The approval confirms that Belgium has decided to arm its General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft. The first aircraft has been conducting operational flights from Belgium since September this year.
Until now, the Belgian government had not disclosed the full configuration of its MQ-9B fleet, and one key question concerned the potential integration of precision weapons. The decision marks a significant step, as the aircraft are expected to provide important support to the country’s Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II multirole fighters and its helicopters.
The MQ-9B fleet also helps restore capabilities lost when Belgium retired its IAI RQ-5 Hunter systems. The addition of armed SkyGuardians is intended to strengthen surveillance and strike options within the Belgian Air Force.
Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
