U.S. consolidates persistent ISR drone presence at Yokota Air Base

The U.S. has relocated three RQ-4 Global Hawk strategic reconnaissance drones from Guam to Yokota Air Base in Japan, signaling a shift from rotational deployments to a permanent surveillance architecture. This move enhances persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities targeting China and North Korea. The transition reflects a broader strategic effort to institutionalize regional monitoring infrastructure.