Japan is seeking to enhance its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities through the acquisition Global Hawk remotely piloted vehicles.

The three high-altitude RQ-4 Block 30 aircraft being sought would be obtained through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program at an estimated cost of $1.2 billion.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States ... and help ensure that Japan is able to continue to monitor and deter regional threats," said the FMS program manager, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

DSCA, in a required notification to Congress, also said the proposed deal has already been approved by the U.S. State Department.

The package for Japan, in addition to the remotely piloted aircraft with enhanced integrated sensor suites, includes Kearfott Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System units, LN-251 INS/GPS units, and test equipment, ground support equipment, operational flight test support, communications equipment, spare and repair parts, and personnel training.

Northrop Grumman would be the principal contractor and would deploy representatives to Japan for logistics support and to support establishment of required security infrastructure.