US sends RQ-4 Global Hawk strategic drone to Singapore

The US Air Force has deployed the RQ-4 Global Hawk drone to Singapore for the first time on a rotational basis. The drone has previously visited the country for air shows in 2018 and 2022.

Here's What We Know

The RQ-4 Global Hawk arrived in Singapore in January 2023. Defense News obtained a photo (below) showing the drone being towed to one of the military bases. The picture was taken late last month from a commercial airliner at Singapore International Airport. The airport and the military base share the same runway.

Singapore's Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it facilitated the temporary deployment of the RQ-4 Global Hawk. This was done as part of a 1990 Memorandum of Understanding regarding the use of facilities in Singapore by the United States.

The US Air Force did not respond to questions about Northrop Grumman's drone deployment on the island nation. According to Defense News sources, the RQ-4 remains in Singapore as of March 2023, and it has been taking to the skies mostly at night.

Global Hawk is a reconnaissance drone. It can fly for 34 hours. It has a maximum range of more than 20,000 km. The RQ-4 is capable of climbing to an altitude of around 18km.

Source: Defence News