General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the Belgian Ministry of Defence have marked a significant milestone with the successful first flight of Belgium’s new MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).
This aircraft is the first of four MQ-9Bs ordered by Belgium and took to the skies on February 20, 2025, from GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in El Mirage, California.
The inaugural flight is part of a comprehensive series of ground and flight tests designed to validate the performance and capabilities of the Belgian MQ-9B. The primary objective was to assess aircraft controllability and ensure a safe landing. Following the successful test, the program will proceed with additional development flight evaluations.
Chris Dusseault, Vice President of MQ-9B in Europe, said, “We’re excited to complete the first flight of SkyGuardian for Belgium. Belgium joins the U.K.’s Royal Air Force and will become the second country to take delivery of our MQ-9B in Europe.”
The MQ-9B represents the most advanced Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) available today, offering unparalleled endurance and range. Its cutting-edge features include automated takeoff and landing via pole-to-pole SATCOM-only control and the ability to operate in unsegregated airspace using GA-ASI’s Detect and Avoid system.
The MQ-9B platform encompasses both the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® variants and has been adopted by multiple global operators, including the U.K. Royal Air Force (Protector), as well as defense and security agencies in Canada, Poland, Japan, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Special Operations Command. The aircraft has also played a key role in U.S. Navy exercises such as Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.
As part of Belgium’s Foreign Military Sale (FMS) package, the procurement also includes two Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS), further enhancing operational capabilities. With the successful first flight completed, Belgium moves closer to integrating this next-generation RPAS into its defense framework.
