[Debriefing] Inauguration of the MQ-9B: a new milestone for the Belgian Air Force

[Debriefing] Inauguration of the MQ-9B,

a new milestone for the Belgian Air Force

Authors: Martin Gillet & Benoît Denet reporting from Florennes AFB.

This Tuesday, September 23rd, the Belgian Air Force officially inaugurated the new facility along with the new equipment purchase, an MQ-9B also referred to as the Sky Guardian, registered MS-01.

What is the MQ-9B? Unmatched Situational Awareness

“MQ-9B SkyGuardian® is the next generation of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), delivering persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) around the globe. SkyGuardian is designed to fly over the horizon via satellite for up to 40+ hours in all types of weather and safely integrate into civil airspace, enabling joint forces and civil authorities to deliver real-time situational awareness anywhere in the world—day or night. The aircraft is outfitted with the revolutionary Lynx Multi-mode Radar, an advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, automatic takeoff and landing, and features a longer wingspan than its predecessors at 79 ft (24m)”.

In addition to its industry-leading endurance and superior surveillance capabilities, SkyGuardian seamlessly integrates with its users’ other platforms, systems, and podded technologies, dramatically expanding the platform’s multi-domain mission sets”.

It was not an autumn day, but rather a brief respite from the rain that allowed the Florennes Air Base (EBFS) to welcome the Minister of Defence, generals from the General Staff, distinguished visitors, and the mayor of the city of Dinant.

Speeches were given in turn, highlighting the historic turning point for the Air Force with the reconstitution of the second squadron. Teamwork was repeatedly emphasised, illustrating in particular the new skills acquired by the staff members.

“The MQ-9B is a latest-generation remotely piloted aircraft, specially designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. With its exceptional endurance and advanced sensors, it provides accurate, real-time knowledge of operational environments. After 2027, it will also be capable of carrying weapons, further enhancing its versatility and ability to respond to threats,” lectured Aviator Major General Air Chief Geert De Decker to the audience.

Key Highlights

• a decisive step towards operational modernisation
• expertise and versatility at the service of missions
• a Belgian Air Force looking to the future
• the strategic rebirth of the second Wing (squadron): the integration of the MQ-9B. Historical squadron reactivated for a modern challenge
• specialised teams at the heart of operations
• an autonomous and collaborative organisation
• a major modernisation in the service of national and international security

Key Program milestones

• decision-making and acquisition phase (2016-2018): 2017: MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) program Office launched. Decision in 2018. Signature in 2019.
• partnerships and preparation (2019-2020)
• infrastructure and testing (2022-2023): 2022: Start of infrastructure work at Florennes AFB. 2016: Prototype First Flight
• training and structuring (2024): Crew trained in the US, Technicians in the UK, including simulators
• delivery and ramp-up (2025-2027)

“This event ushers in a new era of information dominance for Belgium,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “MQ-9B is the world’s premiere remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) system, delivering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in a high-endurance unmanned platform.”

The Sky Guardian MQ-9B is quite impressive, not only because there is no standard cockpit to be seen but mostly by its wingspan.
The General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian has a wingspan of about 24 metres (79 feet).

To put that in perspective, that’s roughly the same as a Boeing 737 airliner’s wingspan (36 m – 118 ft), but a bit shorter.
Or it’s almost identical to the wingspan of a WWII B-25 Mitchell bomber (20 m – 67 ft), just slightly larger. It’s about the same as the length of two city buses parked end to end.

Airframe & Performance

• Wingspan: 24 m (79 ft) – longer than MQ-9A Reaper’s 66 ft.
• Endurance: Over 40+ hours (depending on payload/equipment).
• Service ceiling: ~ 12192 m (40,000 ft.)
• Cruise speed: ~370–460 km/h (200–250 knots).

Systems & Capabilities

• Automatic Takeoff and Landing (ATLC): Fully autonomous, no runway chase vehicle needed.
• Detect and Avoid (DAA) system: Certified for integration in civilian airspace, compliant with NATO and ICAO standards.
• Satellite communications (SATCOM): Beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) control.
  Weather resistance: Can operate in icing conditions and adverse weather.

Sensors & Payload

• Multi-mode radar (e.g., Lynx radar).
• Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems for day/night surveillance.
• Signals intelligence (SIGINT) payloads optional.
• Maritime patrol version (SeaGuardian): Equipped with surface-search radar and can carry sonobuoys for anti-submarine warfare.
• Payload capacity: ~2,155 kg (4,750 lb), including external hardpoints for weapons or mission pods.

Minister of Defence Theo Francken to conclude that the MQ-9B is designed as a next-gen, long-endurance, certifiable UAV that can safely share civilian airspace while carrying out both military and civilian missions. It will be embedded in normal traffic just like any aircraft. The MQ-9B represents a highly anticipated capability, purpose-built to meet today’s evolving operational demands while strengthening interoperability with our allies and NATO partners.