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Belgium Discusses Arming MQ-9B SkyGuardian Drones in Defense Committee.
The debate over arming military drones has resurfaced in Belgium, with discussions held on November 13, 2024, during a Defense Committee meeting considering the possibility of equipping the MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones with offensive capabilities. Currently, these drones are used exclusively for observation missions, but advocates for their armament argue that it could significantly enhance Belgium’s defense capabilities in an increasingly volatile international landscape.
In June 2024, the Belgian army announced that the first six Belgian crews had completed their initial training at General Atomics in North Dakota, with additional training scheduled (Picture source: Belgian Army)
At the center of these discussions are the MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, which Belgium acquired in 2018 at a total cost of 160 million euros, purchasing two units. Developed by General Atomics, the MQ-9B is a next-generation remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) designed for medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) missions. With a wingspan of 79 feet (24 meters), the drone can fly over the horizon for 40+ hours in all weather conditions, while safely integrating into civil airspace. Equipped with the Lynx Multi-mode Radar, advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and automatic takeoff and landing features, the SkyGuardian provides robust surveillance capabilities.
The SkyGuardian’s design allows it to carry up to 2,155 kg in payload across nine external hardpoints and an internal bay, suitable for integrating various sensors and precision-guided munitions. It reaches a maximum speed of 210 KTAS and boasts a range exceeding 6,000 nautical miles. Compliant with NATO standards (STANAG 4671) and civil airspace regulations, the MQ-9B includes a detect and avoid system, de-ice/anti-ice capabilities, and an airframe built to endure up to 40,000 hours of operation, making it versatile for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions—and potentially offensive operations if armed.
The ongoing discussions emphasize the utility of armed drones in recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, where such systems have shown rapid and effective response capabilities on the battlefield, reducing risks to soldiers. Proponents argue that arming drones could offer Belgium a strategic advantage, modernizing its defense posture and aligning it more closely with the practices of NATO allies.
The topic of arming the SkyGuardians has been debated in Belgium since their acquisition in 2018, with various discussions over the years exploring both tactical benefits and ethical implications. In 2021, a strategic committee highlighted the advantages that armed drones could bring to Belgian defense forces, but concerns around ethical and political issues kept them restricted to surveillance missions.
In early 2024, a proposal to arm the drones was presented but faced opposition due to ethical and legal considerations, leading to its temporary withdrawal. Later, as discussions continued, an alternative parliamentary majority showed interest in advancing the measure, but ultimately, caution prevailed, and the decision was deferred to the current executive's ongoing evaluations. Following recent elections, a working group within the Belgian Defense Committee has resumed the examination of armed drones as part of broader considerations around "autonomous weapons."
If approved, arming Belgium’s drones could offer significant strategic advantages. Operationally, this shift would provide precision strike capabilities, reducing reliance on fighter jets, which are costly and logistically challenging to deploy. Armed drones could also deliver close air support to ground forces, boosting their security and operational reach.
Additionally, with their long-endurance capabilities, these drones would allow continuous monitoring of sensitive areas, ready to respond immediately to identified threats. Aligning Belgium’s drone capabilities with NATO allies would strengthen interoperability, enhancing coherence in joint military operations, particularly in scenarios that require precision strikes to secure intervention zones.