Israel has awarded Xtend a procurement deal for 5,000 FPV attack drones, marking a significant step in expanding unmanned strike capabilities at the tactical level. Valued at approximately 20 million shekels ($5.87M), the deal includes command stations and VR glasses to immerse operators in first-person control of the drones. Each compact drone, just 25 cm in size, is capable of carrying payloads of 2.5 kilograms, enough for explosives or mission-specific gear. In addition, the tender allows for an optional purchase of another 5,000 drones. Fielding is expected to occur at the combat battalion level, enhancing frontline units’ effectiveness in contested areas. By introducing mass-produced, low-cost drones, Israel aims to address the evolving demands of asymmetric warfare and bolster adaptability against threats in urban and open terrain.
