Israeli robotics firm XTEND merges with JFB for $1.5B Nasdaq listing

XTEND, an Israeli defense technology company, and JFB Construction Holdings (Nasdaq: JFB) announced a $1.5 billion（約2400億円） all-stock merger on July 27, 2026. The transaction will create XTEND AI Robotics, a publicly traded company expected to list on the Nasdaq under the ticker XTND. Closing is expected in mid-2026, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

Under the all-stock terms, XTEND shareholders will own approximately 70% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis, while JFB shareholders will own the remaining 30%, excluding certain future equity incentive plans. No cash consideration was disclosed. The deal formalizes a reverse merger structure that XTEND and JFB first announced in February 2026, which was paired with a strategic investment round including Eric Trump.

XTEND AI Robotics will focus on AI-powered autonomous systems for defense, security and public safety. 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. XOS combines human decision-making with edge AI to support missions in GPS-denied and contested environments. XTEND's hardware portfolio includes the Scorpio 1000 multi-domain platform, the Wolverine, Griffon and XTENDER small unmanned aircraft. U.S. and Israeli forces currently field XTEND systems in operational use, and additional allied units in Europe, Singapore and the United Kingdom also operate the technology.

XTEND co-founder and chief executive Aviv Shapira will lead XTEND AI Robotics. The combined company is expected to accelerate U.S. deployment of XTEND's autonomous systems and expand U.S.-based manufacturing capacity. XTEND opened its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Tampa, Florida, in July 2025. The companies aim to serve U.S., NATO and allied procurement. The firms plan to provide details on post-merger governance and additional leadership closer to closing.

The merger represents a significant step toward commercializing Israeli defense robotics technology in the U.S. market. XTEND had already established operational deployments with U.S. and Israeli forces, as well as allied units in Europe, Singapore and the United Kingdom, but the public listing on Nasdaq provides both capital and regulatory legitimacy to accelerate procurement channels with NATO and allied governments. The July 2025 opening of XTEND's Tampa manufacturing facility demonstrates the company's commitment to U.S. production; the merger formalizes and scales that footprint by combining JFB's construction and operational infrastructure with XTEND's autonomous systems expertise.

The deal structure—an all-stock transaction in which XTEND shareholders retain 70% ownership on a fully diluted basis—signals confidence in XTEND's technology and market position rather than a distressed combination. Aviv Shapira's continuation as chief executive ensures continuity of the company's technical vision. The reverse merger route (announced in February 2026 alongside Eric Trump's strategic investment) was chosen to enable rapid public-market access while maintaining operational control of the core robotics business.

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