L3Harris Technologies and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly pursue Israel’s Light-Attack Aircraft program, proposing a locally tailored variant of the Sky Warden turboprop aircraft dubbed Blue Sky Warden.
Under the collaboration announced on October 16, 2025, L3Harris will provide its Sky Warden platform while IAI integrates Israeli mission systems and software through an open-architecture mission computer. If selected, IAI will also lead flight testing and airworthiness activities in cooperation with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Air Force.
A tailored Israeli configuration
Blue Sky Warden will combine L3Harris’ low-cost, high-endurance Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft with IAI’s mission systems. According to the companies, the new variant will feature IAI’s open architecture to host Israeli-developed software and “special capabilities” tailored to local operational needs.
“We are excited to collaborate on this important program with L3Harris, a long-standing and trusted partner with whom we have successful partnerships on several fronts,” Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI, said. “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 the Israeli Air Force.”
If selected, production and testing of the Blue Sky Warden would take place in cooperation with Israel’s defense establishment.
“This strategic partnership with IAI allows us to provide a tailored variant of our Sky Warden to meet Israel’s operational and industrial needs,” added Jon Rambeau, President of Integrated Mission Systems at L3Harris. “The Sky Warden light-attack aircraft delivers the best-in-class endurance, payload and survivability needed for airborne ISR and other missions.”
From Skyraider to Sky Warden
The Sky Warden is the designation used by L3Harris for the commercial version of the OA-1K Skyraider II, which the company is producing with Air Tractor for US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) under the Armed Overwatch program.
In 2022, SOCOM selected the OA-1K to replace its U-28A Draco ISR fleet and to provide a rugged, deployable platform for counter-insurgency, close air support, and precision strike missions in austere environments. The aircraft can operate from short or unpaved runways, carry precision munitions, and stay on station for extended periods, characteristics that make it attractive to other air arms seeking affordable tactical capability.
The Israeli Blue Sky Warden proposal builds on that experience, incorporating IAI’s local systems integration and mission avionics expertise to produce a fully sovereign variant aligned with Israel’s operational doctrine.
Light-attack turboprops have gained renewed interest worldwide as cost-effective solutions for persistent surveillance and precision engagement, particularly in low- to medium-threat environments. For Israel, a locally adapted platform such as Blue Sky Warden could complement high-end fleets like the F-35I Adir and the future F-15IA.
