Belgium receives first MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS

Belgium received its first of two MQ-9B SkyGuardian at Florennes Air Base on 18 August 2025. (Belgian Air Force/Cato Van Looy)

Belgium received its first MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) at Florennes Air Base on 18 August, the Belgian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced in a press release on 20 August. The announcement included photos of crates being taken out of a Belgian Air Force A400M transport aircraft.

The MoD said the arrival was an important step for the Belgian Air Force and in reinforcing Belgium's operational capabilities. The ministry noted that the MQ-9B was developed mainly for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and expected it to improve Belgium's ability to respond to growing requirements in those areas and to secure airspace and territory in the framework of NATO joint and national operations.

MQ-9B SkyGuardian's state-of-the-art sensors, extended communications, and low logistic requirements allow it to be operated cost-effectively worldwide, with international partnerships such as that with the United Kingdom sharing expertise and reducing costs, according to the Belgian MoD.

The ministry reported that six remote pilots, six sensor operators, and six mission intelligence co-ordinators from Belgium had received intensive training in the United States. During the first phase completed in June, they learned how to operate the ground control station (GCS) and mission intelligence station, emergency procedures, and the functioning and operational limits of each system on board the MQ-9B. They also recently controlled an MQ-9B during a series of flights totalling nine hours over California. A second phase involving tactical training will take place at RAF Waddington.

Belgian MQ-9Bs will be operated by the 2nd Comet Squadron, which has been reactivated for the purpose.