Latest "RQ-4" stories

U.S. airmen from the 60th Aerial Port Squadron load cargo on to a Boeing 757 Jan. 22, 2022 at Travis Air Force Base, California. Since 2014, the United States has committed more than $5.4 billion in total assistance to Ukraine, including security and non-security assistance. The United States reaffirms its steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in support of a secure and prosperous Ukraine. (Nicholas Pilch/Air Force)

US Air Force ramps up intel flights, weapons shipments to Ukraine

Flight trackers have spotted American Rivet Joint, Global Hawk, Reaper and Joint STARS aircraft, plus allied assets.

By Rachel S. Cohen

10 months ago

Master Sgt. Mike, 12th Reconnaissance Squadron RQ-4 Global Hawk pilot, and Tech. Sgt. Robert, 12th RS RQ-4 sensor operator, simulate flying operations Feb. 8, 2019, at Beale Air Force Base, California. In 2017 a group of enlisted pilots became the first enlisted pilots since 1942 to fly operational sorties. (Senior Airman Tristan D. Viglianco/Air Force)

Air Force previews plan to phase out enlisted drone pilots

Congress appears likely to let the Air Force ditch 24 of its 31 RQ-4 Global Hawks soon.

By Rachel S. Cohen

12 months ago

Air Force Global Hawk crashes near Grand Forks, N.D.; no injuries

The RQ-4 Block 40 drone crashed at about 7 a.m.

16 months ago

House lawmakers put limits on the Air Force’s planned Global Hawk divestment

The Air Force wants to retire its RQ-4 Block 30 surveillance drones in fiscal 2021.

By Valerie Insinna

2 years ago

Unmanned aircraft could provide low-cost boost for Air Force’s future aircraft inventory, new study says

As the Air Force builds up toward a 386-squadron goal, it should take a second look at how much of its inventory should be unmanned, says a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

By Valerie Insinna

3 years ago

Troops in Iraq see spike in ‘indirect fire’ attacks — Iran gets blamed

Katyusha rockets have landed near a number of installations housing American forces in Iraq as tensions with Iran come to a boil.

By Shawn Snow

3 years ago