Eric Trump is investing in a planned 1.5 billion dollar merger between Israeli drone manufacturer XTEND and Florida based JFB Construction Holdings, a transaction designed to bring the defense technology company to public markets. The all stock deal is expected to close by mid 2026, after which the combined entity will operate under the name XTEND AI Robotics and trade on Nasdaq under the ticker XTND.
The investment marks the latest business move connected to the Trump family as it broadens its exposure to sectors ranging from digital assets to defense technology. Drone systems have become a strategic priority globally, particularly following their expanded use in modern conflict zones and increased procurement by defense agencies.
XTEND develops AI enabled drone platforms that can be operated remotely and are designed for complex missions in urban and battlefield environments. As of mid 2025, the company’s systems were being used by the U.S. Department of Defense as well as military and security forces in Europe, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Israel. The growing reliance on unmanned systems has elevated the strategic importance of companies operating in this segment.
The merger structure will allow XTEND to access U.S. capital markets through JFB Construction Holdings, which is publicly listed. The combined company will position itself at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence and defense applications, sectors that have attracted rising investor interest amid geopolitical tensions and increased defense spending.
Drone technology has become central to military strategy in recent years. In Ukraine, unmanned aerial systems have played a decisive role on the battlefield, particularly in environments where traditional air power is constrained by advanced air defense systems. This shift has fueled demand not only from governments but also from private investors seeking exposure to next generation defense capabilities.
The deal also includes participation from other investors such as Israel based Protego Ventures, Texas based American Ventures and Miami based Aliya Capital. In addition, Unusual Machines, another drone manufacturer, is investing in the merger. Unusual Machines previously appointed Donald Trump Jr. as an advisor, further linking the family to the evolving drone and robotics ecosystem.
Defense technology startups, particularly those integrating artificial intelligence into autonomous systems, have seen strong valuation growth. Silicon Valley investment in military AI and drone companies has accelerated, with firms such as Anduril Industries and Shield AI attracting significant funding rounds as governments modernize procurement priorities.
The planned Nasdaq listing would provide XTEND with expanded access to capital for research, development and international expansion. As defense budgets rise and unmanned systems become embedded in both military and security operations, publicly traded drone companies are emerging as a distinct investment theme within technology and aerospace markets.
