#USA #Tampa #XTEND Reality #drone systems #Tampa facility

XTEND Reality Inc. Launches New U.S. Headquarters in Tampa

On July 1, 2025, XTEND Reality Inc., a prominent player in the field of human-guided autonomous drone systems, officially launched its new U.S. headquarters and drone production facility in Tampa, Florida. This significant event was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a blend of federal, state, and local officials, as well as military representatives.

The establishment of this facility is a crucial move towards enhancing America’s capabilities in drone manufacturing. According to the company, the new production hub will focus on the development and integration of advanced drone technology that supports vital U.S. defense operations while also catalyzing economic growth in the region.

Aviv Shapira, the CEO and co-founder of XTEND, expressed that the facility signifies not just an expansion of the company’s operations but a commitment to fortifying America’s defense capabilities. He stated, “We are not just building drones; we are building capabilities, resilience, and trust. This facility marks a new chapter for XTEND in the United States, reflecting our dedication to delivering cutting-edge, mission-ready systems.”

Founded in 2018 by brothers Aviv and Matteo Shapira alongside Rubi Liani, XTEND grew from its innovative roots with the acquisition of Replay Technologies by Intel. Now, XTEND aims to provide operators with unprecedented levels of control, safety, and performance in challenging environments which is a step change in human-machine collaboration within the defense sector.

The facility will enable the rapid production and provisioning of the Group 1 drones under contract for the U.S. Department of Defense, with future plans for expanding manufacturing capabilities to include various critical drone components, thus servicing a larger segment of the drone industry. This expansion is an essential response to increasing demands for advanced operational systems across defense and public safety sectors.

The introduction of this facility is timely, as there is a growing federal insistence on enhancing domestic drone technologies, which not only reduces dependence on foreign manufacturing but also strengthens national security.

Roy Levy, XTEND's Vice President and U.S. General Manager, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “Establishing a U.S. production facility is not merely about business. It represents a partnership that enhances America’s defense innovation ecosystem. XTEND is here to ensure systems are delivered at mission pace, ensuring reliability without compromise.”

The potential of the new facility also extends to job creation, with dozens of high-tech positions expected to emerge in the coming years. This development further cements Florida's position as a burgeoning hub for aerospace and defense manufacturing, bolstering both local and national economies.

Dr. Peter Kash, Chairman of the Board, emphasized the importance of this establishment, indicating that it lays the groundwork for ongoing growth and the emergence of meaningful contributions to the U.S. security sector.

XTEND Reality Inc. has positioned itself at the forefront of defense technology innovation by specializing in AI-assisted, human-guided drone systems. Their mission is to elevate the effectiveness of remote operators in tactical scenarios across defense, public safety, and private security arenas. The core of their innovation lies in the XTEND Operating System (XOS) which harmonizes human decision-making with machine autonomy, effectively enabling operators to undertake intricate missions securely and efficiently.

As XTEND moves forward, the company remains committed to its goal of revolutionizing the field of tactical drone control, aiming to ensure the safety and success of operators in the diverse and demanding landscapes of modern warfare.