XTEND, a developer of AI-powered tactical autonomous robotic systems for defense and public safety, has completed a $70 million Series B funding round to scale U.S. and global production, expand deployments with allied defense and emergency response agencies, and advance real-time AI integration across its robotic platforms.
A $30 million extension to the round was co-led by Aliya Capital Partners and Protego Ventures, with participation from Claltech, Union-Tech Ventures, and Chartered Group.
XTEND expands its U.S. footprint with a new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Tampa, Florida, supporting the production and deployment of its AI-powered tactical robotics systems. (Application photo courtesy of XTEND)
XTEND’s autonomous systems are currently operational with the U.S. Department of Defense, the Israel Defense Force, and allied programs in Singapore, the U.K., and Europe. The company’s platforms are designed for use in complex environments, where human-machine teaming improves mission outcomes and reduces risk to personnel. With applications ranging from defense and homeland security to disaster relief, XTEND’s AI-guided robotic systems are engineered to support precision engagement, situational awareness, and remote operations in high-risk scenarios.
The newly announced funding coincides with the opening of XTEND’s U.S. headquarters and advanced drone manufacturing facility in Tampa, Florida. The July 1 launch event was attended by defense, government, and industry leaders and marked a strategic step in expanding the company’s operational footprint within the U.S. defense innovation ecosystem.
“The successful completion of our Series B financing highlights the surging demand for mission-critical autonomous systems from allied defense and public safety agencies,” said Aviv Shapira, CEO of XTEND. “The investment will fuel accelerated R&D, scale manufacturing, and global deployment expansion. That said, the backing from Aliya and Protego isn’t just about fresh capital—it’s a powerful vote of confidence. Ross’s experience and strategic perspective are invaluable in navigating this pivotal growth phase. Furthermore, opening our Tampa headquarters is a major step forward as we continue to build cutting-edge systems that protect lives worldwide.”
XTEND’s proprietary XOS operating system blends real-time AI with human-guided control, enabling operators to interface with autonomous systems in dynamic environments. Designed to minimize risk and maximize control, the system allows for autonomous decision support while keeping a human in the loop to ensure mission accountability. Thousands of XTEND systems are currently in use worldwide, supporting the company’s vision for safe, scalable robotics in both tactical and humanitarian contexts.
“XTEND’s mission—to deliver cutting-edge drone and robotics systems for high-risk, mission-critical environments—aligns directly with our vision of supporting technologies that protect and enhance life,” said Ross Kestin, Founding Partner and CEO of Aliya Capital Partners, who has joined XTEND’s Board of Directors. “We’re honored to back Aviv and his world-class team and help accelerate the impact of their technology across defense, security, and emergency response sectors.”
Lee Moser, Co-Founder and General Partner of Protego Ventures, added, “The grand opening of XTEND’s Tampa facility represents more than a physical expansion—it marks a new phase of operational scale, U.S. engagement, and global relevance.”
Lital Leshem, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Protego, noted, “We invested in XTEND because it’s clear they are building a category-defining platform for human-guided autonomy that can scale fast and make an immediate impact. At a time when defense innovation demands urgency and trust, XTEND stood out as ready to lead.”
Industry veterans and long-term investors back XTEND’s growth with a shared focus on national security innovation. Avi Fischer, Chairman of Clal Industries and Claltech, said, “What convinced us to invest wasn’t just the tech—it was their feedback. They spoke about how the system has saved lives, how AI-driven training cut learning time by 99%, and how this technology is already changing the battlefield. That’s when we knew—we had to be part of this.”
“This milestone represents the realization of XTEND’s vision to bring our groundbreaking technologies closer to the U.S. defense ecosystem,” said Dr. Peter Kash, Chairman of the Board at XTEND. “With this facility, we’re laying the foundation for sustained growth, high-tech job creation, and meaningful contributions to America’s security and industrial capabilities.”
Tal Recanati, Managing Director at Union-Tech Ventures, added, “Since our investment three years ago, we’ve seen the XTEND management team demonstrate exceptional execution and innovation. With the successful completion of this latest financing round, XTEND is now poised to strengthen its position as a global leader in defense technology.”
About XTEND
Founded in Israel, XTEND develops next-generation autonomous robotic systems powered by real-time AI and its proprietary XOS operating system. The company’s platforms are designed for complex, high-risk mission environments and combine human-guided control with autonomous decision support to reduce the need for direct physical engagement. XTEND’s systems are operational worldwide in defense, homeland security, and disaster response applications. For more information, click here.
About Aliya Capital Partners
Aliya Capital Partners is a Miami-based investment firm with expertise in defense-tech, autonomy, AI, and national security. The firm invests in technology companies delivering scalable, dual-use solutions with global relevance. For more information, click here.
About Protego Ventures
Protego Ventures is an Israel-based venture capital firm focused on breakthrough technologies addressing urgent defense and security needs. The firm’s investments include technologies in drones, AI and machine learning, sensors, aerial defense, and autonomous platforms. To learn more, click here.
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Molly is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of Components Source Network, the industry’s first and only known 100% woman-owned and woman-led B2B publishing platform serving the global high-tech manufacturing and engineering sectors. Her portfolio includes Aerospace Technology Monthly and ten additional specialized e-news publications. With more than 25 years of experience spanning strategic technical marketing, public relations, and business development in highly specialized technical markets, she also leads Embassy Global, LLC, a virtual consultancy that has supported the growth of more than 200 high-tech industry brands worldwide since 2008. In addition to her publishing and advisory work, Molly has been appointed to serve as Second Vice Chair of the Government Relations Team for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Forum, beginning in 2026, supporting policy development and advocacy initiatives advancing women-owned businesses. A long-standing voice for small business, supplier diversity, and women in STEM, she was also a 2025 finalist for the WBEC Metro New York Outstanding Advocate Award. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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