility Overview
The new location will serve as Ondas Sentinel's Midwest hub for long-endurance drone operations, bringing together operator training, simulation, mission planning, testing, demonstrations, and live flight operations under one roof. This integrated approach is expected to speed up training and provide military and government customers with a firsthand look at the company's aircraft in action.
The facility will primarily support training and mission operations for two of Ondas' key platforms: ULTRA, a long-endurance drone originally developed through an Air Force Research Laboratory rapid development program, and Stratollite, a high-altitude stratospheric flight platform. The decision to locate the facility in Springfield was influenced by its proximity to key military and aviation organizations, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Wing.
Location and Partnerships
The location of the facility is seen as a major advantage, with Ondas being close to many of the organizations shaping the future of military aviation and autonomous systems. The project has also received support from regional organizations, including JobsOhio, Clark County, and the Dayton Development Coalition. Local universities and colleges are expected to play a role in building the future workforce for the facility.
Training and Operations
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Ondas Sentinel chief technology officer Matt McCue highlighted the benefits of the integrated campus, which offers a unique combination of ground school, simulation, mission planning, and live flight operations. He noted that this setup should improve operational readiness and make it easier for customers to evaluate the company's long-endurance drone technology. The facility is designed to become a long-term training and operational base, supporting the growing demand for autonomous defense drones.
The new facility is a significant development for Ondas, marking an important expansion of its defense drone footprint in the Midwest. With its focus on training and mission operations, the facility is expected to play a key role in supporting the company's growth in the region.
