Belgium has awarded a contract to Textron Aviation for the acquisition of five Cessna SkyCourier aircraft, marking the platform’s first entry into military service. Deliveries are scheduled throughout 2027 and will be handled by Sabena Engineering, which will conduct mission-specific integration, customization, and certification. Once completed, the aircraft will be transferred to the Belgian Special Operations Forces for operational use. The SkyCourier is designed to support a wide range of missions, including tactical logistics, medical evacuation, and rapid response operations in austere environments. Its ability to operate from short and unpaved runways enhances deployment flexibility, particularly in remote or conflict-prone regions. Equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics and powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC engines, the aircraft combines reliability with efficiency. It offers a cruising speed exceeding 200 KTAS and a range of approximately 900 nautical miles. With both cargo and passenger configurations, it provides adaptable payload capacity while maintaining low operational costs, making it a valuable addition to modern military logistics fleets.
