AeroVironment Unveils Jump 20-X UAS for Maritime Operations

AeroVironment, manufacturer of the US Army’s Switchblade drones, has unveiled its Jump 20-X unmanned aerial system (UAS) at IDEX 2025.

A “marinized” version of the company’s existing Jump-20 vertical take-off and landing fixed-wing uncrewed platform, the Jump 20-X is an artificial intelligence-equipped autonomous aircraft for maritime operations with cross-domain dominance. 

The UAS supports third-party payloads and radios in addition to Standardization Agreement-compliant communications for interoperability with NATO forces through its modular and open systems architecture.

“The JUMP 20-X is more than a UAS — it’s a force multiplier that delivers the unmatched versatility, efficiency, and reliability modern operators’ demand,” company VP and general manager of Medium Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Shane Hastings said.

“By combining cutting-edge autonomy, extended endurance, and a modular design, JUMP 20-X redefines what’s possible for maritime and expeditionary UAS operations in the most contested domains.”

Built for extreme maritime conditions, Jump 20-X integrates AI for precise and autonomous landings on moving vessels and is fitted with advanced navigation and anti-jamming technologies.

AeroVironment’s SPOTR-Edge computer vision technology is also fitted on the Jump 20-X, enabling automated object detection and classification.

The system is configurable to carry out missions including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as signals intelligence and electronic warfare, with a maximum multi-payload integration capacity of 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms). It can be deployed in less than 30 minutes.

As a group 3 UAS, it measures 9.5 feet (2.9 meters) long with a wingspan of 18.8 feet (5.7 meters) and a maximum gross take-off weight of 215 pounds (97.5 kilograms).

It is designed for long-range operations with more than 13 hours of endurance and a link range of 115 miles (185 kilometers) from its control station with beyond-line-of-sight capability.

Powered by a heavy fuel engine for enhanced operational flexibility, the maritime platform can cruise at a speed of 50 knots (93 kilometers/58 miles per hour) at a maximum altitude of 17,000 feet (5,182 meters).