The signing of the MoU marks UK and Belgium as the initial participants, to work together on certification and airworthiness, training, sustainment, and future capability enhancements.
The United Kingdom and Belgium have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that paves the way for future collaboration on their respective MQ-9B programmes. As the lead customer purchasing the MQ-9B, which will be known as the Protector RG1 in Royal Air Force (RAF) service, the UK has established the MQ-9B Cooperation MoU to foster cooperation among international governments that have procured a variant of the MQ-9B.
The signing marks the UK and Belgium as the initial Participants of the MoU, which enables them to work together on all programme areas, including certification and airworthiness, training, sustainment, and future capability enhancements. The UK and Belgium seek to optimize the interoperability and support of the SkyGuardian, by creating economies of scale for all participants in various domains such as staff training, certification and development of future capabilities.
“This agreement further cements the close relationship between the UK and Belgium and affirms our joint commitment to the strategic unity and defence of Europe and NATO,” said Air Commodore Hicks, Assistant Chief of Staff Cap ISR, British Army.
The UK and Belgium have also established the MQ-9B International Cooperative Programme (MICP), which provides the processes and functionality to cooperate across certification, airworthiness, training, sustainment, and capability enhancements. The MICP Community currently comprises eight nations, with Belgium and the UK as the leads and six additional nations as observers. The membership of the MICP is expected to grow, as a number of like-minded nations are considering the procurement of MQ-9B.
Major General Ivan De Tender, Head of the Public Procurement Division, Belgian said, that “this collaboration allows us to develop synergies that optimize the interoperability and support of the SkyGuardian, by creating economies of scale for all participants in various domains such as staff training, certification and development of future capabilities.”
The MQ-9B is a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System that will provide critical surveillance capability. Equipped with advanced equipment and precision strike weapons, it will be able to deploy against potential adversaries around the globe.
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The MoU and MICP mark a significant step forward in international cooperation and the sharing of resources for the MQ-9B programme. As nations around the world face growing security challenges, this partnership will help ensure that the MQ-9B is utilized effectively and efficiently to meet the needs of all participating nations.
