Over 9,000 kilometers away, but still in control ft. Aviv Shapira from Xtend

No pilots? No GPS? No problem!

Xtend CEO Aviv Shapira is building the most advanced AI drone systems in the world - and they're already being used in Gaza, Lebanon, and Ukraine.

We sat down with Aviv at Xtend HQ to break down:
🧠 How AI pilots can fly swarms of drones autonomously
🏙️ Why GPS-denied environments are no longer a limitation
🛰️ What really happened during the drone strike deep inside Russia
🇨🇳 How China’s drone dominance is reshaping global security
⚔️ And why tanks and fighter jets are becoming... obsolete?

Aviv isn’t just another founder in defense tech.
Before Xtend, he co-founded Replay Technologies, the Emmy-winning startup behind the FreeD volumetric video system used in the NFL, NBA, and by Intel - which acquired it for $200M.
Today, he’s applying that same deep-tech mindset to transform how humans and machines interact on the battlefield and beyond.

From AI swarms to drone summoning to replacing boots on the ground, this episode is a front-row seat to the future of autonomous warfare, made in 🇮🇱 Israel.

👇 What’s more dangerous: the swarm, or the country falling behind on building one?

Shorts of the Week

Israel's Innovation Surge Didn't Happen by Accident - Ft Chemi Perez of Pitango

Israel Has More Potential Than Silicon Valley. - Ft Jason Wolf of Iron Nation

AI Can Code, But Can It Handle Your Data Nightmare? - Ft. Meni Shmueli of DataFlint

This Week in Israeli Tech News

1. Aidoc Raises $150M to Expand Clinical AI Platform

   Aidoc just locked in $150M (including $40M in debt) to grow its real-time clinical decision support into oncology and surgical care. Already active in 2,000+ hospitals, it’s building the AI operating layer for modern medicine.

2. April Secures $38M to Fix US Taxes with AI

   April just became the first startup since 2008 to win regulatory approval to operate its tax platform in all 50 U.S. states.

3. New Era Capital Closes $120M to Back Post-War AI Startups

   New Era’s third fund will support early-stage Israeli companies in cyber, fintech, mobility, and enterprise AI - betting on resilience, smart teams, and post-crisis momentum.

4. Octup Raises $12M to Bring AI to 3PL Operations

   Octup’s AI platform is helping logistics teams move faster with forecasting, exception management, and SLA tracking, all in real time.

5. Daylight Security Emerges from Stealth with $7M for Hybrid MDR

   Daylight blends automated AI agents with human analysts to help enterprises cut response times and reduce alert fatigue.

Culture Corner

Israel’s Land Authority has unveiled a proposal to build a massive solar field in the Negev Desert—an area twice the size of Tel Aviv. The project is designed to help Israel reach its target of generating 30% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. But the plan has ignited criticism from environmentalists and local councils who fear it will permanently scar the open vistas near Mitzpe Ramon, a renowned natural landmark and tourist hub. Supporters, including the Energy Ministry and the mayor of Dimona, argue the project will yield major economic and energy benefits. The Environmental Protection Ministry is urging a full national strategy and environmental review before any construction begins; if approved, planning will continue through December 2027, with the potential to generate up to 10 gigawatts—roughly the output of a major power plant.

Hear the full story in the Israel Daily News podcast.

Our Replies Are OPEN!

We love hearing from you! Got a comment on a video? A news tip we should highlight? Drop us a message - your voice is crucial in helping us democratize the Israeli tech ecosystem, and we’re listening!

More from IsraelTech

So You Enjoyed the Newsletter, But Are You Subscribed?