Belgium will receive its first MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone in August, with Defence Minister Theo Francken announcing the delivery date to the parliamentary Defence Committee on Wednesday.
The American-made drone’s maiden flight is scheduled for September, with a second drone set to arrive in the autumn.
In 2018, Belgium committed to acquiring four of these Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). However, technical issues identified during testing have delayed the SkyGuardian deliveries by two years.
Pilots have already undergone training on simulators and completed their instruction this year with test flights. A second training phase will begin in February 2026, explained the Minister.
Francken highlighted the system’s value in enhancing defence capabilities across various operational scenarios. The MQ-9Bs will operate under well-defined, politically approved rules of engagement, primarily conducting surveillance and intelligence missions, with potential for targeted missions.
The new government has approved the arming of these drones, though no specific deployment regions have been established yet.
In May, Belgium joined the “drone coalition” supporting Ukraine. Moreover, in June, Major General Michel Van Strythem made history by being appointed as the first lieutenant general in charge of the “Drones and Innovation” Task Force within Belgian Defence.
