Japan receives its full complement of Global Hawks
The final Japanese Global Hawk Block 30(I) HALE UAV landed in Japan on 30 June. (JASDF)
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s (JASDF) final RQ-4B Block 30(I) Global Hawk arrived at Misawa Air Base in Japan on 30 June.
The arrival of ‘13-6001’ in Japan completes the country’s full complement of three Global Hawks. This aircraft had remained in the US at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale facility while two newer aircraft were delivered ahead of it.
The first RQ-4B bearing USAF markings and the serial number’ 23-6003’ touched down in Japan on 12 March 2022, after a nearly 19-hour transpacific flight. It is unclear when the second Global Hawk reached Japan, as no public announcement was made. However, it
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne
Bell Flight’s modular open-systems approach for the US Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne could open doors for international allies and suppliers once locked out by closed rotorcraft architectures.
-
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
-
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.