Belgium strengthens drone capability with completion of training on U.S. MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
According to information published by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. on July 17, 2025, the first Belgian aircrew has successfully completed its training to operate the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, one of the world’s most advanced remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). The final stage of this intensive training program was conducted at GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon test facility in El Mirage, California, following earlier instruction in Belgium and at the company’s Flight Test & Training Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota. This marks a significant step in Belgium’s integration of the MQ-9B into its defense forces and reflects its growing role in the modern unmanned aerial systems domain.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a next-generation remotely piloted aircraft designed for long-endurance intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance missions with full airspace integration and autonomous capabilities. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)
The comprehensive training delivered by GA-ASI focused on building foundational and advanced skills necessary to operate the MQ-9B’s sophisticated systems. Aircrew training covered instrument flying, emergency procedures, and mission execution using key onboard payloads including the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Mission Intelligence Station (MIS), and the System for Tasking and Real-Time Exploitation (STARE). It also included hands-on instruction with the aircraft’s Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC), enabling fully autonomous runway operations. The training ensures Belgium’s operators are mission-ready and capable of fully leveraging the MQ-9B’s ISR potential.
Belgium’s procurement of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian stems from a Foreign Military Sale agreement approved by the U.S. State Department in March 2021. The deal, estimated at around $600 million, includes four MQ-9B aircraft, two certified Ground Control Stations, mission equipment, training, and logistical support. The first of the four Belgian MQ-9B aircraft successfully completed its maiden flight in February 2025 and is currently undergoing Acceptance Test Procedures. Delivery to Belgium is expected before the end of September, with the full fleet scheduled for completion in 2026. The acquisition reflects Belgium’s strategic goal to modernize its ISR capabilities and align with NATO force requirements for advanced unmanned systems.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian, developed by the American Company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is the latest variant of the proven MQ-9 series and introduces a wide range of new capabilities. Designed for unrestricted operations in civilian airspace, the SkyGuardian is equipped with a GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system and can be operated via pole-to-pole SATCOM links. It offers more than 40 hours of endurance, modular payload bays, and all-weather operational capabilities. Already in service or on order with key NATO and allied countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and Poland, the SkyGuardian has also been tested in multiple joint U.S. Navy and international exercises, demonstrating its versatility and coalition interoperability.
For the Belgian Armed Forces, the MQ-9B represents a significant advancement in national defense capability. It provides persistent ISR coverage for homeland security, border surveillance, maritime domain awareness, and support to NATO missions. The platform’s autonomous features and long endurance reduce operational burden on human crews while expanding the reach and fidelity of real-time intelligence. With the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, Belgium joins a select group of nations equipped with next-generation unmanned systems, enhancing its strategic relevance and operational flexibility in today’s evolving security environment.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
According to information published by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. on July 17, 2025, the first Belgian aircrew has successfully completed its training to operate the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, one of the world’s most advanced remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). The final stage of this intensive training program was conducted at GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon test facility in El Mirage, California, following earlier instruction in Belgium and at the company’s Flight Test & Training Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota. This marks a significant step in Belgium’s integration of the MQ-9B into its defense forces and reflects its growing role in the modern unmanned aerial systems domain.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a next-generation remotely piloted aircraft designed for long-endurance intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance missions with full airspace integration and autonomous capabilities. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)
The comprehensive training delivered by GA-ASI focused on building foundational and advanced skills necessary to operate the MQ-9B’s sophisticated systems. Aircrew training covered instrument flying, emergency procedures, and mission execution using key onboard payloads including the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Mission Intelligence Station (MIS), and the System for Tasking and Real-Time Exploitation (STARE). It also included hands-on instruction with the aircraft’s Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC), enabling fully autonomous runway operations. The training ensures Belgium’s operators are mission-ready and capable of fully leveraging the MQ-9B’s ISR potential.
Belgium’s procurement of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian stems from a Foreign Military Sale agreement approved by the U.S. State Department in March 2021. The deal, estimated at around $600 million, includes four MQ-9B aircraft, two certified Ground Control Stations, mission equipment, training, and logistical support. The first of the four Belgian MQ-9B aircraft successfully completed its maiden flight in February 2025 and is currently undergoing Acceptance Test Procedures. Delivery to Belgium is expected before the end of September, with the full fleet scheduled for completion in 2026. The acquisition reflects Belgium’s strategic goal to modernize its ISR capabilities and align with NATO force requirements for advanced unmanned systems.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian, developed by the American Company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is the latest variant of the proven MQ-9 series and introduces a wide range of new capabilities. Designed for unrestricted operations in civilian airspace, the SkyGuardian is equipped with a GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system and can be operated via pole-to-pole SATCOM links. It offers more than 40 hours of endurance, modular payload bays, and all-weather operational capabilities. Already in service or on order with key NATO and allied countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and Poland, the SkyGuardian has also been tested in multiple joint U.S. Navy and international exercises, demonstrating its versatility and coalition interoperability.
For the Belgian Armed Forces, the MQ-9B represents a significant advancement in national defense capability. It provides persistent ISR coverage for homeland security, border surveillance, maritime domain awareness, and support to NATO missions. The platform’s autonomous features and long endurance reduce operational burden on human crews while expanding the reach and fidelity of real-time intelligence. With the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, Belgium joins a select group of nations equipped with next-generation unmanned systems, enhancing its strategic relevance and operational flexibility in today’s evolving security environment.
