The MQ-9B SkyGuardian has taken a crucial step towards operational service with the Belgian Air Force as the first of four ordered aircraft completed its inaugural flight, which took place on Feb. 20th. The flight originated from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.’s (GA-ASI) Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in El Mirage, California. This event marks a crucial step in Belgium’s acquisition of a fleet of four MQ-9B aircraft.
Photo: General Atomics
The inaugural flight was part of a comprehensive series of ground and airborne tests designed to rigorously validate the performance of the Belgian MQ-9B RPA. According to GA-ASI, the primary objective of this initial sortie was to demonstrate the aircraft’s controllability and ensure a safe landing, both of which were successfully achieved. The program is now poised to proceed with further developmental flight testing.
Speaking on the achievement, Chris Dusseault, vice president of MQ-9B in Europe at GA-ASI, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re excited to complete the first flight of SkyGuardian for Belgium,” and highlighting the fact that “Belgium joins the U.K.’s Royal Air Force and will become the second country to take delivery of our MQ-9B in Europe”.
This procurement and operational progress is underpinned by a robust framework of international cooperation, most notably with the United Kingdom. On Apr. 5, 2023, Belgium and the U.K. formalized their commitment to joint efforts by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enabling close cooperation and future collaboration on their respective MQ-9B programs.
As the lead customer for the MQ-9B, which will be known as the Protector RG1 in Royal Air Force (RAF) service, the U.K. has taken a proactive role in establishing the MQ-9B Cooperation MOU to facilitate collaboration among like-minded international partners who have also opted for a variant of the advanced RPA. Belgium’s participation in this MoU as an initial signatory alongside the U.K. allows both nations to enter into detailed arrangements for joint work across all critical program areas, including certification and airworthiness, training, sustainment, and the development of future capability enhancements.
Air Commodore Hicks, Assistant Chief of Staff Capability Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) for the U.K., underscored the strategic benefits of this collaboration, noting that it “allows us to develop synergies that optimize the interoperability and support of the SkyGuardian, by creating economies of scale for all participants in various domains such as staff training, certification and development of future capabilities”.
Building upon the foundation of the MoU, the U.K. and Belgium have also established the MQ-9B International Cooperative Programme (MICP). This program provides the essential processes and functionality to facilitate cooperation across the aforementioned domains. The MICP community currently includes eight nations, with Belgium and the U.K. taking the lead, supported by six additional nations acting as observers. With several other like-minded nations reportedly considering the procurement of the MQ-9B, membership in the MICP is anticipated to expand.
This first flight represents a tangible step forward for Belgium in acquiring a platform that will enhance its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The ongoing collaboration with the U.K. through the MICP promises to ensure effective training, long-term sustainment, and the continuous development of the MQ-9B’s operational potential.
Major General Ivan De Tender, Belgian’s Head of the Public Procurement Division, has affirmed the strong defence ties between the two nations, stating that the agreement “further cements the close relationship between the UK and Belgium and affirms our joint commitment to the strategic unity and defence of Europe and NATO”.
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