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Aerial autonomy for a resilient Kingdom

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Image by Alessio Soggetti
April 15, 2025

In a powerful alignment of international innovation and national ambition, Faz Holdings has partnered with Ondas Holdings Inc., a U.S.-based leader in autonomous aerial systems and wireless data technologies. Through this joint venture, Faz and Ondas aim to bring fully autonomous drone operations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, supporting transformative applications in public safety, smart cities, infrastructure monitoring, energy, and national defense.

 

The partnership reflects Faz Holdings’ broader mandate: to invest in frontier technologies that enhance Saudi Arabia’s capabilities, strengthen sovereign infrastructure, and contribute to realizing Vision 2030. This collaboration also marks a critical step in the localization of next-generation aerospace and automation technologies, creating jobs, building local expertise, and fostering long-term national resilience.

 

Enabling Vision 2030 through autonomous aerial intelligence

Vision 2030 is built upon the foundation of economic diversification, digitization, and the development of a thriving innovation ecosystem. At its core lies the commitment to build a smarter, safer, and more sustainable Saudi Arabia.

 

Faz’s collaboration with Ondas is directly aligned with this mission. The partnership introduces fully autonomous drone systems that can operate without human pilots—designed to handle persistent, real-time data capture and surveillance missions across vast geographies. These systems reduce the need for costly manned operations, offer 24/7 monitoring capabilities, and provide actionable intelligence faster than any current method.

 

With use cases ranging from securing oil infrastructure and transportation hubs to enabling precision agriculture and real-time city oversight, the implications of deploying these autonomous aerial solutions at scale are profound for the Kingdom.

 

Ondas Holdings: A global force in drone autonomy

Headquartered in Massachusetts, Ondas Holdings Inc. is a leader in wireless data communications and drone automation. The company owns and operates two main subsidiaries:

 

American robotics – FAA-approved pioneer in fully autonomous drone systems for industrial and commercial use.

Airobotics – A leader in defense and homeland security applications, known for its fully automated Optimus Drone System and the Iron Drone Raider, a drone interception platform designed for counter-drone scenarios.

 

Together, these technologies create a powerful suite of capabilities for nations seeking secure, scalable, and intelligent aerial oversight.

 

Unlike manual drones that require line-of-sight piloting, Ondas’ platforms are AI-driven and autonomous—capable of launching, flying, collecting data, and returning to recharge without human intervention. Data is streamed in real time and integrated into command and control systems, enabling rapid, informed decision-making across critical sectors.

 

Strategic synergies for the kingdom

The Saudi use case for autonomous drone systems is compelling and wide-reaching. Key benefits and applications include:

 

National security & defense

Deploy autonomous systems to monitor remote borders, energy infrastructure, and strategic assets—enhancing situational awareness, supporting counter-drone defense, and reducing human risk in volatile environments.

 

Infrastructure & asset monitoring

Conduct real-time inspection of mega-projects, oil & gas pipelines, electrical grids, and industrial facilities. Optimize maintenance schedules, reduce downtime, and improve cost efficiency across the Kingdom’s built environment.

 

Emergency & public safety response

Support police, civil defense, and fire departments with rapid-response autonomous surveillance during incidents. Improve coordination, reduce reaction times, and provide early detection in large-scale emergencies.

 

Smart city development

Power Vision 2030’s smart city initiatives with real-time data from persistent drone patrols. Manage urban traffic, crowd movement, emissions monitoring, and environmental control with seamless aerial oversight.

 

Environmental & agricultural surveillance

Use high-resolution imagery and AI analytics to monitor desertification, water usage, crop health, and pollution levels—ensuring sustainable land use across Saudi Arabia’s agricultural zones.

 

The joint venture is already engaged in advanced discussions with several government-linked agencies and ministries across defense, energy, infrastructure, and public safety. The aim is to localize Ondas’ proven capabilities and tailor them to the unique needs and strategic priorities of the Kingdom.

 

By working with public sector leaders, the partnership seeks to:

  • Deploy pilot programs across critical areas of the Kingdom,

  • Build regional manufacturing and servicing capabilities, and

  • Train Saudi professionals to operate and innovate on this next-generation platform.

  • These discussions are not just commercial—they represent a shared commitment to national security, operational sovereignty, and long-term capability building.

 

Championing emerging technologies in Saudi Arabia

Faz Holdings is actively reshaping the future of Saudi innovation. Through its strategic joint ventures with global technology leaders, Faz is creating a platform for frontier technologies to take root and flourish in the Kingdom.

 

The partnership with Ondas is a reflection of Faz’s ability to bridge global capability with local opportunity—bringing highly differentiated technologies to address Saudi Arabia’s most pressing needs and most ambitious development goals.

 

As this venture scales, Faz will continue to work closely with institutional partners, ministries, and the private sector to ensure that autonomous drone technology is not only deployed—but embedded, adapted, and advanced on Saudi soil.

 

Looking ahead: The autonomous era has arrived

The Faz–Ondas partnership signals the dawn of a new era for aerial intelligence and national preparedness in the Kingdom. It is a tangible example of how global innovation can be localized to create new industries, enhance sovereign resilience, and redefine what’s possible in complex operational environments.

 

Through collaboration, capability transfer, and vision, this joint venture is set to become a pillar in Saudi Arabia’s future-facing economy—delivering impact today, and leadership for tomorrow.

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