Japan receives its full complement of Global Hawks
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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
Japan and South Korea upgrade F-15 fighters to keep them relevant
Japan and South Korea plan major enhancements to their F-15 programmes.
-
Industrial benefit or political distraction? Navigating the final assembly line
Using the example of the F-35, does rolling out a domestic final assembly line make economic or industrial sense for countries wanting to purchase new aircraft?
-
Analysis: Is the C-5 Galaxy in it for the long-haul?
What are the realistic options for replacing or replicating the C-5’s unique capability when it finally reaches its end of life?
-
US Congress limits F-35 procurement
Restrictions cover new purchases of the three variants of the multirole fighter and require the DoD to correct issues in the acquisition programme.
-
Spain makes order for 25 Eurofighter Typhoons
Known as the Halcon II programme, the order covers 21 single-seat and four twin-seat aircraft, set to be delivered between 2030 and 2035.