AeroVironment and Spain’s Alpha Unmanned Systems have signed a deal to explore local maintenance, training, and technical support for the JUMP 20 drone.
The JUMP 20 is a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing, allowing it to operate without a runway.
The agreement pairs US drone manufacturer AeroVironment with Madrid-based Alpha, which builds unmanned helicopters and supplies control, tracking, and maritime surveillance equipment.
Initially focused on Spain, the cooperation would bring JUMP 20 into service, train operators, and provide maintenance locally and in operational areas.
Support could later expand to other European countries and Latin America.
Alongside these services, the companies will assess integrating Alpha’s GCASE station for flight control, GTRACK antennas for aircraft tracking, and an AIS module for receiving and displaying vessel identification and tracking data.
Spain Expands Drone Development
The agreement follows other Spanish initiatives involving drone interception, swarming technology, and manufacturing.
Last month, Indra unveiled DRIZZLE, an autonomous interceptor that can be carried by a larger drone to extend its reach.
Designed to counter hostile drones, it can exceed 400 kilometers (249 miles) per hour.
Electro-optical and infrared sensors guide its final approach, while a radar-equipped version is under development.
The interceptor is intended to operate within counter-drone defenses or protect vehicles and aircraft.
In June, Spain launched the FENIX project to develop a cooperative swarm of different drone types.
Under the initiative, Alpha Unmanned Systems supplies aircraft platforms, while UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía provides navigation and control technology.
The project aims to enable drones to exchange information and adjust their routes collectively during missions, rather than operate independently along fixed flight paths.