INDIAN ARMED FORCES CHIEFS ON OUR RELENTLESS AND FOCUSED PUBLISHING EFFORTS
The insightful articles, inspiring narrations and analytical perspectives presented by the Editorial Team, establish an alluring connect with the reader. My compliments and best wishes to SP Guide Publications.
"Over the past 60 years, the growth of SP Guide Publications has mirrored the rising stature of Indian Navy. Its well-researched and informative magazines on Defence and Aerospace sector have served to shape an educated opinion of our military personnel, policy makers and the public alike. I wish SP's Publication team continued success, fair winds and following seas in all future endeavour!"
Since, its inception in 1964, SP Guide Publications has consistently demonstrated commitment to high-quality journalism in the aerospace and defence sectors, earning a well-deserved reputation as Asia's largest media house in this domain. I wish SP Guide Publications continued success in its pursuit of excellence.
- Indian Air Force Aims for Full Indigenous Inventory by 2047 — Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh
- General Upendra Dwivedi takes over as the Chief of the Army Staff
- Rajnath Singh assumes charge as Defence Minister for the second consecutive term
- Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi assumes Command of the Indian Navy as 26th Chief of the Naval Staff
- Prime Minister witnesses 'Bharat Shakti' – a Tri-Services Firing and Manoeuvre Exercise in Pokhran, Rajasthan
MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Flies for First Time in Belgium
First of Four MQ-9Bs Is Now in Place and Operating at Florennes Air Base
Following its arrival in August at Florennes Air Base, the first of four MQ-9B SkyGuardians® ordered by Belgian Defence from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) made its maiden flight in Belgium on September 23.
"This event ushers in a new era of information dominance for Belgium," said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. "MQ-9B is the world's premiere remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) system, delivering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in a high-endurance unmanned platform."
The first flight in Belgium follows a busy year of preparation for the aircraft. The RPA completed Acceptance Test Procedures in July at GA-ASI's test facilities in Southern California, which included the actual first flight of the aircraft in February. In parallel, 18 Belgian Air Force personnel completed initial MQ-9B training that took place at GA-ASI's Flight Test & Training Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and live flight training at its Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in El Mirage, California.
"With the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, Belgium enters a new era of ISR capability. This achievement reflects not only technological progress, but also the strength of our collaboration with General Atomics—built on mutual understanding, trust, and a shared commitment to operational excellence," said Air Chief, Major General Geert De Decker.
Belgium joins the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) as the first European countries to take delivery of MQ-9B. MQ-9B recently became the first large RPA to obtain a Military Type Certificate (MTC), which was granted by the UK's Military Aviation Authority earlier this year for Protector (the RAF MQ-9B model). MTC certifies MQ-9B's safe operation in civil airspace without geographic restrictions, including over populous areas. Countries in Europe and throughout the world are choosing MQ-9B for its multi-domain versatility and exceptionally long range and endurance. The platform provides pole-to-pole satellite control and de-icing capabilities to enable missions in the harsh conditions of the Arctic.
Other countries that have selected MQ-9B include Canada, Denmark, Poland, Japan, Taiwan, India, and the US Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also been featured in various US Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail.
SP's MAI - CURRENT ISSUE
