Italy has signed a $46.6-million deal with AeroVironment for the delivery of Jump 20 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), set to replace its aging fleet of AAI RQ-7 Shadow drones.
The five-year contract includes engineering, technical support, and maintenance services from AeroVironment to ensure the UAVs are fully operational from day one.
The agreement aligns with the Italian Ministry of Defense’s technical and operational requirements, which emphasize acquiring modern, adaptable drones suited for dynamic and mobile missions.
“This contract builds on our history of supporting NATO allies with world-class uncrewed systems that reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation and mission success reinforcing our reputation as a trusted partner our customers can rely on,” Aerovironment VP and medium unmanned aerial systems general manager Shane Hastings said.
Details on the number of units to be delivered and their expected arrival date have not yet been disclosed.
Italy’s recent drone modernization push also includes a $738-million agreement with the US for six MQ-9 Reaper drones from General Atomics, adding to its existing fleet of five.
Built for Reconnaissance
The Jump 20 is designed for advanced multi-sensor intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It can take off and land without a runway or recovery equipment.
The drone boasts a flight endurance of over 13 hours, an operational range of 115 miles (185 kilometers), and can carry a payload of up to 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms).
It is equipped with an ARCAM 45D imaging sensor and a long-range EO/MWIR thermal camera system, complete with onboard tracking, stabilization, and video processing capabilities.
