U.S. RQ-4 Global Hawk temporarily deploys to England

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  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa Public Affairs

A U.S. RQ-4 Global Hawk arrived at Royal Air Force Fairford, England, for a temporary deployment Thursday, as part of U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa’s efforts to diversify operating locations and enhance integration with NATO Allies. 

This marks the first U.S. RQ-4 deployment to England. The deployed U.S. RQ-4 will conduct operations through international and Allied airspace in accordance with international norms and standards. 

The deployment also signifies the next step in USAFE-AFAFRICA's implementation of the U.S. Air Force’s agile combat employment concept, under which aircraft may be dispersed from typical operating locations to alternate airfields to enhance survivability. 

The 501st Combat Support Wing at RAF Fairford has routinely supported similar deployments, including when U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress aircraft operated from RAF Fairford for Bomber Task Force 24-3 in June. 

The support and execution of these missions demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO Allies and partners and set conditions for potential future operations in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. 

For more information, please contact the USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs office at usafepao.pao@us.af.mil or usafepa.staffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.