AeroVironment Clinches $46.6M Contract with Italy for Revolutionary JUMP 20 VTOL Drone
AeroVironment (AV) has secured a $46.6 million contract from the Italian Ministry of Defence for the delivery of its combat-tested JUMP 20 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) medium uncrewed aircraft system (MUAS).
The five-year contract includes the provision of JUMP 20 aerial platforms, engineering support, initial upkeep, and on-site technical assistance—ensuring operational readiness from the outset. This agreement will empower the Italian armed forces to revitalize its outdated Shadow UAS fleet with a state-of-the-art, modular solution.
The JUMP 20 is a fixed-wing VTOL UAS with a 30-pound payload capability, boasting over 13 hours of flight endurance, and a range extending up to 185 kilometers. Engineered for expeditionary ISR missions, it features automated launch and recovery, minimizing crew workload.
“This contract strengthens our lasting partnership with NATO allies and highlights JUMP 20’s versatility in missions,” remarked Shane Hastings, VP and GM of Medium UAS at AeroVironment.
The JUMP 20 is developed using a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), ensuring flexibility for enhancements, integration, and multi-payload compatibility across evolving systems.
