US repositions Global Hawks from Guam to Japan
An RQ-4 Global Hawk, assigned to the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron, sits on the flightline at Yokota Air Base in Japan in May 2023. (US Air Force )
The US Air Force (USAF) has begun relocating its Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam to Yokota Air Base in eastern Japan.
A spokesperson for the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) told Janes on 14 June that the first of three RQ-4 Global Hawks arrived at Yokota Air Base in late May. Transfer dates for the other two aircraft have not been confirmed.
“The rotation of RQ-4 Global Hawk operations to Yokota Air Base is necessary to ensure [USAF] airmen can take full advantage of the historically more operationally favourable weather in the Kanto Region during typhoon season to maximise their ability to support alliance obligations and other theatre-wide operations,” the spokesperson said.
The relocation forms part of broader US efforts to strengthen intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support for Japan amid growing Chinese military activity in the region. The USAF is also reportedly transferring around 150 personnel from Guam to the Yokota Air Base.
These personnel will almost certainly include members of the 4th Reconnaissance Squadron, which operates and maintains the RQ-4 Global Hawk. According to the USAF, this squadron includes maintenance and ground communications sections.
The USAF Global Hawks are likely to complement the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fleet. Janes data shows that the JASDF operates three Global Hawks, based at the Misawa Air Base in north-eastern Japan.
Go beyond the headlines - with direct links to interconnected entities
Get full access to validated equipment, military capabilities, and market insights.
