Trump Son Eric Backs $1.5B Israeli Drone Company Merger Deal

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:19 AM

Eric Trump is backing a massive $1.5 billion business deal that would merge Israeli drone manufacturer XTEND with a Florida construction company. The merger reflects the Trump family's expanding business interests since Donald Trump returned to the presidency.

The son of President Donald Trump is putting money behind a massive business deal involving cutting-edge military technology. Eric Trump has joined a $1.5 billion transaction that would combine Israeli drone manufacturer XTEND with Florida construction company JFB Construction Holdings, according to an announcement made Tuesday.

The deal also includes investment from drone company Unusual Machines, which brought on Donald Trump Jr. as an advisor last November. JFB Construction Holdings revealed these details in their official statement this week.

This latest venture represents part of the Trump family’s growing portfolio of business activities following Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. The family has already generated approximately $800 million through cryptocurrency ventures in just the first six months of 2025.

The timing coincides with surging demand for drone technology, particularly as these unmanned aircraft have become essential Pentagon purchases and crucial tools in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict. Traditional fighter jets face significant challenges in Ukrainian airspace due to sophisticated air defense networks positioned along battle zones.

Military drone success has sparked increased Silicon Valley funding for drone manufacturers and artificial intelligence defense companies, boosting valuations for American firms like Anduril Industries and Shield AI.

XTEND’s artificial intelligence-powered drone systems currently serve multiple government clients, including the U.S. Department of Defense, Singapore’s military, European nations, the United Kingdom, and Israel’s armed forces, according to July 2025 data.

Additional financial backing for the XTEND transaction comes from several investment groups: Israel’s Protego Ventures, Texas real estate developer American Ventures, and Miami-based Aliya Capital.

Company officials expect the stock-based merger to finalize by mid-2026. Following completion, the combined entity will operate under the name XTEND AI Robotics and trade on the Nasdaq exchange using the symbol “XTND.”

More from TV Delmarva Channel 33 News

  • French Officials Free Russian Oil Tanker After Multimillion-Euro Fine

    French authorities have released a tanker believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet used to evade oil sanctions. The vessel paid a penalty worth several million euros after being detained for three weeks in a Mediterranean port.

  • Colbert Says CBS Lawyers Blocked Texas Democrat Interview Over FCC Rules

    Talk show host Stephen Colbert revealed that CBS attorneys prevented him from airing an interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico due to new FCC equal time requirements. The incident highlights how Trump administration broadcasting guidelines are affecting late-night television programming.

  • US Military Strikes Kill 11 in Drug Boat Operations

    American forces conducted deadly operations against three suspected drug smuggling vessels in Latin American waters Monday, resulting in 11 fatalities. The attacks are part of an ongoing campaign that has claimed at least 145 lives since September.

  • Conservation Groups Sue Over National Park Exhibit Removals

    Multiple conservation and historical organizations have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the removal of exhibits about slavery, civil rights, and climate science from national parks. The legal action comes after a federal judge ordered the restoration of exhibits about enslaved people at George Washington's former Philadelphia residence.