L3Harris Technologies and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly offer the L3Harris Sky Warden aircraft for Israel’s Light-Attack Aircraft program.
The collaboration will combine L3Harris’ low-cost, high-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft with IAI’s proven systems.
The variant, called Blue Sky Warden, will be equipped with an IAI open-architecture mission computer to host Israeli-specific software and special capabilities.
IAI will also integrate its mission equipment, and lead flight tests and airworthiness campaigns in coordination with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Air Force.
“By combining IAI’s cutting-edge systems and expertise in mission systems integration with L3Harris’ Sky Warden platform, we are delivering a tailored solution that meets the evolving needs of the Ministry of Defense and Israeli Air Force,” President and CEO of IAI, Boaz Levy, said.
Sky Warden
The Sky Warden is a missionized variant of the Air Tractor AT‑802U cropduster, developed for light attack and armed ISR.
The turboprop aircraft was selected for the US Special Operations Command’s Armed Overwatch program to perform close air support, precision strike, and ISR missions.
Designated OA-1K Skyraider II, it can take off and land from short runways and requires minimal logistical support.
The aircraft features 10 hardpoints for high‑powered munitions — including air‑to‑surface missiles, precision‑guided rockets, and .50‑caliber guns — while delivering long endurance, a sizable payload, and improved survivability.
“This strategic partnership with IAI allows us to provide a tailored variant of our Sky Warden to meet Israel’s operational and industrial needs,” President of Integrated Mission Systems at L3Harris, Jon Rambeau, added.
“The Sky Warden light-attack aircraft delivers the best-in-class endurance, payload and survivability needed for airborne ISR and other missions.”
