SDL crunches Global Hawk data for South Korea
The first RQ-4 Global Hawk for the ROKAF arrived in December 2019. (Photo: Northrop Grumman/Yonhap)
US company to support imagery analysis and exploitation, aircrew training, mission results validation and target verification.
US-based Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), a wholly-owned non-profit subsidiary of Utah State University, is to conduct data processing for the fleet of RQ-4 Global Hawk HALE UASs operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).
Work under a $28.95 million FMS contract from Warner Robins Air Force Base will be performed at Osan Air Base in South Korea for completion by 30 November 2024, the DoD stated on 1 November.
The SDL website states that its ground display stations (with the Sky Lynx common data link interface) present data from sensors aboard Global Hawk, to support imagery analysis and exploitation, aircrew training, mission results validation, target verification, and on-site maintenance.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, South Korea ordered four Block 30 Global Hawks in 2014 for KRW965.9 billion ($693 million). The first of these Northrop Grumman-made UASs arrived in December 2019 and deliveries to the ROKAF were completed in September 2020.
This article was amended on 5 November 2021 to clarify ownership of SDL.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
RQ-4 Global Hawk (South Korea)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
