Ondas’ World View Wins $4.8M U.S. Navy Stratospheric Surveillance Contract
SOUTHCOM to deploy high-altitude balloon ISR system for maritime monitoring across the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean
Photo: Ondas
Ondas Holdings’ subsidiary World View Enterprises has been selected by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and the U.S. 4th Fleet to provide high-altitude balloon systems for a maritime surveillance program targeting counter-narcotics and illegal fishing operations in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean.
The initial $4.8 million contract covers a three-month operational deployment and is being delivered through defense technology partner SMX. World View will provide stratospheric intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to support maritime domain awareness across SOUTHCOM’s area of responsibility.
The system is designed to improve persistent monitoring over large ocean areas and will operate alongside satellites, aircraft and unmanned systems as part of a broader multi-domain intelligence network. Officials said the program reflects SOUTHCOM’s increased use of autonomous and semi-autonomous technologies for maritime security missions.
The award follows World View’s participation in UNITAS 2025, where it demonstrated high-altitude surveillance capabilities alongside U.S. naval forces and industry partners.
“Stratospheric ISR can provide persistent, wide-area awareness in complex maritime environments,” said Eric Brock, CEO of Ondas Holdings.
World View CEO Ryan Hartman said the program builds on successful operational demonstrations, noting that the company has shown its systems can support real-world maritime missions.
World View has completed more than 140 stratospheric flight operations and has previously worked with U.S. defense and civilian agencies including the Navy, Air Force, NASA and NOAA.