The Italian Ministry of Defense has awarded a $46.6 million contract to AeroVironment for Jump 20 UAVs as part of efforts to modernize its drone capabilities. Replacing the outdated RQ-7 Shadow systems, the contract also includes a five-year support package covering engineering and maintenance. Designed for high-end ISR missions, the Jump 20 features vertical takeoff and landing, over 13 hours of endurance, and advanced sensor payloads such as the ARCAM 45D and EO/MWIR thermal cameras for real-time surveillance and reconnaissance.
