Northrop Grumman To Deploy Two More Global Hawks In Global War On Terrorism

Northrop Grumman has received a contract from the U.S. Air Force to deploy two production RQ-4A Global Hawk aerial reconnaissance systems early this fall.

By Space Daily Editorial Team · Editorial process

Published August 10, 2005 · Updated March 16, 2026

Northrop Grumman has received a contract from the U.S. Air Force to deploy two production RQ-4A Global Hawk aerial reconnaissance systems early this fall.

The air vehicles will join an advanced concept technology demonstration version of the Global Hawk currently in theater supporting the global war on terrorism.

To date deployed Global Hawks have flown more than 4,300 combat hours in 200 missions.

The $21 million contract was awarded on June 2.

Global Hawk flies autonomously at an altitude of 65,000 feet, above inclement weather and prevailing winds for more than 35 hours.

During a single mission, it provides detailed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information on a 40,000 square mile area in near-real time.

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