Global Hawk supports USAF ABMS exercises
Global Hawk plays a significant role in autonomous high-altitude, long-endurance systems in support of numerous missions. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
USAF conducted exercises using Northrop Grumman’s Global Hawk UAV to advance the ABMS.
Northrop Grumman’s Block 30 Global Hawk was utilised by the USAF during Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) exercises for the United States European Command.
The Global Hawk utilises imagery and signals intelligence collection capabilities to play a significant role as an autonomous high-altitude, long-endurance system in support of military missions.
The USAF’s two-decade use of Global Hawk to collect intelligence and deter regional threats reflects the level of confidence in the platform’s range, endurance and payload capacity.
Global Hawk is able to meet future operational needs by extending and connecting beyond its traditional strategic ISR mission and serve as an airborne network edge node.
This will provide persistent communications relay and secure processing without putting personnel in harm’s way.
The ABMS is intended to integrate existing and new sensors into a new global C2 network for the USAF, it has been based on the concept of the internet of things.
About $3.8 billion will be invested on ABMS between FY2019 and FY2024.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Global Hawk UAV has accumulated more than 200,000 flight hours and has been operated by the branches of the US Armed Forces since 2003.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement]()
UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement
Project Corvus will look for a replacement for the Watchkeeper Mk1 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) that was retired from service in the British Army in March 2025.
-
![Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark]()
Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark
The Swedish Government has asked parliament to authorise two possible export sales as part of its 2025 Spring amending budget bill.
-
![Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces]()
Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces
Contracts for the procurement of two platforms have been signed, and will be tested by the German armed forces.
-
![Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II]()
Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II
The company has been negotiating the supply of TCTS II to US allies and partners.
-
![Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT]()
Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
-
![Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes]()
Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.
