VIVAERO
L3Harris Technologies and Israel Aerospace Industries have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop the Blue Sky Warden, an Israeli variant of the Sky Warden light attack turboprop.
The project will be submitted to the Israeli Light Attack Aircraft program, with the aim of integrating national mission systems onto a platform of North American origin.
Under the agreement, L3Harris will supply the Sky Warden platform, while IAI will be responsible for integrating the mission systems and software developed in Israel, operating under an open architecture. The initiative envisages adapting the aircraft for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, as well as tactical and close air support operations.
If the project is selected, IAI will conduct flight tests and certification activities in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Air Force (IAF). The production and testing process will take place within the country's defense industrial ecosystem. Sky Warden Platform
Sky Warden is L3Harris's commercial designation for the OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft, developed in partnership with Air Tractor as part of the United States Special Operations Force (SOCOM) Armed Overwatch program. Selected in 2022 to replace the U-28A Draco fleet, the aircraft combines extended range, robustness, and the ability to operate from short or unprepared runways, with the possibility of employing guided weapons.
Low Cost and High Efficiency...The project reflects the growing global demand for turboprop light attack aircraft, considered cost-effective solutions for persistent surveillance and precision engagement in low- to medium-threat environments. For Israel, the proposal represents a complementary alternative to the F-35I Adir fleets and the future F-15IA, expanding operational flexibility in ISR and close-air support missions.
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