ARLINGTON, Va., — April 2, 2026 : AeroVironment, Inc. has been selected by the United States Navy to provide Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) services as part of an effort to expand persistent, multi-domain surveillance capabilities across maritime and land environments.
The selection, announced on April 1, places AeroVironment among several industry participants competing for delivery orders under four basic ordering agreements issued by the Navy. Other competitors include Insitu, Textron Systems, and potentially Shield AI. Individual task orders are expected to range between $10 million and $50 million.
Shift Toward Maritime ISR Operations
The contract reflects a broader strategic transition within the U.S. Department of Defense, where ISR demand has shifted from land-based theaters such as Afghanistan to maritime environments. The COCO model enables the Navy to obtain continuous ISR coverage and multi-domain sensor support for multiple combatant commands without assuming ownership or lifecycle maintenance responsibilities for the systems.
Under this framework, contractors are responsible for providing platforms, personnel, and operational support, while revenue is recognized progressively as delivery orders are awarded and executed. The structure also includes performance-based conditions, where failure to meet operational standards may result in financial deductions.
JUMP 20-X Platform Deployment
AeroVironment will deploy its Group 3 JUMP 20-X vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft system to support the Navy’s ISR requirements. The system is designed for both maritime and land-based missions and incorporates a modular open systems approach (MOSA), enabling payload-agnostic integration and compliance with STANAG-4586 standards.
The JUMP 20-X provides more than 13 hours of flight endurance and an operational range of 115 miles (185 kilometers), with beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communication capability. It supports a payload capacity of up to 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms) and can integrate more than 70 different payload configurations depending on mission requirements.
The platform is engineered for rapid deployment, requiring less than 30 minutes to become operational. Its vertical launch and recovery capability eliminates the need for traditional runway or launch equipment, reducing logistical footprint and enabling operations in constrained environments.
Technical Specifications and Design Features
The JUMP 20-X is a fully marinized aircraft equipped with a multi-fuel 230 cc heavy-fuel engine compatible with JP-5, JP-8, Jet A, and MoGas. It has a maximum gross takeoff weight of 215 pounds, a wingspan of 18.8 feet, and a length of 9.5 feet.
The system is capable of operating at altitudes up to 17,000 feet density altitude and supports extended missions through BLOS connectivity. Its open architecture allows integration with a variety of sensors and communication systems, supporting multi-sensor intelligence gathering.
Advanced onboard autonomy includes fully hands-free operation and artificial intelligence-enabled predictive algorithms designed for precision landings on moving vessels, including in high sea states. The platform incorporates AeroVironment’s SPOTR-Edge onboard computer vision system, which enables detection, classification, and tracking of targets in real time.
The aircraft is also configured for contested operational environments, featuring anti-jamming capabilities, configurable Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) options, and alternative navigation solutions.
Operational Experience and Previous Deployments
The JUMP 20-X builds on the operational track record of the earlier JUMP 20 system, which has been deployed under COCO frameworks for U.S. Navy missions. Notably, it supported operations with U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / US 4th Fleet during Operation Southern Spear in 2025.
AeroVironment has also delivered ISR support services to the U.S. Marine Corps 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Republic of Korea Navy, demonstrating the system’s applicability across joint and international operations.
Industry and Program Context
The Navy’s ISR services initiative is intended to provide scalable, contractor-operated intelligence capabilities that can be rapidly deployed across global theaters. The inclusion of multiple vendors under basic ordering agreements is designed to maintain competition while ensuring access to a range of technological solutions.
AeroVironment’s participation provides access to a growing segment of the maritime ISR market, though execution under the COCO model requires consistent operational performance to secure and retain delivery orders. The company’s revenue from the program will depend on successfully competing for and fulfilling task orders over the contract period.
Company Statement
Shane Hastings, Vice President of Medium Uncrewed Systems at AeroVironment, stated that the company is prepared to support the Navy’s ISR requirements with its existing technology and operational capabilities. He noted that the system is already deployed and mature, and that the company aims to provide scalable ISR services across multiple domains.
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