Belgium has ordered five Cessna SkyCourier turboprops for its Special Operations Forces, securing Textron Aviation’s first military sale for the aircraft. The deal, announced on April 7, 2026, launches the rugged platform into the global defense market.
The multirole aircraft will support logistics, medical evacuation, and crisis response, enabling rapid personnel and equipment transport. This strengthens Belgium’s airlift capabilities under its SOA-FW fixed-wing program, expanded from four to five units in 2025.
Deliveries to prime contractor Sabena Engineering begin in 2027, with in-country modifications before the fleet enters Belgian Air Force service at Beauvechain Air Base by 2029.
The twin-engine, high-wing SkyCourier features Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC engines and McCauley C779 four-blade propellers. It offers Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, over 200 KTAS cruise speed, and 900-nm range.
Freighter variants handle three LD3 containers with 6,000-pound payload; passenger versions seat 19 with separate doors and large windows. Single-point refueling supports quick turnarounds for demanding missions.