Us Department Of Defense Approves 88M Investment In Xtends Ai-Powered Tactical Drone Technology

XTEND Secures $8.8M Contract with US Department of Defense for AI-Driven Tactical Drones

The company has secured an $8.8 million contract from the US Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate to develop and deploy its Precision Strike Indoor & Outdoor (PSIO) small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS). This contract marks a significant milestone in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tactical drone technology into modern defense strategies.

The PSIO sUAS represents a revolutionary advancement in loitering munitions, enabling real-time precision strikes with minimal operator involvement. Leveraging advanced AI algorithms, this system can operate in urban and open-field settings, enhancing tactical flexibility and increasing mission success rates for military operators. Deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025, following rigorous live-fire testing and safety assessments.

XTEND’s collaboration with IWTSD has been instrumental in developing this technology. The PSIO sUAS has already proven its effectiveness in recent global conflicts and is currently used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). By combining AI with operational functionality, the PSIO sUAS enables military units to execute complex missions in challenging environments.

Manufacturing will occur in the US, with facilities in Florida and North Carolina contributing to production. This commitment to domestic production ensures that the PSIO sUAS meets all necessary standards, aligning with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The contract highlights the growing importance of domestic production and compliance. The Israel Defense Forces’ adoption of the PSIO sUAS demonstrates the effectiveness of XTEND’s technology in real-world applications. The company’s focus on delivering AI-driven solutions for defense, law enforcement, and security applications worldwide positions it at the forefront of this emerging market.

As the US Department of Defense continues to explore innovative solutions to enhance operational capabilities, the PSIO sUAS is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of modern defense strategies.