RQ-4 UAV
Abstract
The RQ-4B Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance, all-weather, day/night Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform delivering Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-based Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) capabilities to the warfighter. To win high-end conflict, the future force design must deliver ISR capabilities and concepts of operation that can survive against peer/near-peer threats in highly contested environments. To accomplish this, in FY25 the USAF will focus its investment efforts on maximizing the Block 40's value to the DoD until divestiture. The RQ-4 will divest when space-based capabilities and Concept of Operations (CONOPS) become available and in place to meet Combatant Commanders' (CCMD) needs in accordance with the National Defense Strategy (NDS). When judged feasible and affordable, this program will participate in operational testing, and implementation of international standards to enhance joint, allied, and coalition interoperability. Studies and activities may be initiated to further explore the utility of incorporating the emerging architectural standards such as the USAF Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Command and Control Initiative (UCI) or the DoD's Unmanned Control Segment standards (UCS) and Open Mission Systems (OMS). This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program's funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY2023 4.200M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element. In FY2024, 0.100M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program element may include necessary emergent or unanticipated civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver RQ-4 program for emergent or unanticipated weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 0305220F_7_3600_PB_2025
- Change Summary Explanation
- FY23 $32.010M excess due to Ground Segment Modernization Program (GSMP) termination, amount reprogrammed to support AF priorities. FY25 $3.054M decrease due to maturing divestment profile and to support higher AF priorities.
- Service Agency Name
- Air Force
Entities
Organizations
- United States Air Force
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