XTEND and JFB Unveil $1.5 Billion Merger to Create XTEND AI Robotics
The all-stock deal, expected to close mid-2026, will create a Nasdaq-listed defense robotics company trading under the ticker XTND.
Israeli defense technology company XTEND and JFB Construction Holdings (Nasdaq: JFB) announced a $1.5 billion all-stock merger on July 27, 2026. The transaction will establish XTEND AI Robotics, a publicly traded company focused on AI-powered autonomous systems for defense, security, and public safety. The new entity is anticipated to trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker “XTND.” The completion of the merger is expected in mid-2026, pending regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. This deal formalizes a reverse merger structure that XTEND and JFB first announced in February 2026, which was accompanied by a strategic investment round that included Eric Trump.
Terms of the Merger
Under the terms of the merger, XTEND shareholders will own approximately 70% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis, while JFB shareholders will hold the remaining 30%, excluding certain future equity incentive plans. The transaction is an all-stock deal, with no cash consideration disclosed in the announcement. Both companies indicated that the merger will accelerate the U.S. deployment of XTEND’s autonomous systems and expand U.S.-based manufacturing capacity. The combined company aims to serve U.S., NATO, and allied procurement.
XTEND AI Robotics Platform and Mission Set
Aviv Shapira, co-founder and chief executive of XTEND, will lead XTEND AI Robotics. The company’s core software product is the XTEND Operating System (XOS), which allows a single operator to manage multiple air, ground, and maritime robotic systems from one interface. The platform integrates human decision-making with edge AI to support missions in GPS-denied and contested environments. XTEND’s hardware offerings include the Scorpio 1000 multi-domain platform, as well as the Wolverine, Griffon, and XTENDER small unmanned aircraft. XTEND systems are already operational with U.S. and Israeli forces, and additional allied units in Europe, Singapore, and the United Kingdom also utilize the technology.
Path to Public Markets
In July 2025, XTEND opened its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Tampa, Florida. Company leaders stated that the merger will scale operations through expanded manufacturing capabilities. The deal will also provide U.S. operating infrastructure and direct access to public capital markets, supporting sales to the United States, NATO allies, and other partner nations. The companies plan to outline post-merger governance and additional leadership details closer to the closing date.