AeroVironment has signed a memorandum of understanding with Korean Air, establishing a partnership focused on integrating and adapting the JUMP 20 medium unmanned aircraft system to meet South Korea’s defense requirements.
The agreement provides a framework for future joint research, innovation and local production in support of the Korean Ministry of National Defense’s ongoing efforts to expand domestic unmanned systems infrastructure and manufacturing capability, AV said Tuesday.
What Will the Partnership Involve?
Under the MOU, the companies will collaborate on tailoring the JUMP 20 Group 3 vertical takeoff and landing, fixed-wing aircraft to operational needs specific to Korea’s defense missions. The initiative will pair AV’s unmanned systems expertise with Korean Air’s defense ecosystem to deliver a mission-ready MUAS technology that could address regional and global defense challenges.
“This agreement signals our growing international footprint, market presence, and commitment to delivering adaptable solutions in collaboration with trusted, in-country partners around the world,” said Larry Satterfield, AV’s senior director of business development for the Asia Pacific. “With incredible mission flexibility and a rapidly growing global demand for the platform, JUMP 20 will anchor our partnership with Korean Air and meet Korea’s emerging defense needs.”
What Are the Capabilities of the JUMP 20?
The JUMP 20 Group 3 UAS is designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It provides over 13 hours of endurance, a range of 185 kilometers and supports a 30-pound payload capacity.
The aircraft is runway independent and can be launched and recovered without dedicated equipment, becoming operational in under 30 minutes. Its modular design supports multiple payload configurations, including the ARCAM 45D sensor and long-range electro-optical/mid-wave infrared systems. The MUAS also incorporates AV’s ACE, short for Autonomous Control Engine, enabling precise launch and landing in dynamic or GPS-denied environments.
The JUMP 20 has been fielded by several NATO member nations, including Denmark and Italy.