After a pause, the US Air Force has resumed high-altitude reconnaissance missions with drones over the Black Sea.
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According to information from the Defence Blog, an RQ-4B Global Hawk operating under the callsign FORTE 10 was observed conducting surveillance operations over the southern part of the Black Sea on October 25.
According to flight tracking data, the unmanned aircraft departed from NATO’s Sigonella Air Base in Sicily, Italy.
This is considered a key starting point for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) air missions across Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region.
The RQ-4B Global Hawk spy drone, developed by Northrop Grumman, is one of the most capable reconnaissance platforms in the US Air Force.
It is equipped with electro-optical and radar sensors that allow the aircraft to track movements and detect ground targets over vast areas.
In addition, the Global Hawk is known for its long-endurance capabilities, able to remain airborne for more than 30 hours and operate at altitudes exceeding 18,000 km.
Global Hawk patrols along the Black Sea coast were carried out almost daily during the early years of the war in Ukraine, with operations documented near Russian-occupied Crimea.
Moscow criticized the American operations, as the patrols provided Ukrainians with critical information about Russian troop movements and missile deployments. Russian fighter jets were occasionally sent to intercept or shadow the American drones.
As a result, the US Air Force reduced the frequency of these patrols and their proximity to occupied territories. The few missions that did take place were conducted farther from Russian airspace.
The resumption of Global Hawk operations this week therefore indicates a possible adjustment in operational tempo as the conflict enters its third year.
The patrol appears to follow the same pattern as NATO surveillance missions, but so far, neither the US Air Force nor NATO has issued an official statement about the mission.
Still, the renewed presence of the Global Hawk aligns with the allies’ broader efforts to improve situational awareness near Ukraine’s borders.
According to defense analysts, these movements allow the United States and its allies to maintain constant surveillance without putting manned aircraft at risk near contested airspace.
Photo: Northrop Grumman. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
