On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the U.S. company Textron Aviation Inc. (part of Textron Inc.) announced that the Belgian Ministry of Defence had signed a contract to purchase five Cessna 408 SkyCourier light transport aircraft for the country’s Air Component of the Armed Forces (Luchtcomponent).
Photo: Textron Aviation
This will be the second military customer for the Cessna SkyCourier, after Jamaica selected two aircraft in January of this year for transport missions and maritime surveillance duties, although the contract has not yet been signed. In Belgium’s case, the aircraft will strengthen support for special operations, including troop transport, logistics, medical evacuation, and crisis response.
Deliveries to the prime contractor, the Belgian company Sabena Engineering, are planned for 2027, after which military modifications will be carried out in-country, and the aircraft will ultimately be handed over to the Special Operations Regiment (SOR), which is part of the Belgian Land Component, although the actual operator will be the Luchtcomponent.
“This first military selection signals strong armed service interest in the Cessna SkyCourier and underscores its readiness for high‑consequence missions,” said Travis Tyler, president and CEO, Textron Aviation Defense. “The SkyCourier’s combination of rugged performance, low operating cost and the ability to operate from short and unimproved runways makes it a powerful solution for customers who need dependable lift in unpredictable environments.”
SkyCourier’s debut on the global defense market stems from its dynamic expansion into new regions of the world. Designed for reliability and mission adaptability, the twin-engine high-wing turboprop offers flexible cabin configurations, substantial payload capacity, and proven performance in demanding conditions.
Belgium’s decision reflects growing government demand for affordable, multirole aircraft that can support rapidly evolving mission sets. The selection also expands local industrial capabilities through Sabena’s design work in Belgium, strengthening defense ties across the region.
“Working closely with Textron Aviation, Sabena Engineering will perform all mission‑specific integration and certification in Belgium, ensuring the SkyCourier delivers the flexible, responsive airlift capability our Special Operations Forces require while strengthening national industrial expertise and sovereignty,” added Stephane Burton, CEO, Sabena Engineering.
The twin-engine, high-wing Cessna SkyCourier turboprop offers a combination of performance and lower operating costs for air cargo, passenger, and special-mission operators.
The 408F freighter variant is designed to carry up to three LD3 shipping containers, with an impressive payload of 6,000 pounds (about 2,767 kg). The 19-seat 408P passenger version features separate crew and passenger doors for smooth boarding, as well as large cabin windows that provide natural light and outside views. Both variants offer single-point pressure refueling, enabling faster turnaround times.
The SkyCourier is powered by two wing-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65SC turboprop engines, fitted with 110-inch aluminum four-blade McCauley Propeller C779 propellers with reversible pitch, designed to enhance the aircraft’s performance when carrying heavier loads. The SkyCourier is equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, and its maximum cruise speed exceeds 370 km/h (200 knots), with a maximum range of 1,700 km (900 nautical miles).
It is also worth noting that in 2023, Textron Aviation Inc. announced that it was developing a special-mission variant. It was to include four underwing hardpoints and two internal stations for additional fuel tanks. The stations were to be fitted with external sensors, while the forward cargo compartment was to be modified to house a retractable pod with electro-optical and infrared sensors. The engines’ starter-generators were also to be upgraded to power additional electrical equipment. Mission kits were to include three folding stretchers and two bunks for medical personnel for medical evacuation missions. The fuselage could also be fitted with side-facing troop seats, while the main door could be modified for paratroop jumps and airborne insertion. The demonstrator aircraft was expected to make its first flight in 2024.
First military order for the @Cessna SkyCourier ✈️
Belgium’s award for five multirole SkyCouriers to support the nation’s Special Operations Forces expands the country’s airlift capability through a rugged, flexible platform.
Learn more at https://t.co/5aa1uTip0u. pic.twitter.com/YorLXdkODW
— Textron Aviation (@TextronAviation) April 7, 2026
See also: