On-site logistics support for ground elements of the U.S. Air Force fleet of RQ-4 Global Hawks will continue to be provided by Raytheon under a new contract.

On-site field support provided for the unmanned aerial system is for mission control, launch and recovery operations. Testing and maintenance of the ground segment to assure availability of the Global Hawk ground stations, deployed and operated at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., and Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., are also included in the contract.

"As the original developer and producer of the Global Hawk ground station, Raytheon is providing affordable sustainment solutions that drive down cost while providing continued mission success of the Global Hawk system," said Bob Busey, Raytheon's Global Hawk Ground Segment program manager for the company's Intelligence, Information and Services business. "Additionally, our recognition with Northrop Grumman's Platinum sub-contractor rating reflects Raytheon's commitment to deliver exceptional performance in support of the Air Force and the warfighter.

Under the new contract, logistics support for the RQ-4 Global Hawk will continue through September of 2014. The value of the new deal, however, was not disclosed.

Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance reconnaissance aircraft.