XTEND, an Israeli robotics and drone technology company founded by brothers Aviv and Matteo Shapira, has rapidly ascended from its roots in gaming and sports broadcasting to become a major player in global defense technology. The company’s breakthrough operating system, XOS, enables a single operator, assisted by artificial intelligence, to control swarms of drones and robots even in environments with heavy jamming and GPS denial. This capability has attracted the attention of the United States military, leading to a strategic partnership with Lockheed Martin and integration into the Pentagon’s Project Replicator, which aims to reshape future warfare with autonomous, expendable systems.

XTEND’s technology has proven itself in real-world combat scenarios in Gaza, Lebanon, and Ukraine, where its drones have operated successfully under challenging conditions. The company has secured major contracts with the Israeli military and the United States, and its systems are now used by over 32 countries. Its collaboration with Lockheed Martin’s elite Skunk Works unit marks a significant step, with XTEND’s software set to become a core component in managing multi-domain military operations.

Beyond military applications, XTEND is expanding into civilian markets, providing control systems for policing, rescue forces, and robotics companies like Boston Dynamics. The company has experienced rapid growth, reporting over $100 million in annual revenue and attracting substantial investment. As XTEND continues to innovate and scale, it is poised to become Israel’s first defense-tech unicorn, though it faces challenges from global competition and shifting defense budgets.

The partnership with Lockheed Martin positions XTEND at the forefront of next-generation robotics and autonomous warfare, with the potential to transform how militaries operate and keep human operators out of harm’s way.