AeroVironment has partnered with Spain’s Alpha Unmanned Systems to explore local maintenance, operator training and technical support for the JUMP 20 unmanned aircraft. The JUMP 20 is a fixed-wing drone with vertical takeoff and landing capability, enabling operations without a conventional runway. The initial agreement focuses on supporting its introduction into Spain, including training personnel and providing maintenance both within the country and in operational environments. The partnership could eventually extend to other European markets and Latin America. The companies will also assess integrating Alpha’s GCASE flight-control station, GTRACK tracking antennas and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) module for maritime vessel identification and tracking. The cooperation comes amid wider Spanish investment in unmanned and counter-drone technologies. Indra recently introduced DRIZZLE, an autonomous interceptor designed to be carried by a larger drone and capable of exceeding 400 kilometres per hour. Spain has also launched the FENIX project to develop coordinated drone swarms. Alpha supplies aircraft platforms for the initiative, while UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía contributes navigation and control technology. The programme aims to allow different drones to exchange information and coordinate their routes during missions.
