Italy has finalized a $46.6-million contract with AeroVironment for the acquisition of Jump 20 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), marking a significant leap in the modernization of its military drone fleet. This five-year agreement is intended to phase out the country’s aging AAI RQ-7 Shadow drones and to provide the Italian Armed Forces with advanced, reliable aerial capabilities tailored for fluid, dynamic operational environments. As part of this deal, AeroVironment will provide comprehensive engineering support, technical expertise, and ongoing maintenance to ensure that these sophisticated UAVs are fully operational from the outset and remain mission capable throughout their service life.
The Jump 20 platform is specifically engineered to accommodate multi-sensor intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, supporting Italy’s focus on flexible, deployable assets. One of its key advantages is the ability to launch and land without requiring a runway or complex recovery equipment, vastly increasing deployment options across austere and remote settings. Furthermore, the UAV can sustain flight for more than 13 hours and boasts an impressive operational radius of 115 miles (185 kilometers) while carrying up to 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms) in mission payloads.
Equipped with advanced ARCAM 45D imaging sensors and a long-range electro-optic/mid-wave infrared (EO/MWIR) thermal camera, the Jump 20 delivers real-time video, specialized tracking, image stabilization, and robust data processing—enhancing battlefield awareness and actionable intelligence. These technical features meet stringent requirements set by the Italian Ministry of Defense for multi-role adaptability, resilience, and improved performance across any environment. This procurement marks a decisive step in reinforcing Italy’s reconnaissance and force protection capabilities for years to come.
