Eric Trump Invests in Israeli Drone Maker's Merger

XTEND to go public through $1.5 billion deal with Florida construction firm

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Eric Trump, son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, is investing in a $1.5 billion merger between Israeli drone maker XTEND and Florida-based construction company JFB. The deal aims to take XTEND public, with the combined company to be renamed XTEND AI Robotics and listed on the Nasdaq exchange.

Why it matters

The Trump family has been expanding its business ventures since Donald Trump's return to office, including investments in cryptocurrency and military technology. This merger highlights the growing importance of drones and AI-enabled systems in both the commercial and defense sectors, as well as the continued involvement of the Trump family in emerging industries.

The details

The all-stock merger will see XTEND, which makes AI-enabled drone systems used by the U.S. Department of Defense and militaries around the world, combine with JFB Construction Holdings, a Florida-based firm. Drone maker Unusual Machines, which tapped Donald Trump Jr. as an advisor in 2024, is also investing in the merger. Other investors include Israel's Protego Ventures, Texas-based American Ventures, and Miami's Aliya Capital.

  • The merger is expected to close by the middle of 2026.
  • In November 2024, Unusual Machines tapped Donald Trump Jr. as an advisor.

The players

Eric Trump

Son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is investing in the XTEND merger.

XTEND

An Israeli drone maker whose AI-enabled systems are used by the U.S. Department of Defense and militaries around the world.

JFB Construction Holdings

A Florida-based construction firm that is merging with XTEND.

Unusual Machines

A drone maker that is also investing in the XTEND merger and tapped Donald Trump Jr. as an advisor in 2024.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The all-stock merger is expected to close by the middle of 2026, after which the joint company will be renamed to XTEND AI Robotics and will be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker 'XTND'.

The takeaway

This merger highlights the growing importance of drones and AI-enabled systems in both the commercial and defense sectors, as well as the continued involvement of the Trump family in emerging industries as they expand their business ventures.