XTI Aerospace shares surge 17.18% premarket after acquiring Drone Nerds and securing $25M strategic investment from Unusual Machines.

XTI Aerospace surged 17.18% in premarket trading following the announcement of its $40 million acquisition of Drone Nerds, a leading U.S. drone distributor, and a $25 million strategic investment from Unusual Machines. The deal expands XTI’s unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) capabilities, adding Drone Nerds’ $100 million annual revenue and enterprise solutions, while Unusual Machines’ investment—convertible into 19.9% of XTI’s shares—signals confidence in the combined entity’s growth. Management highlighted the acquisition as a foundational step to strengthen XTI’s vertical flight and UAS portfolio, aligning with U.S. efforts to bolster domestic drone leadership. The transaction, supported by recurring revenue potential and strategic industry partnerships, directly fueled the premarket rally.