Special operations forces in the U.S. and partner nations face the same challenge: how to maintain persistent surveillance and firepower over remote battlefields without breaking the budget or requiring major air bases. L3Harris has fielded two variants of a modular aircraft that provide five hours of surveillance and strike capability at a fraction of traditional platform costs — one now flying with U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), and another ready for international customers.
Two platforms, common foundation
The OA-1K Skyraider II serves AFSOC with armed overwatch for special operations forces on the ground. SKY RAIDER II INTERNATIONAL™ offers the same proven airframe and modular architecture through a direct commercial sale path for allied and partner nations.
The operational advantage is clear – no other platform combines intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) collection, precision strike, payload capacity and operational flexibility at this price point, while enabling real-time connectivity between airborne assets, ground forces and command elements.
Expanding mission sets through modular integration
Both platforms demonstrate exceptional versatility through their ability to integrate multiple capabilities, transforming the aircraft into true multi-domain mission systems. This modular approach enables operators to rapidly adapt to evolving mission requirements without the need for multiple specialized platforms.
Customized capabilities include Red Wolf™ kinetic launched effects for long-range precision strike; Green Wolf electronic warfare with electronic attack detection, identification, location and reporting functions; and WESCAM MX™-Series electro-optical/infrared sensor systems for surveillance, target acquisition and designation in medium-to-high altitude combat.
Integrations like these transform these modular aircraft to support diverse mission sets:
- Signals intelligence: Modular pods provide plug-and-play signals intelligence solutions delivering real-time intelligence on enemy communications.
- Maritime surveillance: Maritime domain awareness with lower operating costs and extended mission duration.
- Counter-UAS and border security: Detecting, tracking and defeating drone threats while securing borders and providing overwatch for ground forces.
- Disaster response: Supporting firefighting operations, air overwatch and disaster response coordination.
Skyraider II: Purpose-built for AFSOC
Enabled by a dual-operator configuration, Skyraider II allows simultaneous intelligence tracking, target development and mission execution, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making in complex environments. Skyraider II complements AFSOC's force structure alongside the AC-130J, MC-130J and CV-22, creating a balanced, resilient special operations air fleet.
SKY RAIDER II INTERNATIONAL: Cost-effective capability for allied forces
Fully equipped with sensors and weapons, SKY RAIDER II INTERNATIONAL delivers five hours of endurance at a 250-nautical-mile radius – nearly twice that of comparable medium-altitude ISR platforms while carrying almost double the payload. It can also operate from unpaved runways at roughly half the distance required by those aircraft.
SKY RAIDER II INTERNATIONAL is built on the Air Tractor AT-802 platform – more than 1,200 of which have been delivered to over 50 countries across six continents. This enables customers to leverage existing training and supply chains, reducing integration complexity and accelerating operational capability.
Strategic value for global operations
L3Harris established a center of excellence for Skyraider II and SKY RAIDER II INTERNATIONAL production at its expanded Waco, Texas, facility, serving as the hub for U.S. Air Force production and international programs. The facility reflects a new acquisition model that moves faster from concept to fielded capability without sacrificing quality or mission readiness. L3Harris has also secured DSP-5 export license approvals for more than 20 countries.
Skyraider II and SKY RAIDER II INTERNATIONAL represent a fundamental shift in how military operators approach mission success, delivering a capability at lower costs and with faster fielding timelines while providing greater operational flexibility.
