The first Belgian aircrew has completed training to operate the MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft, marking a key step toward the system’s operational deployment. The training, conducted by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI), covered the skills needed to operate the long-endurance platform and its mission systems under both normal and emergency conditions.

The program included instruction on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, instrument flying, and use of the aircraft’s onboard equipment, such as the Multi-Spectral Targeting System, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Mission Intelligence Station, and System for Tasking and Real-Time Exploitation. It also covered the Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability.

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The MQ-9B SkyGuardian is a long-endurance, medium-altitude remotely piloted aircraft designed for a wide range of missions, including ISR and precision strike. It can operate for over 40 hours, is equipped with satellite communications for beyond-line-of-sight control, and incorporates a Detect and Avoid system enabling flights in unsegregated airspace. The platform can carry multiple payloads and is available in both the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian configurations.

This training follows the first flight of Belgium’s initial MQ-9B in February. The aircraft is expected to complete acceptance testing soon and arrive in Belgium before the end of September. It is the first of four aircraft ordered by the Belgian Ministry of Defence, along with two certified ground control stations, under a U.S. Foreign Military Sale.

Belgium joins a growing number of countries acquiring the MQ-9B, which has also been ordered by the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland, Japan, Taiwan, India and the United States, and has participated in multiple military exercises.