Belgium plans to employ the MQ-9B SkyGuardian in its first operational missions from 2026, with an initial focus on NATO naval operations.
The remotely piloted aircraft system must support Operation Sea Guardian, a mission created to expand maritime surveillance and reinforce security actions in the Mediterranean Sea.
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The SkyGuardian deployment is expected to take place from Italy and will be integrated with other Belgian contributions to NATO, such as participation in the AWACS fleet and sending officers to the mission’s headquarters in the United Kingdom. Brussels is also evaluating synergies with the European operation EUNAVFOR Aspides, active in the Red Sea, in addition to planning to send the BNS Leopold I frigate in the second half of 2026.
The Belgian Air Force received its first MQ-9B aircraft in September and intends to reach initial operational capability by the end of 2026. Although it is not a dedicated naval version, the SkyGuardian already has sensors adapted to the maritime environment and should receive new capabilities in the future, within an investment plan of US$589.7 million until 2034, including advanced sensors aimed at surveillance and anti-submarine warfare.
Source: Naval News | Photo: X @BeAirForce | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
🇧🇪✈️ A new era begins at Florennes Air Base: the MQ-9B ‘SkyGuardian’ has arrived!
Remotely piloted, NATO-standard, certified for civil airspace, this capacity boosts our Belgian Air Force’s strategic edge.
🛫 2nd Squadron is mission-ready.
📅 Sept 23: unveiling day. pic.twitter.com/nzWoguoIkL— Belgian Air Force🇧🇪 (@BeAirForce) August 20, 2025
