The high-altitude strategic drone RQ-4B Global Hawk from the United States is believed to have assisted Ukraine in destroying Russia’s long-range S-400 air defense systems.
Why is the RQ-4B UAV operating near Russian airspace?
Following the deployment of the RQ-4B Global Hawk reconnaissance drone by the U.S. Air Force over the Black Sea near Russian territory, numerous pro-Moscow sources claim that this high-altitude strategic reconnaissance UAV is being used by Washington to monitor the national air defense systems of adversaries. This intelligence is allegedly used to help Ukraine neutralize S-300 and S-400 missile systems.
Russian military analyst Dmitry Drozdenko, speaking to Sputnik, noted that the mission of the RQ-4B UAV seems to involve a “provocative attempt to detect Russian air defense systems in the area,” with the aim of aiding Ukrainian forces in destroying them.
Drozdenko emphasized that the American RQ-4B UAV had turned off its transponder during its flight, forcing Russian air defense forces to activate their radar systems to track it.
The high-altitude strategic reconnaissance UAV RQ-4B Global Hawk, with an estimated cost of about $222 million each, is one of the most advanced UAVs in the West due to its capability of operating for over 32 hours continuously in the air.
This UAV drew global attention in June 2019, when one was shot down by Iranian air defenses while operating in “stealth mode,” with its transponder turned off.
In previous years, the U.S. Air Force has made bold moves to test Russia’s air defense capabilities. Notably, over the past two years, they have deployed fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to collect electronic data on Russia’s primary long-range air defense systems, such as the S-300 and S-400.
In an interview earlier in 2023, Colonel Craig Andrle, commander of the U.S. 388th Fighter Wing in Europe, clarified the operations in Eastern Europe. He stated, “We do not cross borders, we do not shoot anything or drop anything. But our fighter jets are always capable of detecting and collecting information, and they have done so very effectively…”
Before the conflict in Ukraine erupted early in 2022, Russian air defense systems in western Syria were the main focus of U.S. intelligence-gathering efforts.
Russia relies heavily on ground-based air defense systems to protect its airspace. Since the end of the Cold War, investments in these systems have significantly surpassed investments in interceptor aircraft.
The recent operations of the RQ-4B over the Black Sea often precede Ukraine’s successful strikes on Russian air defense systems. For instance, on May 22, Ukraine used U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles with cluster warheads, reportedly destroying several S-400 missile launchers near Klenivka in the Donetsk region. Western intelligence might have played a crucial role in pinpointing these targets.
Ukraine has greatly benefited from access to a network of over 800 satellites and support from Western reconnaissance aircraft operating near Russian territory, including the RQ-4B Global Hawk.
Additionally, the deployment of ground-based intelligence systems from Western nations has played a critical role in helping Ukraine effectively use modern weaponry to target Russian assets.
As NATO members increasingly allow Ukraine to use ballistic and cruise missiles against further Russian targets, intelligence, including reconnaissance from UAVs and Western aircraft, will become even more crucial.
How powerful is the RQ-4B Global Hawk?
The RQ-4B Global Hawk is a strategic unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of operating at high altitudes with long endurance, developed by Northrop Grumman.
The RQ-4B is primarily used by the U.S. Air Force for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, designed to provide continuous reconnaissance coverage in all weather conditions, day or night, over vast geographic areas. It is equipped with high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors.
In terms of size, the RQ-4B Global Hawk has a wingspan of approximately 39.8 meters, a length of 14.5 meters, and a height of 4.7 meters, making it one of the largest UAVs in operation. This size allows it to carry a substantial amount of sensors and communication equipment.
The propulsion system of the RQ-4B Global Hawk includes a Rolls-Royce AE 3007H turbofan engine, which provides the thrust to reach a maximum speed of around 575 km/h and an altitude of up to 18,288 meters. Its fuel-efficient engine and large fuel tanks enable it to operate continuously in the air for over 32 hours.
Key features of the RQ-4B Global Hawk include advanced avionics, automatic flight control systems, and high-capacity communication systems.
Equipped with high-resolution synthetic aperture radar, the RQ-4B can “see” through clouds and provide detailed ground imagery. Additionally, its electro-optical/infrared sensors capture infrared and visual images. These systems enable the Global Hawk to conduct precise reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
The RQ-4B Global Hawk is equipped with various systems to enhance its operational capabilities, including satellite communication for beyond-line-of-sight control, a mission management system for real-time data processing, and data links for transmitting information to ground stations. It also has an automatic de-icing system for reliable operation in adverse weather conditions.
The primary mission of the RQ-4B Global Hawk is to conduct ISR missions, providing commanders with high-resolution images and near-real-time data, crucial for strategic planning and combat decision-making.
This UAV is used for various missions, including battlefield surveillance, border security, disaster response, and environmental monitoring. Its ability to cover vast areas and operate for extended periods makes it an invaluable asset for both military and civilian operations.
However, due to its large size and slow speed, the RQ-4B UAV is an easy target for medium and long-range air defense systems of adversaries, limiting its operation to peacetime or as a third party in conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war.
