---
title: "Eric Trump Is Backing An AI Defense Robotics Firm Headed For Nasdaq — And Wall Street Should Pay Attention"
description: "XTEND, a defense robotics firm, is set to go public on the Nasdaq through a $1.5 billion merger with JFB Construction Holdings. Backed by investors including Eric Trump, the new entity will trade unde"
type: "news"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/276143799.md"
published_at: "2026-02-17T15:24:46.000Z"
---

# Eric Trump Is Backing An AI Defense Robotics Firm Headed For Nasdaq — And Wall Street Should Pay Attention

> XTEND, a defense robotics firm, is set to go public on the Nasdaq through a $1.5 billion merger with JFB Construction Holdings. Backed by investors including Eric Trump, the new entity will trade under the ticker XTND, focusing on autonomous defense systems. XTEND's XOS operating system enables drones and robots to perform complex missions, enhancing safety for operators. The merger provides access to U.S. production infrastructure and $152 million in committed capital, signaling growing investor confidence in the autonomous defense market.

The next wave of AI investing isn't coming for your office — it's coming for the battlefield. **XTEND**, an autonomous defense robotics firm, plans to list on the Nasdaq through a $1.5 billion merger with **JFB Construction Holdings** (NASDAQ:JFB). **Eric Trump** is among the investors backing the deal.

The combined company is expected to trade under the ticker XTND. Once listed, XTND would provide investors with exposure to another fast-growing vertical of AI: autonomous defense systems.

## Defense AI Is Emerging As Wall Street's Next Big Trade

XTEND's core asset is its proprietary XOS operating system. XOS allows drones and robotic systems to execute complex missions across air, ground, and maritime environments.

The platform enables remote operations, keeping human operators out of harm's way — a capability becoming increasingly critical as global security risks intensify.

The merger provides more than just capital. It gives XTEND access to U.S.-based production infrastructure, with manufacturing anchored in Tampa, Florida. This positions the company to expand domestic, NDAA-compliant production as demand rises from the U.S. and allied nations.

## Strategic Investors Signal Growing Confidence In Autonomous Systems

Strategic backing includes Eric Trump and **Unusual Machines, Inc** (NYSE:UMAC), alongside several private investment firms. The deal also includes $152 million in committed capital, reinforcing investor confidence in autonomous defense as a long-term growth market.

XTEND shareholders expect to control roughly 70% of the combined company after the merger closes later this year.

As AI moves beyond software into real-world autonomy, defense robotics is emerging as one of its most consequential frontiers. What remains to be sees is whether Wall Street considers it as one of the most ‘investable’ frontiers.

*Image: Shutterstock*

### Related Stocks

- [JFB.US - JFB Construction](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/JFB.US.md)

## Related News & Research

| Title | Description | URL |
|-------|-------------|-----|
| Florida-based construction company surges on $1.5 billion merger with drone maker Xtend in pact backed by Eric Trump | Florida-based JFB Construction Holdings saw a 14% increase in premarket trading after announcing a $1.5 billion merger w | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/276138660.md) |
| Eric Trump Backs $1.5B Xtend Deal as JFB Shares Drop 43% | Eric Trump supports a $1.5 billion merger between drone manufacturer Xtend and JFB Construction Holdings, as JFB shares  | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/276265974.md) |
| JFB And XTEND Announce $1.5 Billion Deal To Establish A Nasdaq-Listed AI-Driven Autonomous Defense Robotics | JFB Construction Holdings and XTEND have announced a $1.5 billion business combination to create a Nasdaq-listed leader  | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/276134806.md) |
| JFB Construction Holdings Appoints Bill Dyer as Chief Operating Officer Amid Leadership Changes | JFB Construction Holdings has appointed Bill Dyer as Chief Operating Officer, effective September 22, 2025. Dyer has ove | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/258940993.md) |
| JFB Construction Begins $1.5 Million Prison Island Project in Indianapolis | JFB Construction Holdings has started construction on a $1.5 million "Prison Island" franchise in Indianapolis, Indiana. | [Link](https://longbridge.com/en/news/274976728.md) |

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> **Disclaimer**: This article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice.