The Air Force plans to deploy two Global Hawk remotely piloted aircraft, along with 40 personnel, from Andersen AFB, Guam, to Misawa AB, Japan, from May to October, reported Stars and Stripes. “The plan to deploy more advanced capabilities in Japan, such as the Global Hawk, has strategic significance and further contributes to the security of Japan and the region,” 1st Lt. Caitlin Suttie told the newspaper. The aircraft currently are assigned to Andersen, but are controlled by airmen based in California. Japan plans to begin operating its own Global Hawks beginning in Fiscal 2015. The total Global Hawk fleet has logged more than 100,000 flight hours, including some 90,000 in support of humanitarian and combat operations. The Air Force also plans to send at least two Block 40 Global Hawks, equipped with more advanced radar for interdicting ground targets, to Andersen. Currently only Block 30s are based there, reported Stars and Stripes.
Secretary of Defense Austin Lloyd III met with his counterparts from Australia, Japan and the Philippines to discuss bolstering defense ties on May 2. The discussion included plans for joint F-35 exercises with Japan and Australia in the coming years.