The Israel Ministry of Defense announced that it has awarded a tender to XTEND for the supply of thousands of first-person view (FPV) drones, in a deal worth millions of dollars.
The drones will be delivered to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Ground Forces and are intended to enhance battlefield capabilities with advanced autonomous technologies.
The project is being led jointly by the IDF Ground Forces and the Technological and Logistics Directorate. The procurement will include training and instruction programs provided by XTEND, ensuring that units can integrate the drones effectively into their operational structure.
The Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) said the contract was managed by its Deputy for Air and Naval Procurement Unit. Officials framed the acquisition as part of a broader domestic procurement initiative known as “Blue and White,” designed to strengthen Israel’s defense production capacity while ensuring the IDF’s immediate and long-term operational needs.
IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram has advanced a comprehensive strategy to expand local production and increase the role of Israeli companies in meeting defense requirements. The ministry said this drone procurement is aligned with that plan, describing it as essential to maintaining a strong industrial base while supporting the Ground Forces’ ability to adapt to modern warfare challenges.
The FPV drones will provide the IDF with flexible capabilities for reconnaissance, targeting, and tactical operations in contested environments. Unlike traditional unmanned aerial systems, FPVs are optimized for precision maneuvers at close range, giving units a versatile tool for both offensive and defensive missions.
XTEND, the Israeli technology company behind the systems, develops advanced drone platforms with immersive control interfaces and autonomous functions. Its drones are already in service with several defense and homeland security agencies worldwide. The company says its technologies are designed to allow operators to perform complex missions more safely and efficiently, reducing risks to personnel.
The ministry emphasized that deliveries will take place over the coming months and will be accompanied by full training packages, ensuring a smooth transition into active service. The contract will also contribute to sustaining Israel’s domestic defense industry, one of the key goals outlined in the Defense Ministry’s long-term procurement strategy.