AeroVironment has been awarded a $46.6 million contract by the Italian Ministry of Defence to deliver its JUMP 20 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) medium uncrewed aircraft system (MUAS). The five-year deal includes providing air vehicles, engineering services, initial sustainment, and on-site technical support to ensure immediate operational readiness.
The JUMP 20 system is designed for expeditionary missions, offering a payload capacity of 30 pounds, an endurance of over 13 hours, and an operational range of 185 kilometers. It can be easily transported and autonomously launched and recovered, without the need for personnel intervention.
Italy chose the JUMP 20 after a competitive procurement process aimed at replacing its Shadow UAS fleet with a modern, versatile solution. The system met the Italian Ministry’s strict technical and operational requirements.
Shane Hastings, AeroVironment’s Vice President and General Manager of Medium UAS, commented, “We are honored to strengthen our partnership with the Italian Ministry of Defence through the delivery of the JUMP 20, a system that enhances their operational capabilities.” He added, “This contract builds on our history of supporting NATO allies with world-class uncrewed systems, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted partner.”
The JUMP 20 offers advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) functions with multi-payload flexibility. It is fully interoperable with both current and future systems. Its Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) allows for fast integration, easy upgrades, and the adaptability required for evolving mission needs.
