Italy has inked a $46.6 million contract with AeroVironment to procure Jump 20 fixed-wing UAVs, which will replace its aging RQ-7 Shadow drone fleet. The five-year agreement includes comprehensive engineering, technical, and maintenance support to ensure seamless integration and immediate operational readiness. Aligned with Italy’s evolving defense needs, the Jump 20 offers runway-independent takeoff and landing, 13+ hours of flight endurance, a 185-kilometer range, and supports a 13.6-kilogram payload. It’s equipped with the ARCAM 45D sensor and a long-range thermal imaging system for advanced ISR operations.
