Defence

Global Hawk aimed at Asia despite restrictions

Northrop Grumman seeks US government relaxation of current export limitations

Northrop Grumman aims to overturn current restrictions and secure US government approval to export its RQ-4 Global Hawk high-altitude long-endurance unmanned air vehicle to South Korea and other Asia-Pacific countries.

The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency indicated earlier this year that Global Hawk exports are unlikely as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) restricts the sale of UAVs that could be used to deliver weapons of mass destruction. However, industry sources say the US government is working on a new policy which, if approved, could be used to clear sales to Australia, Japan, South Korea and other allies on the condition that they promise not to use the platform to launch missiles. However, Singapore, which is not a signatory to the 34-nation MTCR agreement also hopes to receive the Global Hawk.

Northrop unmanned systems international business development manager Dane Marolt says the company is waiting for the US government to issue a policy covering UAV exports.

Although South Korea and several other countries have expressed interest in the Global Hawk, he says no formal government-to-government requests have yet been made. Several countries in the region, including South Korea, have also expressed preliminary interest in Northrop’s RQ-8B Fire Scout vertical take-off and landing UAV, which the US Navy has already approved for export on a case-by-case basis.

Director of international programmes for the US Navy and Marine Corps Unmanned Air Systems office Cdr Dave Falk says regional interest in the Fire Scout’s coastal and maritime surveillance capabilities will increase as the system advances towards initial operating capability in 2008.

BRENDAN SOBIE/SEOUL