Jump 20 ordered by Italy

Italy has ordered the Jump 20 medium uncrewed aerial system (UAS) from AeroVironment under a $46.6 million (£35.48 million/€41.03 million) contract awarded by the Italian Ministry of Defence, according to a 21st April press release. 

The 5-year contract includes the procurement of the Jump 20, engineering services, and on-site technical support to replace the country’s existing RQ-7 Shadow 200 UAS, which it has operated since its acquisition in 2010. Italy initially procured four of the RQ-7s, but the quantity of Jump 20s being procured has not been released. 

Tech Profile: Jump 20

The Jump 20 has an endurance exceeding 13 hours of flight with an operational range of 185 km. Powered by a MOGAS (motor gasoline) 190cc EFI engine, it has a flight speed of 93 km/h and an operational altitude of 17,000 ft (5,181 metres).

Its payload capacity is 13.5kg, with a total weight of 97.5kg. The payload enables the Jump 20 to carry a variety of sensors, including the ALTICAM 09 09EO960 electro-optical imaging sensor or the 09EOIR3, a mid-wave infrared HD electro-optical imaging sensor, L3HARRIS’ WESCAM MX-8 or the TRILLIUM HD80, suitable for day operations, and the TRILLIUM HD95, suitable for both day and night operations.

The JUMP 20’s VTOL capabilities and ACE (autonomous control engine) enables the UAS to conduct take-off and landing on both static and moving platforms in GPS-denied environments and is accurate up to 10 cm. The design has also evolved into the Jump 20X, which is a maritime version of the drone. 

Calibre Comment

Italy is under pressure to increase its defence budget after being a low-performer in NATO in terms of spending. A significant proportion of its annual budget goes to personnel and pensions with a correspondingly low amount going to equipment and procurement. Nevertheless, it has announced ambitious plans to procure the KF41 Lynx and KF51 Panther from Rheinmetall, as well as the M142 HIMARS from Lockheed Martin. Systems like the Jump 20 will provide important contributions in terms of the ISTAR capabilities needed to support all of the country’s land warfare components. However, there is reportedly domestic pushback against the increased spending at the route to the additional funds that will be required just to meet the 2% of GDP target is unclear. 

By Austin Haywood and Sam Cranny-Evans, published on 23rd April 2025.