Order of five aircraft for Belgian Special Operations Forces marks the debut of Textron Aviation’s turboprop in the global defense market
Textron Aviation announced on Monday, April 7, 2026, that Belgium has selected the Cessna SkyCourier as its new special mission aircraft, formalizing an order for five multi-mission units to support the country’s Special Operations Forces.
The decision represents the model’s first military order and marks the official entry of the Cessna SkyCourier into the global defense market. According to the manufacturer, the new fleet will strengthen Belgium’s airlift capability with a versatile, rugged platform designed to operate in demanding missions.
The aircraft will be used for a wide range of tasks, including troop transport, equipment movement, logistical support, medical evacuation, and crisis response. Deliveries to the prime contractor, Sabena Engineering, are expected to take place throughout 2027. After that, the aircraft will undergo military modifications in Belgium before final transfer to the country’s special forces.
For Textron Aviation Defense, Belgium’s selection signals growing interest among armed forces in affordable, adaptable aircraft with strong performance in complex environments. Travis Tyler, president and CEO of the company’s defense division, said the selection demonstrates the SkyCourier’s readiness for high-priority operational missions.
According to the executive, the model combines robust performance, low operating costs, and the ability to operate from short or unprepared runways—features that increase its appeal for customers needing reliable transport in unpredictable environments.
The SkyCourier’s progress in the military segment comes amid the program’s international expansion. Designed to deliver reliability and flexibility, the high-wing twin-engine turboprop was built for multiple mission profiles, with different cabin configurations, significant payload capacity, and proven operation in austere conditions.
The Cessna SkyCourier was developed for cargo operators, regional transport, and special missions. In the cargo version, the aircraft can carry up to three LD3 containers and has a payload capacity of 6,000 pounds. The passenger version accommodates up to 19 occupants and features dedicated crew and passenger doors, along with large cabin windows.
Both variants feature single-point refueling, a capability that speeds up ground operations. The SkyCourier is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC engines mounted on the wings and McCauley C779 four-blade aluminum propellers with reversible pitch, designed to improve performance when carrying heavy loads.
The aircraft also uses Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, can exceed 200 knots of cruise speed, and has a maximum range of 900 nautical miles—figures that position it as a light, multi-mission transport solution for military forces seeking efficiency at lower cost.
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Source and images: Textron Aviation. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
