On April 5, 2023, Belgium and the United Kingdom signed a memorandum of understanding within the framework of an international cooperation program (MQ-9B International Cooperation Program – MICP) of the MQ-9B MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance), also called 'SkyGuardian'.
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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9B SkyGuardian (Picture source: GA-ASI)
MQ-9B SkyGuardian is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). It is the latest variant of the MQ-9 Predator B series and is designed for a variety of military and civilian missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), strike missions, and maritime patrol.
The MQ-9B SkyGuardian has a wingspan of 79 feet and a length of 36 feet. It is powered by a Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine, which gives it a maximum speed of around 300 knots and a maximum altitude of over 40,000 feet. The UAV is equipped with a suite of sensors, including radar, electro-optical and infrared cameras, and a multi-mode maritime surveillance radar, which allows it to conduct long-endurance ISR missions.
One of the key features of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian is its advanced sense and avoid system, which enables it to operate safely in civil airspace. The UAV is also equipped with a range of advanced communication and datalink systems, which allow it to share data and communicate with ground-based operators in real time.
Following the MoU signed by Belgium and the UK, the ‘SkyGuardian’ will be piloted remotely by a crew of three operating from a control station located at Florennes Air Base, in southern Belgium. This station includes a cockpit housing a Remote Pilot (RP), a Sensor Operator (SO) and a Mission Intelligence Coordinator (MIC).
Belgian-British cooperation
With this signature, Belgium and the United Kingdom become the first participants in this agreement and its MICP. This program allows cooperation between partner nations that have acquired the MQ-9B. This cooperation covers all areas of the program, including certification and airworthiness, training, maintenance, logistics support and future capability enhancement. The MICP is made up of eight countries, with Belgium and the United Kingdom being the first participating countries. The other six countries currently have observer status (CAN, LTU, DNK, NOR, GRC, DEU).
Major General De Tender, Head of the Belgian army’s Public Procurement Division (DGMR): "This collaboration enables the development of synergies that optimize interoperability and support for the 'SkyGuardian' by creating an economy of scale for all participants, in various areas such as staff training, certification and the development of future capabilities. »
Major General Dupont, Commander of the Belgian Air Component: “This agreement strengthens the good relations between the Belgian and British air forces. Furthermore, this is an important step in building a strong strategic partnership that will further enhance our readiness and interoperability in a national and collective defense context as partners in NATO and in Europe. »
Air Commodore Alex HICKS, Royal Air Force: "This agreement strengthens the close relationship between the United Kingdom and Belgium and confirms our shared commitment to strategic unity and the defense of Europe and NATO. »
With this program, Belgium and its partners affirm their commitment to jointly fill a capability gap at the European level.
Intelligence capacity
The ‘SkyGuardian’ will be used for information gathering and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. These missions can be conducted in support of international coalitions and national missions. Equipped with highly advanced sensors, the ‘SkyGuardian’ can be deployed anywhere in the world.
It is a very powerful and easy-to-use information acquisition tool capable of performing a wide range of missions. During a single flight, the ‘SkyGuardian’ can gather real-time strategic, operational and even tactical information from engaged parties on the ground. The presence of the SkyGuardian will increase the security of the troops on the ground.
New infrastructure
To accommodate the four new Belgian SkyGuardian aircraft and the two Ground Control Stations, several infrastructure works are underway at the Florennes air base.
The Belgian MQ-9B infrastructure project was launched on July 4, 2022. It consists of three parts: an administrative area (offices, changing rooms, etc.), an operational area (where the control stations and the simulator are located and where the preparation of operations takes place), and a third area for maintenance (maintenance hangar).
In 2024, the Air Component will host these ‘SkyGuardian’ remotely piloted systems at Florennes Air Base.
