Italy Modernizes Its Military Intelligence Capabilities with Acquisition of U.S. AeroVironment JUMP 20 VTOL Drones.

Italy has taken a major step in modernizing its Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities with the procurement of cutting-edge uncrewed aerial systems from U.S.-based AeroVironment (AV). On April 21, 2025, the Italian Ministry of Defence (MOD) officially announced the award of a $46.6 million contract to AeroVironment for the delivery of its JUMP® 20 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) medium uncrewed aircraft system (MUAS). This five-year contract encompasses the supply of air vehicles, engineering services, initial sustainment, and on-site technical support, ensuring rapid deployment and operational readiness from the outset.
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The U.S. AeroVironment JUMP 20 VTOL drone, selected by the Italian Ministry of Defence, offers advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities with vertical takeoff and landing efficiency. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The U.S. AeroVironment JUMP 20 is a sophisticated VTOL-capable, fixed-wing MUAS designed specifically for expeditionary operations. It offers a payload capacity of 30 pounds, an impressive endurance exceeding 13 hours, and a maximum operational range of 185 km (115 miles). One of the platform’s most strategic features is its autonomous launch and recovery capability, which eliminates the need for ground personnel during takeoff and landing. This functionality greatly enhances its suitability for dynamic, on-the-move military operations where logistical footprints must remain minimal.

With a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), the JUMP 20 supports seamless integration of new systems, rapid upgrades, and broad mission adaptability. This makes it particularly attractive to modern military forces seeking scalable ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) solutions capable of evolving alongside changing tactical demands. The system’s ability to accommodate multi-payload configurations further enhances its operational flexibility across a wide range of mission profiles.

This acquisition marks a strategic milestone for the Italian Armed Forces, as it replaces their aging fleet of Shadow UAS with a more advanced and adaptable solution. The selection of JUMP 20 followed a rigorous and highly competitive procurement process in which the platform demonstrated its ability to meet or exceed the MOD’s stringent technical and operational requirements. Its selection underscores Italy’s commitment to adopting forward-looking technologies that enhance situational awareness, mission efficiency, and force protection.

Shane Hastings, Vice President and General Manager of Medium UAS at AeroVironment, commented on the agreement, stating: “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. This contract builds on our history of supporting NATO allies with world-class uncrewed systems, reflecting our unwavering commitment to innovation and mission success.”

The partnership reinforces AeroVironment’s growing role as a trusted supplier of advanced uncrewed systems to NATO member states. As Italy integrates the JUMP 20 into its military architecture, it joins a cadre of forward-thinking defense forces prioritizing autonomous, modular, and mission-flexible UAS solutions. The acquisition of the JUMP 20 not only advances Italy’s ISR capability but also exemplifies the broader trend of investing in intelligent autonomous systems that redefine the future of modern warfare.