NATO has stepped up reconnaissance flights of unmanned and manned aircraft against the backdrop of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Since 2022, North Atlantic Alliance drones have flown many missions on the eastern flank. The main priority has been the Black Sea region.
The RQ-4D Phoenix strategic drone, aka Global Hawk Block 40, recently made its first flight over Finland, which has been a NATO member for almost six months. The drone collected intelligence data that will be shared with all Alliance allies.
The RQ-4D can fly at an altitude of more than 22 kilometres. The drone weighs almost 7,000kg and has a maximum payload weight of 1,360kg. Including fuel, which lasts for 33 hours of flight time, the take-off weight exceeds 14,000kg.
Source:Â NATO
