Textron Aviation has received its first military order for the Cessna SkyCourier, with Belgium confirming the acquisition of five aircraft for special operations missions.
The selection formalizes a plan previously disclosed by the Belgian Ministry of Defense in early February, when the government outlined its intention to acquire the twin-engine turboprop under its STAR (Sécurité, Technologie, Ambition, Résilience) program.
The aircraft will be used to support troop transport, logistics, medical evacuation and crisis response missions. Belgium plans to operate the fleet through a dedicated special operations unit based at Beauvechain Air Base.
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Deliveries are scheduled throughout 2027 to Sabena Engineering, which will act as the prime contractor. The aircraft will then undergo mission-specific modifications in Belgium before being transferred to the armed forces. Entry into service is expected from 2028.
The SkyCourier is a high-wing, twin-engine turboprop designed for short takeoff and landing operations. It has a payload capacity of about 2,268 kg, a maximum range of around 900 nautical miles and a typical cruise speed near 200 knots. At higher payloads, range drops to roughly 400 nautical miles.
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Belgium’s program includes local industrial participation, with companies such as Sabena Engineering and Sonaca responsible for integrating mission systems. Planned modifications include configurations for intelligence, surveillance, medical evacuation and light tactical support roles.
Until now, the SkyCourier had been used primarily for cargo and regional passenger operations following its FAA certification in 2022. The Belgian order marks its entry into the defense market, where it will compete in the segment of light, multi-role utility aircraft.
