The US Department of Defense has awarded XTEND Reality Inc., an Israeli drone technology firm, a multi-million-dollar contract to supply Affordable Close Quarter Modular Effects Drone Kits (ACQME-DK). The program, managed by the Office of Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, aims to equip small tactical teams with precision drone systems optimized for urban warfare and confined operational zones.
XTEND will carry out production and support activities from its Tampa, Florida headquarters, ensuring a reliable domestic manufacturing base for U.S. defense needs. The ACQME-DK kits are built around a modular, reconfigurable design, allowing operators to switch between reconnaissance, targeting, and attack configurations on demand, enhancing mission versatility and situational awareness.
Each system features XTEND’s Electronic Safe and Arm Device (ESAD) — a high-voltage safety mechanism that guarantees munitions are activated only under controlled authorization. The drones also utilize a dual-communication system combining fiber-optic and radio networks, providing real-time control over multiple drones without interference or latency, even in GPS-denied environments.
During the contract announcement, XTEND showcased its XOS mission operating system, a digital network architecture that integrates sensors, radar feeds, and weapon payloads under a unified control interface. The company noted that this innovation underscores the evolving nature of modern combat, where autonomous, human-guided systems are key to achieving faster, safer, and cost-efficient mission success in close-quarter and high-risk operations.
