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AeroVironment (AV), a Virginia-based tech company, has introduced its next-generation JUMP 20-X vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The drone, announced at the 2025 International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, is designed to tackle complex missions in multi-domain environments, with a primary focus on maritime operations.
With a range of 185 km, the JUMP 20-X is engineered for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions, offering real-time capabilities beyond line of sight (BLOS). It can carry up to 13 kg of multi-payloads, making it highly customizable for diverse mission needs, from intelligence gathering (SIGINT, COMINT, VISINT) to precision strike operations.
The JUMP 20-X stands out with its advanced heavy-fuel engine, capable of running on multiple fuel types, making it highly adaptable for logistics and refueling in varied maritime and expeditionary environments. This ensures that the drone can operate in remote locations with ease, while offering an impressive 13-hour flight endurance and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) connectivity.
The JUMP 20-X provides seamless integration with existing military networks and technologies. Its modularity and open architecture ensure the drone remains future-proof, ready to meet evolving mission demands across forces.
Built for high-performance in demanding conditions, the JUMP 20-X integrates artificial intelligence (AI) for sophisticated autonomous takeoff and landing. The drone also features AV’s SPOTR-Edge computer vision technology, enhancing its ability to detect and classify objects, including hostile targets, in real-time.
Shane Hastings, AV’s vice president and general manager of Medium Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, emphasized that the JUMP 20-X is not just a UAS—it is a force multiplier, offering unparalleled versatility and efficiency for modern maritime and expeditionary operations.
With its cutting-edge capabilities, the JUMP 20-X sets a new standard for uncrewed aircraft systems in contested environments.
