The U.S. State Department has approved the possible – and probable- sale to Belgium of four MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones and related equipment with an estimated value of 600 million dollars. This was announced on Tuesday by the Defence and Security Cooperation Agency (DCSA), a body linked to the Pentagon that specialises in the export of U.S. military equipment.
The DCSA said in a press release that it has delivered the required certification and notified the U.S. Congress of the possible sale on Monday at the request of the Belgian Government, which had selected that type of drone in October 25 last, while ordering 34 F-35 Lightning II combat planes.
The Belgian Government has requested to purchase four MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft, the latest version of the Reaper drone, built by the California-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI).
It has also asked to buy two ground control stations, various systems - including five targeting systems - spare parts for five years, support and test equipment, publications and personnel training.
“The total estimated program cost is $600 million,” the DCSA said in its press release.
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The Brussels Times
