Originally posted October 24, 2025.

The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has taken delivery of the first 12 OA-1K Skyraider II (Sky Warden) light-attack aircraft, the initial batch of a 75-aircraft program. The OA-1K, based on the Air Tractor AT-802U and powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67F turboprop engine, is designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and light-attack missions. The single-engine aircraft cruises at approximately 210 mph, has a range of about 1,500 miles, and is equipped with 10 hardpoints capable of carrying AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, AGR-20 APKWS-style rockets, and GBU-12 bombs.

The 2017 Tongo Tongo ambush underscored the critical need for a dedicated armed overwatch platform like the OA-1K Skyraider II. Such aircraft provide close air support and actionable intelligence to special operations forces operating in remote and austere environments, where timely, precise air support can be decisive.

AFSOC is currently training crews at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, flying roughly 15 sorties per day, with the goal of having deployable crews within two years, according to The National Defense. They write:

Air Force Special Operations Command has received its first dozen OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft and is already looking at new ways to use the platform, its commander said recently. […]

The Skyraider II is a fixed-wing, single-engine, turboprop aircraft envisioned for light attack and sensing missions. Its airframe is based on the Air Tractor AT-802U. L3Harris is integrating the armor and weapons. It will replace the U-28A Draco, an unarmed aircraft used for surveillance and reconnaissance, mostly in counter-insurgency operations.

The OA-1K has a 59-foot wingspan, is 13 feet tall and 37 feet long. Its maximum speed is 245 miles per hour, and it cruises at 210 miles per hour. It has a range of about 1,500 miles using a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67F turboprop engine. […]

The Skyraider II features 10 hardpoints. Armaments so far include AGM-114 Hellfire and AGR-20 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles and GBU-12 Paveway II bombs.

ADAPTIVE AIRCRAFT COMBAT LOADOUT

Conley addressed adding the new Black Arrow — a small cruise missile produced by Leidos — to the aircraft’s menu. […]

“The Sky Warden is an ideal platform for partner nations and allies looking for self-defense and rapid response capabilities in emerging trouble zones or natural disasters in austere locations. Where you see conflict, hot spots or areas where border patrol is becoming increasingly important, you can expect a market for Sky Warden there,” she added.

Read more here.

L3Harris Expands Sky Warden Program with Israeli Partnership

On October 15th, 2025, L3Harris announced it is expanding the Sky Warden’s global reach through a new partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries to develop the Blue Sky Warden, a customized Israeli variant featuring IAI’s open-architecture mission computer, advanced sensors, and mission systems for the country’s Light-Attack Aircraft program. The collaboration combines L3Harris’ proven ISR and light-attack platform with IAI’s systems integration expertise to deliver a cost-effective, high-performance solution tailored to Israel’s defense needs.