AI robotics company validated by the U.S. DoW and trialed with British Forces establishes sovereign manufacturing hub to support NATO-aligned autonomous defense capabilities

Tampa, FL, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JFB Construction Holdings (NASDAQ:JFB) today announced that XTEND, a leader in software systems and artificial intelligence-powered robotics, has launched its sovereign UK AI robotics XFAB in Swindon, England. The expansion follows an initial £1.93 million order supporting UK defense activities, with additional follow-on opportunities currently under discussion.

The facility, built on XTEND's proven, U.S. Department of War-validated localized XFAB model, is designed to deliver sovereign, rapidly deployable autonomous defense capabilities in support of UK national defense priorities and the broader transition of NATO-aligned forces toward autonomous, AI-driven warfare capabilities.

The expansion comes at a pivotal moment for UK defense, as the Ministry of Defence undergoes a transformation in how it fields war-fighting capabilities, with stated goals to double lethality by 2027 and triple it by 2030. These objectives require faster deployment cycles, reduced operator training burden, and AI-enabled operational systems capable of performing in contested and GNSS-denied environments, which XTEND believes it is positioned to facilitate. XTEND's capabilities have already been demonstrated through its deployment by the U.S. Department of War, including through its precision strike indoor and outdoor (PSIO) program, an AI-powered indoor and outdoor precision strike system that has passed live-fire testing and achieved NDAA compliance.

The expansion also reflects a broader shift across NATO forces toward software-defined, autonomous systems capable of operating in contested environments. The UK XFAB is positioned to serve as a gateway for supporting NATO and allied forces across Europe. XTEND plans to invest up to £20 million over time to expand its UK XFAB and sovereign operational capabilities.