Belgian Air Force Performs Inaugural Flight of Its First MQ-9B SkyGuardian in US
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The Belgian Air Force has reached a major milestone by successfully carrying out the first flight of its very first MQ-9B SkyGuardian, an unmanned aerial system (UAS) manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI). This inaugural flight, which took place on February 20 in California, represents a decisive step forward in modernizing Belgium’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
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The first MQ-9B SkyGuardian is scheduled to be delivered to Belgium this summer. (Picture source: Belgian MoD)
The test carried out successfully, confirms that the aircraft meets the initial requirements of the Belgian Air Force. Belgian operators will be able to begin their training as soon as the program, including all necessary certifications and ground infrastructure, is finalized.
The first MQ-9B SkyGuardian is scheduled to be delivered to Belgium this summer. Configured solely for reconnaissance missions, the aircraft will be equipped with advanced sensors to optimize its ISR performance. Notably, it will feature high-resolution electro-optical and infrared systems, as well as an AN/APY-8 Lynx radar, which will provide Belgium with real-time observation capabilities and a high degree of precision—essential for modern military operations and border security.
This acquisition stems from a contract signed in August 2020 through the U.S. Department of Defense. It covers the delivery of four MQ-9Bs, two ground control stations, spare parts, and the necessary support equipment. The objective is to gradually integrate these drones into Belgian forces to replace the retired IAI RQ-5 Hunter. The MQ-9B’s open architecture and modular design will also facilitate interoperability with future platforms, including the F-35A Lightning II.
Once fully operational, the MQ-9B will offer increased endurance, a broad flight envelope, and state-of-the-art ISR capabilities. As a MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) drone, it will ensure persistent surveillance over areas of interest and strengthen Belgium’s strategic posture, both for national defense and within NATO missions.
By adopting the MQ-9B, Belgium joins the United Kingdom and Poland among European operators of this GA-ASI drone family. Poland, for its part, ordered three units in December 2024. This convergence of capabilities opens the door to potential collaborations in training, exercises, and multinational operations, a valuable asset in the face of increasingly complex security challenges.
The first MQ-9B SkyGuardian of the Belgian Air Force signals a new era for unmanned aviation in the country. Thanks to its high-tech sensors, long endurance, and network-centric architecture, this aircraft will significantly enhance Belgium’s ISR capabilities in both national and international operations. With delivery imminent, attention now focuses on how quickly the Belgian Air Force can integrate this cutting-edge asset into its force structure and further strengthen its commitments within NATO and regional security efforts.
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The Belgian Air Force has reached a major milestone by successfully carrying out the first flight of its very first MQ-9B SkyGuardian, an unmanned aerial system (UAS) manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI). This inaugural flight, which took place on February 20 in California, represents a decisive step forward in modernizing Belgium’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
The first MQ-9B SkyGuardian is scheduled to be delivered to Belgium this summer. (Picture source: Belgian MoD)
The test carried out successfully, confirms that the aircraft meets the initial requirements of the Belgian Air Force. Belgian operators will be able to begin their training as soon as the program, including all necessary certifications and ground infrastructure, is finalized.
The first MQ-9B SkyGuardian is scheduled to be delivered to Belgium this summer. Configured solely for reconnaissance missions, the aircraft will be equipped with advanced sensors to optimize its ISR performance. Notably, it will feature high-resolution electro-optical and infrared systems, as well as an AN/APY-8 Lynx radar, which will provide Belgium with real-time observation capabilities and a high degree of precision—essential for modern military operations and border security.
This acquisition stems from a contract signed in August 2020 through the U.S. Department of Defense. It covers the delivery of four MQ-9Bs, two ground control stations, spare parts, and the necessary support equipment. The objective is to gradually integrate these drones into Belgian forces to replace the retired IAI RQ-5 Hunter. The MQ-9B’s open architecture and modular design will also facilitate interoperability with future platforms, including the F-35A Lightning II.
Once fully operational, the MQ-9B will offer increased endurance, a broad flight envelope, and state-of-the-art ISR capabilities. As a MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) drone, it will ensure persistent surveillance over areas of interest and strengthen Belgium’s strategic posture, both for national defense and within NATO missions.
By adopting the MQ-9B, Belgium joins the United Kingdom and Poland among European operators of this GA-ASI drone family. Poland, for its part, ordered three units in December 2024. This convergence of capabilities opens the door to potential collaborations in training, exercises, and multinational operations, a valuable asset in the face of increasingly complex security challenges.
The first MQ-9B SkyGuardian of the Belgian Air Force signals a new era for unmanned aviation in the country. Thanks to its high-tech sensors, long endurance, and network-centric architecture, this aircraft will significantly enhance Belgium’s ISR capabilities in both national and international operations. With delivery imminent, attention now focuses on how quickly the Belgian Air Force can integrate this cutting-edge asset into its force structure and further strengthen its commitments within NATO and regional security efforts.
