JSDF loses contact with unmanned reconnaissance aircraft

Japan's Air Self-Defense Force says it lost contact with a large unmanned reconnaissance aircraft at around 1 p.m. Tuesday.

The Global Hawk is based at Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture. It went missing about 50 kilometers off the coast of Tottori Prefecture over international waters.

The Self-Defense Forces and the Japan Coast Guard are searching for it.

Coast Guard officials say they have found what appears to be part of the missing aircraft in waters off Tottori Prefecture.

Officials say there have been no reports of damage to ships in the area.