Overview
- Textron Aviation said Belgium ordered five Cessna SkyCourier turboprops for its special operations forces to move troops and gear, run logistics, perform medical evacuation, and handle crisis response.
- The €322.3 million program funds the aircraft, full pilot and technician training, maintenance requalification, and four years of spare parts and support.
- The Belgian Air Force plans to base the fleet at Beauvechain Air Base with initial operational capability targeted for 2029.
- Sabena Engineering and Sonaca will take delivery through 2027, complete the mission systems and certification work in Belgium, and hand over the modified aircraft to the unit.
- Textron also announced a factory option planned for 2028 that makes the cabin door operable in flight to support paratrooper jumps and airdrop missions.