Belgium has confirmed an order for five Cessna SkyCourier aircraft, marking Textron Aviation’s first military sale for the twin-engine turboprop.
The Belgian Ministry of Defense selected the aircraft under its STAR (Sécurité, Technologie, Ambition, Résilience) program, formalizing plans announced in early February. The fleet will support the nation’s Special Operations Forces with missions including troop transport, logistics, medical evacuation, crisis response, intelligence, surveillance, and light tactical support. The aircraft will operate from Beauvechain Air Base through a dedicated special operations unit.
Deliveries to prime contractor Sabena Engineering are scheduled throughout 2027. The planes will undergo mission-specific modifications in Belgium before transfer to the armed forces, with entry into service expected from 2028.
The high-wing SkyCourier, certified by the FAA in 2022, features Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC engines and McCauley C779 four-blade propellers. It offers a maximum cruise speed over 200 knots, a 900-nautical-mile range, and a payload capacity of about 6,000 pounds, suitable for up to three LD3 containers in freighter configuration or 19 passengers. Equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, it excels in short takeoff and landing operations, previously used mainly for cargo and regional passenger services.