U.S. Air Force plans to deploy five RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned surveillance aircraft in Japan

The U.S. Air Force plans to deploy five RQ-4 Global Hawks and approximately 105 personnel, currently based at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Yokota Air Base, Japan, from May to October 2017.

Summer Global Hawk operations from Guam are adversely impacted by the frequency of inclement weather, including typhoon activities.

This rotational deployment of the Global Hawk is temporary but necessary to provide a base from which the platform can be reliably operated during the summer.

The United States continues to deploy its most advanced capabilities to Japan, including the Global Hawk, in keeping with our commitment to further contribute to the security of Japan and to the stability of the region.