Patent protects key foundational technology supporting AI-powered autonomous mission execution  TAMPA, Fla., June  30, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JFB Construction Holdings (NASDAQ:JFB) announced today that XTEND, a

XTEND Secures U.S. Patent Protecting Autonomous Navigation Technology for Unmanned Systems

JFB-XTEND merger advances autonomous robotics platform; potential value shift for investors

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 <h3>Information</h3>
 Patent protects key foundational technology supporting AI-powered autonomous mission execution TAMPA, Fla., June 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JFB Construction Holdings (NASDAQ:JFB) announced today that XTEND, a
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 <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
 <h3>AI Summary</h3>
 XTEND&#039;s patent strengthens its autonomous navigation tech, underpinning a planned all-stock merger with JFB. The deal would form XTEND AI Robotics, trading as XTND, and leverages investor backing from high-profile funds. If closing, the combined company could affect JFB&#039;s valuation, cash flow dynamics, and strategic direction in defense tech.
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 <h3>Key Points</h3>
 <ul><li>XTEND patent protects autonomous UAV navigation tech (U.S. No. 12,222,735) and Israel.</li><li>JFB-XTEND all-stock merger announced Feb 17, 2026; post-close ticker XTND.</li><li>Combined entity to be named XTEND AI Robotics; NASDAQ listing under XTND.</li><li>Investors include Eric Trump, Unusual Machines, American Ventures, Protego, Aliya Capital.</li><li>News highlights potential material impact on JFB&#039;s future cash flow and valuation.</li></ul>
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 <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
 <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
 <ul><li>XTEND (XTND): Patented autonomous navigation tech; merger counterparty; potential software moat.</li><li>JFB Construction Holdings (JFB): M&amp;A target; potential premium and ownership dilution risk; pro forma implications.</li><li>Eric Trump (NA): Strategic investor backing; indicates high-profile support but no stock price linkage.</li><li>Unusual Machines (NA): Strategic backer; could unlock additional capital for the combined entity.</li><li>Protego Ventures (NA): Investor in the deal; provides strategic resources and capital backing.</li></ul>
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 <h3>M&amp;A</h3>
 Category: M&amp;A / Corporate Developments in AI robotics. The article centers on the JFB-XTEND merger and its IP moat, fitting a structural deal event with strategic implications for both companies.
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 <section data-block="market-moving">
 <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
 <ul><li>Definitive all-stock merger terms shift ownership and post-close valuation.</li><li>XTEND patent strength supports higher moat for the combined platform.</li><li>XTND ticker transition introduces near-term price visibility risk until close.</li><li>High-profile backers may unlock additional capital for the merged company.</li></ul>
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 <section data-block="key-facts">
 <h3>Key Facts</h3>
 <ul><li>U.S. Patent No. 12,222,735 granted to XTEND for autonomous navigation.</li><li>Israel patent protection also granted.</li><li>Feb 17, 2026: JFB and XTEND announced definitive all-stock merger.</li><li>Post-close, entity to be renamed XTEND AI Robotics and listed on NASDAQ under XTND.</li><li>XTEND reports 10,000+ systems deployed in 30 countries.</li></ul>
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 <section data-block="trading-thesis">
 <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
 Bullish near-term on merger optimism; long-term depends on closing and successful integration.
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<link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/styles/gnw_nitf.css"></link>Patent protects key foundational technology supporting AI-powered autonomous mission execution TAMPA, Fla., June 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JFB Construction Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/JFB">JFB</a>) announced today that <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=WzPJCtCoWSkZuAH1w0zza604VH5warxBy4w_865sOrXylXyG0mQsvwH-wuXRLi6HFp5QUbjxZ0tHwdpfujkUmA==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">XTEND</a>, a leader in software systems and artificial intelligence-powered robotics, has secured a U.S. patent protecting its technology that enables unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to autonomously navigate toward operator-designated mission objectives in dynamic and unfamiliar environments. U.S. Patent No. 12,222,735, with corresponding patent protection also granted in Israel, covers technology that enables continuous direction of an unmanned vehicle toward a user-marked destination, independent of the surrounding environment. The invention enables autonomous systems to adapt their navigation while maintaining progress toward designated mission objectives, reducing operator workload and supporting reliable mission execution in complex operational environments. <img height="267.0px" name="GNW_RichHtml_IMG" src="https://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/c33105db-1391-4ec8-98db-a289eb509d37/image3.jpeg" width="400.56px" data-dpi="220" data-filename="image3.jpeg"></img> As autonomous systems become increasingly central to defense, public safety, and critical infrastructure missions, operators often must execute missions in environments that cannot be fully mapped or predicted in advance. XTEND&#39;s patented technology enables unmanned systems to navigate evolving terrain, structures, obstacles, and operational conditions while maintaining focus on the designated objective, helping improve operational efficiency and mission continuity. The patented technology complements XTEND&#39;s broader autonomy architecture powered by the company&#39;s proprietary XOS operating system (XOS), which enables operators to supervise, coordinate, and deploy autonomous robotic systems across air, ground, and maritime domains. By combining artificial intelligence, autonomy, and human decision-making, XOS translates operator intent into coordinated autonomous actions, allowing a single operator to extend operational reach while maintaining meaningful human oversight across increasingly complex missions. <img height="294.41px" name="GNW_RichHtml_IMG" src="https://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/8091c1ca-60ec-4bc5-8dc7-ac9bdffcda02/image4.png" width="441.67px" data-dpi="150" data-filename="image4.png"></img> &#34;Autonomy is not simply about moving a robot from point A to point B. It is about translating human intent into reliable mission execution, even in unfamiliar, dynamic environments,&#34; said Aviv Shapira, Co-Founder and CEO of XTEND. &#34;This patent aims to protect technology that enables operators to focus on the mission while autonomous systems manage the complexity of navigation. As autonomous operations continue to expand across defense, security, and public safety applications, protecting these foundational technologies strengthens our competitive position and reinforces XOS as the software foundation for the next generation of autonomous robotic systems.&#34; The newly granted patent further expands XTEND&#39;s growing intellectual property portfolio supporting autonomous navigation, operator assistance, and mission execution technologies that underpin the Company&#39;s AI-powered autonomous systems. The patent reflects XTEND&#39;s continued investment in the foundational software technologies driving the future of autonomous operations. +++++ To sign up to receive press releases in real time, please visit <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=pbjYPtYFZP7Y5OqfAnP-C0J4jnNoy7YORHiPxBHbGEn3pDJdAPIH15KrIvQsRn0_MDC6ME0mzv86AnhjDQA29w==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ir.xtend.me</a>. +++ As announced on February 17, 2026, JFB Construction Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/JFB">JFB</a>) and XTEND entered into a definitive agreement to combine with XTEND in an all-stock transaction. The business combination is further supported by strategic investments from Eric Trump, Unusual Machines, American Ventures, LLC, Protego Ventures, and Aliya Capital. Following the closing of the business combination, the joint company is expected to be renamed XTEND AI Robotics and be listed on a U.S. national securities exchange under the ticker symbol "XTND." Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Xtend&#39;s patent and its ability to protect its intellectual property. Such statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described. Xtend undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. For a discussion of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, please refer to Xtend&#39;s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. About Xtend XTEND is a leader in software systems and artificial intelligence-powered robotics, deployed in high-threat, complex operational environments where human exposure carries significant risk. Powered by its proprietary XTEND Operating System (XOS), XTEND’s integrated software and advanced robotic hardware solutions are designed to provide autonomy at the edge. Operating across defense, law enforcement, and private security missions through a platform of robots, drones, and robotic subsystems, XTEND’s open architecture platform facilitates scalability across partners and third-party applications. With over 10,000 systems deployed in over 30 countries, XTEND’s solutions have been validated in five combat zones and operationally deployed by national defense, special-mission units, and security organizations across the globe. Founded in Tel Aviv, Israel, and headquartered in Tampa, Florida, XTEND delivers NDAA-compliant solutions through a global network of regional XFAB manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., the U.K., Singapore, Israel, and Latvia. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=KwS_24uL3fTFGm9RX0aFzyd_LnW7yUZAk7BEpN2QLSZrQjPnx1h-OH1fCOym7nNXBziKh74Y2RKR57C8c0EDvQ==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.xtend.me</a>. About JFB Construction Holdings JFB Construction Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/JFB">JFB</a>) is a real estate development and construction company that has provided general contracting and construction management services in 36 U.S. states. For more information, visit the company’s SEC filings at <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=hVyOX7DDj86hDgS8zDjjt4et1XlY9Q2FQBwxD9iBuzYh0SUCsMT6vMQ59dmjJBzxFkuhGU5tixEDNq0856KKBA==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a>. Important Information for Investors and Stockholders This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to, and does not, constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any issuance or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. In connection with the transaction, NewCo and JFB filed a registration statement on Form S-4. Investors and security holders are urged to read the information statement/prospectus or registration statement and any other documents filed with the SEC carefully and in their entirety when they become available. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by JFB will be available free of charge at <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=hVyOX7DDj86hDgS8zDjjtxtu4SE14NPihDcZuQKlC5ECc4obZ2szvoQldrDk-Y7pAa8IYs-at363l8j5o0wX0A==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.sec.gov</a>. JFB Construction Holdings Contact: CORE IR Mike Mason 516-222-2560 <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=_eQ1k6I0AlgUGnOzWjhwgoundG0ZosFqddVaeBJ4l6UGBWRvdspSEQyYSlxfJoI5yoI_J6KQymHVv3TVhak55YJ-tBqRigoSjn8zqt28FMdWPRucpd-XcAhtRAJ1Y3Md" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">investors@jfbconstruction.net</a> XTEND Media Contact: Headline Media Sarah Small 929-255-1449 <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=0nIAfvtm0SEXvo6SSBcwdBHijGkfdjmXvm1ON5xpAC9Oeh9drbKJz3wwDUDlgWMqXMSDkqTlKUqJd8ttZGY0nhWWZJ5_sFtYYf4vBz0CczQ=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sarah@headline.media</a> XTEND Investor Relations: MZ North America Shannon Devine 203-741-8811 <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=iUKzYb81W3avrnNR9kfdLh78Tf7uIM0pmYsZ9DGyKuRny0N4uUa9oiArR-iGYXrf92-XXQuJae70vcng2ZI8eKHmRQPUs8cQS8Ce1C3lxlQ=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">XTND@mzgroup.us</a> <img alt="" class="__GNW8366DE3E__IMG" src="https://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/ti?nf=OTc1NDc2MCM3Njg0ODE2IzUwMDEzMzI4Mw=="></img> <img alt="" src="https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/ZWFkN2I3ZjctZTg2NC00ODExLWE4N2ItOWFhMWJjZmYyOTA3LTUwMDEzMzI4My0yMDI2LTA2LTMwLWVu/tiny/JFB-Construction-Holdings.png" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></img><a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6fd94e26-0ec8-43f9-99b9-2f4311a14ec0"><img src="https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/6fd94e26-0ec8-43f9-99b9-2f4311a14ec0/small/secondary-logo-png.png" border="0" width="150" height="120" alt="Primary Logo"></img></a>

XTEND's patent strengthens its autonomous navigation tech, underpinning a planned all-stock merger with JFB. The deal would form XTEND AI Robotics, trading as XTND, and leverages investor backing from high-profile funds. If closing, the combined company could affect JFB's valuation, cash flow dynamics, and strategic direction in defense tech.

XTEND Secures U.S. Patent Protecting Autonomous Navigation Technology for Unmanned Systems

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