Tampa-based XTEND AI Robotics plans to open a manufacturing, integration and support hub in Mexico, where the federal government has budgeted roughly $17.5 billion for defense and security in 2026. Called XFAB Mexico, the operation will handle manufacturing, system integration, technical support and customer operations as XTEND pursues work with Mexican defense, security and critical-infrastructure agencies.
XTEND announced the expansion Sept. 15, less than two weeks after closing its combination with JFB Construction Holdings, a deal that raised $110 million and took XTEND public on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker XTND. XFAB Mexico will join the company’s manufacturing and support hubs in the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Israel and Latvia, although XTEND has not said where it will go, how much it will invest, how many people it will hire or when it will open.
XTEND expects to focus first on defense, where it already sells XOS-powered drones, robots and robotic subsystems for high-risk operations. Mexico’s 2026 budget puts MXN 170.75 billion toward national defense, MXN 65.93 billion toward the Navy and MXN 60.11 billion toward security and citizen protection — about $17.5 billion combined. XTEND plans to work with Mexican institutions and companies on the armed forces’ needs and pursue work in public security, border protection, counter-drone operations and critical-infrastructure security.
Shapira, whose company says it has deployed more than 12,500 systems across 30 countries and five combat zones, called Mexico “a significant opportunity for XTEND and another important step in expanding our global operating footprint.” Shapira said Mexico’s defense needs, industrial base and technical workforce also factored into the decision.
Michaelle Fastlicht, XTEND Mexico’s general manager, will lead the operation and build its relationships with government, defense, security and industry. XTEND said the hub will use Mexican suppliers and technical workers and provide training and support locally.
Five days after XTEND’s NYSE debut, German drone maker Quantum Systems said it would integrate XTEND’s autonomous technology into its MOSAIC mission-software ecosystem.