L3Harris, Israel Aerospace Partner to Develop Blue Sky Warden for Israeli Light-Attack Aircraft Program

L3Harris Technologies and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly pursue Israel’s Light-Attack Aircraft program using L3Harris’ Sky Warden aircraft.

The partnership will combine L3Harris’ high-endurance Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform with IAI’s mission systems. Together, they will develop a customized Israeli configuration called Blue Sky Warden, tailored for the country’s defense requirements.

The aircraft will feature an IAI open-architecture mission computer hosting Israeli-specific software and classified systems. IAI will also supply and integrate mission equipment and lead flight tests and airworthiness campaigns with the Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Air Force.

The Sky Warden is the commercial version of the OA-1K Skyraider II, currently being produced for the U.S. Special Operations Command.