Belgium is preparing to enter a new era of unmanned aerial capability with the delivery of its first MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone, expected in August 2025. Defence Minister Theo Francken confirmed the news during a parliamentary session, noting that the drone’s inaugural flight is set for September. A second unit will arrive later in the fall, advancing a procurement program that began in 2018. Initially projected for earlier deployment, the program faced a two-year delay due to technical issues during production trials.
To facilitate the integration of the SkyGuardian into operational service, Belgium has made considerable infrastructure investments, with drone housing facilities nearing completion. Operator training is well underway, with pilots already engaged in extensive simulator exercises and practical test flights. A second phase of training is scheduled for February 2026 to fully equip the personnel for active duty.
Manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian represents the most sophisticated evolution of the MQ-9 Reaper family. It supports long-duration missions at high altitudes and is designed in accordance with international aviation safety standards, including NATO’s STANAG 4671. The drone spans nearly 24 meters, weighs over 5.6 tons at takeoff, and can remain airborne for over 40 hours at altitudes up to 40,000 feet. Its powerful Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine allows a range of up to 11,000 kilometers, ideally suited for extended ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions.
The SkyGuardian is not only a surveillance platform but also a formidable strike asset. With nine external hardpoints, it can carry up to ten Brimstone missiles or 500 lb Paveway IV precision bombs. Advanced sensors such as the Lynx II radar, AN/DAS-1 MTS-B EO/IR camera, and optional maritime radar systems support broad mission profiles, including maritime surveillance via AIS and optional sonobuoy systems for anti-submarine warfare. The platform can be adapted for SIGINT, electronic warfare, communication relays, and airborne early warning, and is fully compatible with NATO data links like Link-16.
This marks a historic shift in Belgian military doctrine: for the first time, the country has approved the arming of unmanned aerial systems. The decision, endorsed by Belgium’s new government, allows drones to carry out precision strikes under strict, politically sanctioned rules of engagement. Though their primary mission remains intelligence gathering and surveillance, the SkyGuardians can be deployed for offensive actions as operational needs dictate. Their deployment location remains flexible and will be determined by mission requirements.
The acquisition is part of a broader modernization of the Belgian Armed Forces, particularly in ISR capabilities. Belgium’s involvement in the international “drone coalition” to aid Ukraine—announced in May—is further proof of its growing investment in next-generation military technologies. The appointment of Lieutenant General Michel Van Strythem to lead the newly formed Defence Task Force “Drones and Innovation” underlines the strategic emphasis placed on unmanned systems.
With the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, Belgium is not only expanding its defence reach but also reinforcing its role in collective security. The drone’s arrival symbolizes a decisive transformation, combining high-tech surveillance with precision strike capability—essential tools in navigating today’s complex threat landscape.
