In the next fight, the joint force won’t need runways, but an aircraft that can fly, take off and land anywhere, anytime, and bring a network of sensors, communications equipment and combat payloads. To accomplish this, U.S. Special Operations Command has partnered with L3Harris to turn the Sky Warden into the OA-1K Skyraider II. Sky Warden, Built on the rugged, reliable Air Tractor AT-802U platform, a unique aircraft that can do it all across the spectrum of armed conflict from remote, contested zones. It can connect to any joint force network anywhere in the world—voice, video, datalink—in real time. And it does it with a smaller footprint, lower cost per flying hour and unmatched flexibility for U.S. and allied operators. The OA-1K Skyraider II offers exceptional capabilities, including up to eight hours of persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) endurance, ensuring continuous situational awareness.
Since the Skyraider II delivery ceremony in April 2025, L3Harris and Air Tractor have delivered multiple follow-on aircraft in quick succession to ensure special operations personnel can meet the needs of the National Defense Strategy and the joint force. The Skyraider II aircraft is built on L3Harris’ Sky Warden platform and integrated with a mission set unique to AFSOC’s requirements. The Sky Warden can be disassembled in under six hours and combat ready within 12 hours allowing rapid transport for crisis response and other novel mission sets. Ground personnel in remote locations can get the support they need at a fraction of the price and logistical footprint using a more cost-effective platform. Whereas jet aircraft are often required to leave the battle area for refueling, the Sky Warden provides continuous armed overwatch support for up to eight hours.
The Sky Warden’s unique modular design allows rapid integration of different sensors, communications equipment and combat payloads. The Sky Warden can operate independently or as part of an integrated ISR strike network and has the command and control, power, connectivity and lethality to replace “the stack” and execute the kill chain. The Sky Warden is not only for counter extremist activities for U.S. Special Operations Command but is also the ideal platform for partner nations and allies looking for selfdefense and rapid response capabilities in emerging hot spots or natural disasters in austere locations. It boasts a powerful external payload capacity of over 6,000 lbs, enabling effective target detection, tracking, and engagement. Designed for rapid deployment with removable wings, it can be easily transported and assembled in austere environments.
Air Tractor Inc. is a United States aircraft manufacturer based in Olney, Texas. Founded in 1978, the company began manufacturing a new agricultural aircraft derived from the S-2B aircraft (designed by founder Leland Snow’s previous company, Snow Aeronautical). Designated Model AT-300 Air Tractor, the new aircraft first flew in 1973.
L3Harris Technologies, Inc. is an American technology company, defense contractor, and information technology services provider that produces products for command and control systems, wireless equipment, tactical radios, avionics and electronic systems, night vision equipment, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C3ISR) systems and products, ocean systems, instrumentation, navigation products, training devices and services, and both terrestrial/spaceborne antennas for use in the government, defense, and commercial sectors. The company was formed from the merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation on June 29, 2019, which made it the sixth-largest defense contractor in the United States.
