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A large unmanned reconnaissance drone belonging to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force has lost communication during flight.
According to NHK and Kyodo News, the Air Self-Defense Force stated that one Global Hawk drone stationed at the Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture lost communication around 1 p.m. today (the 15th) over open waters about 50 kilometers off the coast of Tottori Prefecture.
Developed in the United States, the Global Hawk is a high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance aircraft measuring approximately 15 meters in length, capable of continuous flight for up to 36 hours.
It is characterized by its ability to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance from an altitude of about 20 kilometers using high-performance infrared cameras.
The Air Self-Defense Force currently operates three Global Hawks, all based at the Misawa Air Base.
This marks the first time a Global Hawk has lost communication in Japan since the drones were introduced in 2022.
Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro has ordered swift search operations, checks for any damage in the surrounding areas, and prompt information sharing with local governments.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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