A reconnaissance drone from NATO, the RQ-4B Global Hawk, recently flew over Poland on a surveillance mission, keeping an eye on Russia’s Kaliningrad region and Belarus.
The drone took off from Sigonella military base in Sicily, which hosts both US Navy and Italian Air Force units.
As WP Tech reports, this mission took place on October 16.
Lately, NATO has been sending spy planes and drones over Poland to gather intelligence.
This includes large Boeing RC-135s and smaller drones like the RQ-4B, which are designed to stay in the air for hours. The RQ-4B’s recent flight was tracked under the callsign FORTE13, showing NATO’s continued interest in monitoring the area.
The RQ-4B Global Hawk
The RQ-4B Global Hawk, built by Northrop Grumman, is one of the most advanced spy drones in the world. It can fly for long periods and send real-time information back to military leaders.
This drone is equipped with advanced radar systems and sensors that can cover large areas, providing data to command centers that is immediately analyzed to guide military decisions.
The RQ-4B Global Hawk is massive, measuring 13 meters in length, standing 4.6 meters tall, and with a 35-meter wingspan. It can fly at 600 km/h and at high altitudes up to 20 kilometers, giving it a broad view of the region while staying safe from ground threats.
Designed for 24/7 operations, it can fly in any weather.
With growing concerns near Poland’s borders, including Russia’s Kaliningrad and Belarus, NATO is stepping up its reconnaissance flights.
