80th UAV Squadron (Belgium)
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 that in its days was tasked to locate and identify enemy positions and targets. as of 2021 the unit will commences operations with two 9B SkyGuardian, in the aerial reconnaissance role, by 2031 the Squadron will operate a total of 4 to 6 MQ-9B SkyGuardian's which replaces the IAI B-Hunter in services from 2004 to 2020.
| 80th UAV Squadron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1 July 2004 |
| Country | .svg.png.webp){kind=small} Belgium |
| Branch | Air Component |
| Role | UAV Reconnaissance |
| Size | 120 personnel |
| Garrison/HQ | Florennes |
| Motto(s) | Age Quod Agis (Do what you gotta do) |
| Equipment | 9B SkyGuardian ( from 2021 ) |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Major |
Mission
The 80 UAV Squadron 's mission is real-time aerial reconnaissance,surveillance and visual intelligence gathering, in supporting the Belgium Armed Forces. and other departments within the framework of aid to the nation such as surveillance of territorial waters, Forrest fires and agriculture
- Border surveillance
- Fight against organized crime
- Collecting information
- Support to units of Belgium Armed Forces
Deployments
- ALTHEA mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina -2005
- EUFOR RD Congo Mission -2006
Operations from Belgium territory
- Support to firefighters during fires in the Fens - 2004
- Silent Watch mission over the North Sea (Monitoring the degassing of boats in the North Sea) 2008 -2020
- Operation Vigilant Guardian - 2016
- Collaborated with the Federal Public Finance Service during customs control operations 2017 - 2020
- Game counting for the Department of Nature and Forests