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XTEND Opens U.S. Drone Production Facility in Tampa

by | Jul 3, 2025

A new U.S. facility boosts drone production for defense and public safety needs. Alongside manufacturing, it focuses on building partnerships, growing in workforce, and supporting mission-critical operations with faster innovation and deployment.
Aviv Shapira XTEND CEO & CO Founder

TAMPA, FL, July 3, 2025 – XTEND Reality Inc. (XTEND) has opened its new U.S. headquarters and production facility in Tampa, FL. The facility will support drone production and development for defense and security applications, expanding the company’s U.S. operations. Government and military representatives attended the opening, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen local manufacturing and advance tactical unmanned systems.

The new facility will manufacture and integrate XTEND’s drone systems to support U.S. defense missions. Federal officials are putting efforts to support U.S.-made drone technology. Their goal is to cut reliance on products from other countries and improve national security. The newest facility opens as part of this national push.

“We are not just building drones, we are building capabilities, resilience and trust,” said XTEND chief executive officer and co-founder Aviv Shapira. “This facility marks a new chapter for XTEND in the United States and reflects our commitment to delivering the most advanced, mission-ready systems to our customers. We’re proud to establish our U.S. headquarters in Tampa and grateful for the strong support from local, state and federal partners as we continue to scale our operations.”

XTEND was founded in 2018 by brothers Aviv and Matteo Shapira in partnership with Rubi Liani. Prior to establishing XTEND, the Shapira brothers co-founded Replay Technologies, which was acquired by Intel in 2016 for $175 million.

(From L-R): Jay Collins; Craig Richard; Mayor Jane Castor General (ret) Kenneth F McKenzie Jr.; Karen Gonzales-Pittman; Russ Kestin; Dr. Peter Kesh; Rubi Liani; Aviv Shapira; Roy Levy

“Our systems are designed to give operators unprecedented control, safety and performance in the most demanding environments,” said XTEND CTO and co-Founder Rubi Liani. “This new facility enables us to bring advanced engineering and innovation directly to the U.S. market, allowing for rapid integration, customization and deployment. It’s a critical step in our mission to redefine human-machine collaboration in defense and national security.”

“Establishing a U.S. headquarters and production facility is more than just a business expansion, it’s a commitment to building enduring partnerships that strengthen America’s defense innovation ecosystem,” said XTEND vice president and U.S. general manager Roy Levy. “This facility is not just about delivering cutting-edge systems, it’s about ensuring speed, reliability and integration at the pace of mission demand. XTEND is here to deliver solutions that work when it matters most.”

“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, XTEND chairman of the Board. “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. I’m incredibly proud of the team that made this moment possible, amplifying the connectivity of Florida and the future of AI and Robotics.”

XTEND’s U.S. facility will upsurge domestic output and address rising needs for drone systems in defense and public safety. Initial work will center on supplying Group 1 drones for the U.S. Department of Defense. Over time, the site will add production lines for communication modules, motors and controllers to support the country’s drone industry. The facility is projected to add new jobs in the coming years and strengthen Florida’s position in the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector.

Source: XTEND

About XTEND Reality Inc.

XTEND Reality Inc., founded in 2018 and headquartered in Tel Aviv with operations in Crestview, FL, develops AI-assisted unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and human-machine interface platforms for defense, public safety, and private security applications. The company’s core technology, the XTEND Operating System (XOS), integrates human oversight with autonomous machine functions, enabling operators to manage drone teams remotely while retaining control over critical decisions. XTEND’s product line includes micro and outdoor drones such as XTENDER, Scorpio 500/1000, and Honey Badger, designed for reconnaissance, sensor relay, and payload delivery in both indoor and outdoor environments. Its systems are deployed in tactical and public safety missions where rapid deployment and intuitive control are required. The company employs over 100 people globally and reports annual revenue of approximately $45 million. XTEND focuses on developing practical human-machine teaming solutions that support remote operations in military and security environments.