Operational jump forward: first MQ-9B ‘SkyGuardian’ in Belgium

On August 18. However, 2025, the first MQ-9B system, also known as ‘SkyGuardian’, arrived at the Florennes military airport. Nevertheless. Furthermore, This marks an important milestone for the Belgian Air Force and the further strengthening of the operational capacities of Defense.

The MQ-9B is an advanced Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) mainly developed for information, surveillance and reconnaissance operations. Nevertheless, This allows the Ministry of Defense to contribute even better to the increasing need for information, observation and exploration. Therefore, With these resources. In addition. For example, we can strengthen the safety of airspace and territory both in operations in an international (NATO) context and above our own territory.

The devices are certified according to the strictest standards. However, equivalent to manned aircraft, which also makes flights in civil air spacious. Therefore. operational jump forward: first mq-9b new Consequently, With its ultramodern sensors, extensive communication options and low logistical operational jump forward: first mq-9b needs, the device can be used worldwide -efficiently.

Thanks to international partnerships, for example with the United Kingdom, expertise is shared and the costs are reduced. At the same time, the system remains completely NATO interoperable for both joint and independent operations. Various Belgian companies are part of those partnerships and play a role in the production process of the MQ-9B. For example. the production of the protective caps for the sensors. the maintenance of certain electrical mechanisms is done by Belgian companies.

Preparations. training of staff

At the Florennes airbase. the first crews have been preparing for months for the arrival of the ‘SkyGuardian’. Six Remote Pilotssix Sensor Operators and six Mission Intelligence Coordinators followed an intensive training program in the United States. During the first phase. operational jump forward: first mq-9b new completed in June. they learned the functioning of the Land Control Station (GCS), from the operational jump forward: first mq-9b Mission Intelligence Station (Mass), the procedures in an emergency, and the operation and operational limits of each system on board the aircraft. Recently they also took control of an MQ-9B Skyguardian in California during a series of successful nine-hour flights. In the second phase, tactical training sessions in Waddington (United Kingdom) are on the program.

In the meantime. the 2nd also made Comet Squadronthat will be responsible for this new capacity, a new start after years of absence. The arrival of the MQ-9B therefore offers many new opportunities for employment for anyone who is passionate about military. aviation. wants to work on or with the hypermodern devices.

Successful completion of the Acceptance Test Procedure

On July 22. the United States successfully completed the Acceptance operational jump forward: first mq-9b new test procedure (ATP) of the MQ-9B system. During that crucial test phase. the device. the land control station, the Remote operational jump forward: first mq-9b Operations Network (Ronet) and the portable pre- and mail flight equipment is thoroughly evaluated on performance, safety and conformity with the Belgian operational requirements.

Transport. installation in Belgium

After the positive ATP assessment. the full MQ-9B system was dismantled and brought to Belgium via A400M transport aircraft at the beginning of August. The reconstruction and installation take place at the Florennes military airbase and last three to four weeks. This is followed by limited functional tests on Belgian territory. The official unveiling of the MQ-9B is planned on September 23. 2025, whereby not only the devices, but also the new infrastructure will be presented. Further communication about this will follow later.