The first of four MQ-9B SkyGuardians®, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and delivered to Belgian Defence in August at Florennes Air Base, has completed its maiden flight in Belgium on September 23.
The MQ-9B’s first flight in Belgium comes after a busy year of preparation for the aircraft. The remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) completed Acceptance Test Procedures in July at GA-ASI’s Southern California test facilities, which included the first flight of the aircraft in February.
In parallel, 18 Belgian Air Force personnel also completed initial MQ-9B training at GA-ASI’s Flight Test & Training Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota, as well as live flight training at its Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in El Mirage, California.
Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI, stated, “This event ushers in a new era of information dominance for Belgium. MQ-9B is the world’s premiere remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) system, delivering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in a high-endurance unmanned platform.”
Major General Geert De Decker, Air Chief, added, “With the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, Belgium enters a new era of ISR capability. This achievement reflects not only technological progress, but also the strength of our collaboration with General Atomics – built on mutual understanding, trust, and a shared commitment to operational excellence.”
Belgium therefore joins the U.K. Royal Air Force (RAF) as the first European countries to take delivery of MQ-9B. The aircraft itself recently became the first large RPA to receive a Military Type Certificate (MTC), granted earlier this year by the U.K.’s Military Aviation Authority for Protector, the RAF’s MQ-9B variant.
The MTC therefore certifies MQ-9B for safe operation in civil airspace without geographic restrictions, including over populous areas.
Globally, countries are selecting MQ-9B for its multi-domain versatility, exceptional range, and long endurance. The platform offers pole-to-pole satellite control and de-icing capabilities, enabling missions in the harsh conditions of the Arctic.
Countries that have chosen MQ-9B include Canada, Denmark, Poland, Japan, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also participated in various U.S. Navy exercises, such as Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail.
