The aircraft had earlier completed Acceptance Test Procedures in July at GA-ASI’s Southern California facilities, including its initial flight in February. Meanwhile, 18 Belgian Air Force personnel underwent training at GA-ASI’s Flight Test & Training Center in North Dakota and at the Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in California.
“With the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, Belgium enters a new era of ISR capability. This achievement reflects not only technological progress, but also the strength of our collaboration with General Atomics—built on mutual understanding, trust, and a shared commitment to operational excellence,” said Air Chief, Major General Geert De Decker. Belgium now joins the U.K. Royal Air Force as one of the first European operators of the platform.
The MQ-9B recently became the first large remotely piloted aircraft to obtain a Military Type Certificate from the U.K.’s Military Aviation Authority, allowing safe operation in civil airspace without restrictions. Other countries to select the MQ-9B include Canada, Denmark, Poland, Japan, Taiwan, India and the United States.
