Japanese Global Hawk Drone Disappears Off Tottori Coast
By Editor • September 15, 2026 • 1 min read
The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) confirmed that one of its Global Hawk reconnaissance drones has gone missing while operating off the Tottori Prefecture coast. The drone lost contact around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, prompting an extensive search operation involving various maritime and air units.
The search, which includes aircraft and vessels from the ASDF, Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Coast Guard, is currently underway in international waters approximately 50 kilometers north of Tottori. Reports indicate that a fragment believed to belong to the drone has been spotted floating in the sea, raising concerns over its fate.
Stationed at Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture, the missing Global Hawk is one of three drones that Japan purchased from the United States in 2015 for about $1.2 billion. With a wingspan of 40 meters and the ability to remain airborne for over 30 hours, this high-altitude surveillance drone plays a crucial role in monitoring activities in the region, especially as tensions with China persist.
Source: www.japantimes.co.jp
