Italy Acquires JUMP 20 Drones from U.S. to Modernize Its Surveillance Capabilities

Italy has taken a significant step toward modernizing its military drone fleet by selecting the JUMP 20 unmanned aircraft system from American drone maker AeroVironment. The Italian Ministry of Defence has signed a $46.6 million contract with the company, marking a major move to replace its older Shadow UAS systems with a more advanced, efficient, and versatile alternative.

Under this five-year agreement, AeroVironment will deliver not only the JUMP 20 drones but also engineering support, maintenance services, and on-site technical assistance. This ensures the systems will be ready for immediate use and operational effectiveness from day one.

The JUMP 20 stands out for its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, meaning it doesn’t need a runway to operate. This makes it ideal for deployment in remote or rugged locations. It has an impressive endurance of over 13 hours and can operate up to 185 kilometers away from its base. With a payload capacity of 30 pounds, it can carry multiple surveillance and communication tools simultaneously.

One of the key advantages of the JUMP 20 system is its expeditionary nature—it can be transported easily and launched autonomously without human intervention. This makes it a valuable asset for military missions that require quick deployment and flexibility.

Italy chose the JUMP 20 after a competitive selection process. The Ministry of Defence was looking for a system that could not only replace older technology but also meet the demanding technical and operational requirements of modern missions. AeroVironment’s offering fit the bill with its multi-payload flexibility and ability to integrate seamlessly with both current and future military systems.

AeroVironment highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating that it reinforces the company's commitment to supporting NATO allies with cutting-edge drone technology. The JUMP 20’s open systems architecture allows for quick upgrades and adaptability, ensuring it stays relevant as mission needs evolve.

This procurement strengthens Italy’s defense capabilities, especially in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. With the JUMP 20, Italy is not just upgrading its drone fleet—it’s preparing its armed forces for the complex demands of modern warfare.