The Jump-20 uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) procurement will replace Italy’s RQ-7 Shadow UAS fleet.
The Italian Ministry of Defence has acquired Jump-20 uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) from AeroVironment, via a contract worth US$46.6 million, the company has announced.
The five-year contract covers the procurement of the UAVs, alongside the engineering services, initial sustainment and technical support required to use them effectively.
The Jump-20 fleet will be used to replace the Italian Armed Forces’ AAI RQ-7 Shadow UAS fleet for tactical ISR missions, according to AeroVironment. Four Shadow UAVs were first acquired by Italy in 2010 and according to Shephard Defence Insight, the country now operates 64 vehicles of the type.
Further UAV procurement planned for Italy
Italy has previously allocated budget to replace and upgrade its current UAS capabilities. A ministerial decree in 2024 clarified that the remaining 2023-2025 Italian budget of €170.11 million ($189.74 million) from its multi-year planning document, first launched in 2023, would be used to acquire additional fixed-wing, rotary-wing or VTOL UAV systems.
As reported by Army Recognition, on 1 April 2025, a preliminary contractual document was authorised by the Italian MoD, which mandated that the Directorate for Aeronautical Armaments (DAAA) acquire additional MQ-27 ScanEagle UAS and related materials to integrate aboard FREMM-class naval units.
The total purchase order amount noted in the document for the systems and materials was €19.35 million ($22.2 million).