Belgium Debuts U.S.-Made MQ-9B SkyGuardian Drone at Florennes Air Base.

Belgium’s Air Force unveiled its first U.S.-made MQ-9B SkyGuardian drone at Florennes Air Base on Sept. 23, 2025. The move strengthens NATO’s intelligence and surveillance network amid rising global security tensions.

Following an exclusive live report by the Army Recognition editorial team at Florennes Air Base on September 23, 2025, the Belgian Air Force officially unveiled its first MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aerial system. The ceremony, attended by the Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken and Belgian Chief of Defence General Frederik Vansina, highlights Belgium’s investment in next-generation intelligence and surveillance. It matters because the acquisition enhances NATO’s regional defense capabilities and signals growing reliance on unmanned platforms.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Belgian Air Force unveils its first MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aerial system at Florennes Air Base on September 23, 2025, marking a major step forward in the country’s sovereign ISR and NATO integration capabilities.
 (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

Manufactured by the American Company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian is one of the most advanced medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aircraft in service today. Belgium has ordered six of these systems, which will be operated from Florennes Air Base in the province of Namur. The fleet will support national and alliance-level ISR missions, including maritime security, environmental monitoring, and overseas deployments under NATO or EU mandates.

"This system is a true force multiplier," said General Frederik Vansina, Belgian Chief of Defence of the Belgian Armed Forces, in an exclusive interview with Army Recognition. "Whether we are monitoring foreign naval activity in our economic zone, supporting crisis response abroad, or assisting civil authorities during emergencies, the SkyGuardian provides real-time, persistent coverage across vast areas." Vansina underlined the platform’s ability to integrate directly into NATO ISR networks and operate alongside allied systems with full interoperability.

Speaking beneath the aircraft during the ceremony, Belgian Defense Minister Francken described the MQ-9B as a strategic investment in Belgian sovereignty. "This platform is not just about technology. It represents the autonomy and resilience of our armed forces. It reinforces our role in NATO and ensures that Belgium remains equipped to meet the threats of tomorrow."

Contract Structure and Strategic Investment

The SkyGuardian acquisition was made through a U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement, approved in 2020. The total program value is estimated at 500 million euros and includes six MQ-9B aircraft, two Ground Control Stations, SATCOM equipment, a mobile support unit, simulation-based training systems, and a ten-year logistics and maintenance package. The contract was ratified by the Belgian Council of Ministers and received U.S. State Department approval, reinforcing strong bilateral defense cooperation.

The drones are being delivered in stages through 2026, with full operational capability expected by early 2027. Pilot and crew training is currently underway in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force's 163rd Attack Wing at March Air Reserve Base in California. All six aircraft will be permanently based at Florennes, which is being upgraded to serve as Belgium’s primary unmanned operations hub.

Advanced Capabilities and Armament Potential

The MQ-9B SkyGuardian builds upon the legacy of the MQ-9 Reaper, offering enhanced flight performance, improved safety systems, and full compliance with NATO and European airspace regulations. With an endurance of over 40 hours and a service ceiling of 40,000 feet, it is capable of executing long-duration missions over land and sea under all weather conditions.

Key sensor payloads include a high-definition electro-optical and infrared camera, synthetic aperture radar, the Leonardo Seaspray 7500E maritime radar, and optional SIGINT and electronic surveillance packages. The drone is equipped with automatic takeoff and landing systems, triple-redundant flight control systems, and full SATCOM connectivity for global beyond-line-of-sight operations.

Crucially, the MQ-9B is designed to be armed. The aircraft features nine external hardpoints that can carry a mix of air-to-surface precision munitions, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, and GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs. While Belgium has opted to operate the system in an unarmed configuration initially, defense officials have confirmed that the aircraft is fully weaponization-ready.

Operational Role and NATO Integration

Belgium becomes the fourth European NATO nation to procure the MQ-9B, following the United Kingdom, which operates the armed Protector RG Mk1 variant, and ahead of deliveries to the Netherlands and Poland. The Belgian Air Force plans to use the SkyGuardian for ISR missions over the North Sea, the Baltic region, and in support of NATO operations in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean.

The MQ-9B is also certified to fly in civilian airspace, which opens additional roles in border security, disaster relief, and civil support operations. Belgian military planners view the system as a dual-use asset, capable of supporting both military and governmental missions during peacetime and crisis scenarios.

The operational debut of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian in Belgium represents more than a technological milestone. It marks a fundamental shift in Belgian defense doctrine, embracing autonomous systems that offer sovereign ISR, strategic flexibility, and future kinetic capability. In a time of increasing security complexity across Europe, Belgium is sending a clear message, it is ready to act, ready to observe, and, if necessary, ready to strike.

This exclusive live report is part of Army Recognition’s continuing frontline coverage of European defense modernization. Stay tuned for additional technical analysis, system reviews, and operational insights from Florennes Air Base.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.