80th UAV Squadron (Belgium)

Last updated
80th UAV Squadron
Logo80uav.jpg
Active1 July 2004
Country Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium
Branch Air Component
RoleUAV Reconnaissance
Size120 personnel
Garrison/HQ Florennes
Motto(s)Age Quod Agis (Do well what you do)
Equipment 9B SkyGuardian (from 2021)

The 80th UAV Squadron (French : 80 UAVe escadrille, Dutch : 80 UAVste Smaldeel) is a squadron in the Air Component of the Belgian Armed Forces. It is dedicated to unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs. The squadron got its name in recognition of the 80th Artillery Battalion of the Belgian Army, which, in its day, was tasked with locating and identifying enemy positions and targets. As of 2021, the unit will commence operations with two 9B SkyGuardians in the aerial reconnaissance role; by 2031, the squadron will operate a total of four to six MQ-9B SkyGuardians, which replaced the IAI B-Hunter in service from 2004 to 2020.

Contents

Mission

The 80th UAV Squadron's mission is real-time aerial reconnaissance, surveillance, visual intelligence gathering to support the Belgium Armed Forces, and other departments within the framework of aid to the nation, such as surveillance of territorial waters, forest fires, agriculture, border surveillance, fighting against organized crime, collecting information, and providing support to units of the Belgium Armed Forces.

Deployments

Operations in Belgian territory:

Organisation

80th UAV Squadron consists of:

Collection of 80 Sqn insignia