NEW YORK, Jan 28, 2026, 10:52 EST — Regular session.
- Shares of Ondas climbed roughly 3% following news that its Optimus drone earned DCMA “Blue List” status
- Getting listed could fast-track U.S. federal procurement by adding the system to an approved-buy list
- Traders are now focusing on follow-on contract wins and the upcoming earnings report
Ondas Inc shares climbed Wednesday following news that its American Robotics Optimus drone earned a spot on the Defense Contract Management Agency’s (DCMA) Blue List. The list serves as the U.S. government’s directory for purchasing approved commercial drones.
The stock climbed 2.9%, hitting $12.62 by late morning, after peaking at $13.28 earlier. Roughly 41.6 million shares changed hands.
The Blue List is crucial because it streamlines federal procurement, speeding up purchases by fast-tracking approved drones. For smaller vendors, it’s a checkpoint—without being on the list, certain government buyers just can’t proceed.
Ondas said its Optimus platform complies with government standards for cybersecurity and supply-chain controls. The company added the listing is expected to cut “acquisition friction” for agencies looking to buy compliant unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS. UAS is industry shorthand for drones and their control and communications gear.
Eric Brock, Ondas’ chairman and CEO, called the Blue List designation “an important milestone” in the company’s progress, according to the release.
Still, getting listed doesn’t ensure orders will follow. Federal procurement can drag, budgets may change, and standards might become stricter—leaving approved systems stuck in limbo, waiting on programs that never expand.
Ondas, known for its autonomous systems and private wireless equipment, has stepped further into defense-adjacent sectors. This move comes as government clients tighten scrutiny on the origins of drone components and the security of related software.
Just a day before, the company announced that its Ondas Capital unit will hold a private “UXS Showcase” in Tallinn. The event, organized alongside Estonia’s Baltic Ghost Wing Center of Excellence, will highlight unmanned systems tested in real operational settings. Ondas Inc.
Investors are eyeing potential contract wins linked to the Blue List milestone, while also waiting for management to outline a timeline for commercialization past eligibility.
Ondas is expected to release earnings around March 11, according to Nasdaq’s market calendar, though the company hasn’t officially set a date.
