US RQ-4 Global Hawk Spotted Near Coast of Crimea Supplying Information to Ukrainian Forces.

According to information published on July 31, 2024, by the Russian media outlet "Top War," the US strategic reconnaissance drone RQ-4 Global Hawk, identified by the call sign FORTE 13, has been detected once again in the airspace near Russia's Kaliningrad region. The drone is reportedly being used to gather and relay intelligence to the Ukrainian armed forces.
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U.S. RQ-4 Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial System, assigned to and operated by the 452nd Flight Test Squadron, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

Citing Russian sources, the report noted that shortly after a U.S. RQ-4 Global Hawk was observed off the coast of Crimea, the Ukrainian Armed Forces launched a missile strike targeting Russian facilities.

The United States has been using drones to provide crucial military information to the Ukrainian armed forces as part of its ongoing support against Russian aggression. These efforts are aimed at enhancing Ukraine's surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, enabling more effective and informed decision-making on the battlefield.

The use of drones for intelligence gathering has been a key component of this support. Drones such as the Black Hornet are utilized for their advanced surveillance capabilities, providing real-time data and situational awareness. This technology allows Ukrainian forces to monitor enemy movements, plan strategic operations, and respond swiftly to threats.

The RQ-4 Global Hawk is an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Northrop Grumman, designed for high-altitude, long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. This UAV is a crucial asset in modern military operations, providing persistent and comprehensive battlefield awareness.

The Global Hawk can operate at altitudes up to 60,000 feet (approximately 18,288 meters), significantly higher than commercial air traffic and most weather disturbances. This high operational altitude allows it to conduct extensive surveillance missions with minimal risk of detection or interception by ground-based threats. The UAV has an operational range of approximately 12,300 nautical miles (about 22,780 kilometers), enabling it to cover vast areas and provide real-time intelligence over long distances.

One of the standout features of the RQ-4 is its impressive endurance, capable of flying for over 30 hours continuously. This extended flight capability ensures sustained surveillance operations without the need for frequent returns to base for refueling, making it invaluable for persistent monitoring and intelligence gathering.

The RQ-4 Global Hawk is equipped with advanced sensor suites that include synthetic aperture radar (SAR), electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and signals intelligence (SIGINT) payloads. These sensors enable the UAV to capture high-resolution imagery, detect and track moving targets, and gather electronic signals intelligence. The data collected can include detailed visual images, thermal images, radar data, and intercepted communications, all of which are crucial for strategic planning and operational decision-making.

Additionally, the Global Hawk's autonomous flight capabilities allow it to execute pre-programmed missions with minimal human intervention, further increasing its operational efficiency and reducing the workload on human operators. The ability to transmit this intelligence data back to command centers in near real-time enhances the effectiveness of military operations by providing commanders with timely and accurate information.

Open sources confirm that the United States has been deploying RQ-4 Global Hawk drones to provide essential intelligence to the Ukrainian armed forces amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. These high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are crucial for collecting and transmitting detailed intelligence data.