Israel Taps U.S. L3Harris and IAI from Israel for New Blue Sky Warden Attack Aircraft
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U.S. Company L3Harris Technologies and Israel Aerospace Industries have signed a strategic defense agreement to develop Blue Sky Warden, a light-attack and intelligence aircraft tailored for Israel’s defense needs. The collaboration strengthens bilateral defense innovation and highlights a shift toward affordable, long-endurance platforms for modern warfare.
Washington D.C., October 19, 2025 – L3Harris Technologies and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced on October 15, 2025, a new strategic partnership focused on developing the Blue Sky Warden, a customized variant of L3Harris’ Sky Warden platform. Built on the OA-1K Skyraider II design now entering service with U.S. Special Operations Command, the new aircraft is expected to combine precision strike capabilities with advanced ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) systems optimized for Israel’s unique operational environment. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining co-development plans and technology integration to meet future defense requirements.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
An OA-1K Skyraider II in U.S. service, the same platform now forming the basis of the Blue Sky Warden variant jointly developed by L3Harris and Israel Aerospace Industries for delivery to the Israeli Ministry of Defense. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War)
The OA-1K Skyraider II was selected by U.S. SOCOM in 2022 to replace the U-28A Draco fleet. It was purpose-built to meet the requirements of special operations forces operating in remote and politically sensitive theaters. Developed on the rugged Air Tractor AT-802U airframe, the OA-1K is designed to take off and land from short, unimproved runways of less than 800 meters and operate with minimal logistical support. It can loiter for over six hours, providing sustained overwatch and strike coordination in environments where larger aircraft are unsuitable or too costly to deploy.
With a maximum takeoff weight of around 7,250 kilograms, the OA-1K Skyraider II carries a significant payload of up to 3,630 kilograms. The aircraft supports a broad mix of precision-guided weapons, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 227-kilogram Joint Direct Attack Munitions, GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, and 70mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System rockets. A GAU-19 .50 caliber Gatling gun pod is also available, enhancing its capability for low-altitude strafing and area denial. These armaments are integrated alongside a full-spectrum sensor suite, including EO/IR targeting systems, synthetic aperture radar for day and night operations, and electronic warfare support measures for real-time threat detection.
Beyond its firepower, the OA-1K excels in operational sustainability. It requires only a small maintenance crew and can be refueled and rearmed within 30 minutes. Self-sealing fuel tanks, ballistic protection for critical systems, and infrared suppression improve survivability during low-level operations. Secure beyond-line-of-sight communications, advanced mission planning software, and data link interoperability make it ideal for joint operations and dynamic re-tasking alongside ground or unmanned forces.
The Israeli version, Blue Sky Warden, will retain the core flight performance and combat endurance of the OA-1K but will be reconfigured with a fully open-architecture Israeli mission system. Israel Aerospace Industries will supply a custom-designed mission computer built to support locally developed software and advanced SIGINT, COMINT, and optical surveillance payloads. These systems will be embedded in a modular, reconfigurable structure that allows the platform to switch between ISR, close air support, and border security missions with minimal downtime.
IAI will lead integration and flight testing in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Air Force. The mission architecture will also include encrypted communications, Israeli-designed EO/IR systems, and options for future upgrades to accommodate evolving threats. Initial airworthiness and test campaigns are expected to begin in late 2026, with full operational deployment anticipated by 2028 or 2029.
Blue Sky Warden is being developed with the dual goal of fulfilling Israeli defense requirements and positioning the aircraft for broader export potential. Joint marketing efforts may be extended to regional and NATO-aligned countries seeking affordable airborne platforms for counterterrorism, border defense, and rapid-response operations. The platform is ideally suited to areas with limited infrastructure and high operational tempo, such as North Africa, Eastern Europe, and parts of the Middle East.
The selection of this aircraft by Israel signals a deliberate move toward hybrid force structures that blend manned persistence, low operating cost, and high tactical impact. Rather than relying solely on fast jets for close air support and ISR, armed forces are increasingly investing in rugged platforms that can deploy quickly, adapt to mission needs, and operate under the radar in contested regions.
As U.S. Special Operations Command continues to expand OA-1K deployments in Africa and the Indo-Pacific, the Israeli version will deepen industrial ties between the United States and Israel while reinforcing a shared approach to modern light combat aviation. The Blue Sky Warden represents not only a fusion of two defense industries but also a reflection of how future airpower is being shaped by mobility, flexibility, and survivability rather than speed and size alone.Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition GroupAlain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.
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U.S. Company L3Harris Technologies and Israel Aerospace Industries have signed a strategic defense agreement to develop Blue Sky Warden, a light-attack and intelligence aircraft tailored for Israel’s defense needs. The collaboration strengthens bilateral defense innovation and highlights a shift toward affordable, long-endurance platforms for modern warfare.
Washington D.C., October 19, 2025 – L3Harris Technologies and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced on October 15, 2025, a new strategic partnership focused on developing the Blue Sky Warden, a customized variant of L3Harris’ Sky Warden platform. Built on the OA-1K Skyraider II design now entering service with U.S. Special Operations Command, the new aircraft is expected to combine precision strike capabilities with advanced ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) systems optimized for Israel’s unique operational environment. The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining co-development plans and technology integration to meet future defense requirements.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
An OA-1K Skyraider II in U.S. service, the same platform now forming the basis of the Blue Sky Warden variant jointly developed by L3Harris and Israel Aerospace Industries for delivery to the Israeli Ministry of Defense. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War)
The OA-1K Skyraider II was selected by U.S. SOCOM in 2022 to replace the U-28A Draco fleet. It was purpose-built to meet the requirements of special operations forces operating in remote and politically sensitive theaters. Developed on the rugged Air Tractor AT-802U airframe, the OA-1K is designed to take off and land from short, unimproved runways of less than 800 meters and operate with minimal logistical support. It can loiter for over six hours, providing sustained overwatch and strike coordination in environments where larger aircraft are unsuitable or too costly to deploy.
With a maximum takeoff weight of around 7,250 kilograms, the OA-1K Skyraider II carries a significant payload of up to 3,630 kilograms. The aircraft supports a broad mix of precision-guided weapons, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 227-kilogram Joint Direct Attack Munitions, GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, and 70mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System rockets. A GAU-19 .50 caliber Gatling gun pod is also available, enhancing its capability for low-altitude strafing and area denial. These armaments are integrated alongside a full-spectrum sensor suite, including EO/IR targeting systems, synthetic aperture radar for day and night operations, and electronic warfare support measures for real-time threat detection.
Beyond its firepower, the OA-1K excels in operational sustainability. It requires only a small maintenance crew and can be refueled and rearmed within 30 minutes. Self-sealing fuel tanks, ballistic protection for critical systems, and infrared suppression improve survivability during low-level operations. Secure beyond-line-of-sight communications, advanced mission planning software, and data link interoperability make it ideal for joint operations and dynamic re-tasking alongside ground or unmanned forces.
The Israeli version, Blue Sky Warden, will retain the core flight performance and combat endurance of the OA-1K but will be reconfigured with a fully open-architecture Israeli mission system. Israel Aerospace Industries will supply a custom-designed mission computer built to support locally developed software and advanced SIGINT, COMINT, and optical surveillance payloads. These systems will be embedded in a modular, reconfigurable structure that allows the platform to switch between ISR, close air support, and border security missions with minimal downtime.
IAI will lead integration and flight testing in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Air Force. The mission architecture will also include encrypted communications, Israeli-designed EO/IR systems, and options for future upgrades to accommodate evolving threats. Initial airworthiness and test campaigns are expected to begin in late 2026, with full operational deployment anticipated by 2028 or 2029.
Blue Sky Warden is being developed with the dual goal of fulfilling Israeli defense requirements and positioning the aircraft for broader export potential. Joint marketing efforts may be extended to regional and NATO-aligned countries seeking affordable airborne platforms for counterterrorism, border defense, and rapid-response operations. The platform is ideally suited to areas with limited infrastructure and high operational tempo, such as North Africa, Eastern Europe, and parts of the Middle East.
The selection of this aircraft by Israel signals a deliberate move toward hybrid force structures that blend manned persistence, low operating cost, and high tactical impact. Rather than relying solely on fast jets for close air support and ISR, armed forces are increasingly investing in rugged platforms that can deploy quickly, adapt to mission needs, and operate under the radar in contested regions.
As U.S. Special Operations Command continues to expand OA-1K deployments in Africa and the Indo-Pacific, the Israeli version will deepen industrial ties between the United States and Israel while reinforcing a shared approach to modern light combat aviation. The Blue Sky Warden represents not only a fusion of two defense industries but also a reflection of how future airpower is being shaped by mobility, flexibility, and survivability rather than speed and size alone.
Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.
