Belgium’s first MQ-9B “SkyGuardian” drone, designed for long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, landed at Melsbroek military airport on Monday, the Defence Ministry announced on Wednesday.
This advanced drone is the first remotely piloted aircraft system built and certified to strict standards equivalent to those of manned aircraft, enabling it to also operate in civilian airspace, according to the Defence Ministry.
A second 'SkyGuardian' is expected to arrive in autumn, with both drones set to enhance Belgium’s contribution to NATO’s drone coalition operations. Belgium joined the coalition earlier this year after appointing Lieutenant General Michel Van Strythem, a former head of the Cyber Component, to lead its new 'Drones and Innovation' Task Force.
To support the MQ-9B programme, Belgium reinstated its 2nd squadron in 2024, operating out of Florennes Air Base. This unit was originally dissolved in 2001 but was reformed specifically to manage the cutting-edge drone systems.
Belgium has ordered a total of four MQ-9B 'SkyGuardian' drones to bolster its defence and intelligence capabilities.
