Overview
- The Japan Air Self-Defense Force lost communication with a Global Hawk after it departed Misawa and says the unmanned aircraft vanished from radar about three minutes later on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
- On Sept. 16 the JASDF declared the aircraft crashed and set up an accident investigation committee to establish cause and collect evidence.
- Japan Coast Guard helicopters and JASDF aircraft found floating debris near Tottori City’s Aoya area that the JASDF says photos show is part of the aircraft, and recovery operations at sea are ongoing.
- Tottori Governor Nobushige Hirai expressed frustration about the pace of information from the ministry, prompting Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro to apologize and pledge improved briefings to local authorities.
- Joint Staff Chief Uchikura Hiroaki said the two remaining Global Hawks at Misawa will receive detailed inspections and crew training before missions continue, and officials warn recovered parts are needed both to find a technical cause and to protect sensitive systems.