The jointly developed variant, named Blue Sky Warden, will integrate IAI’s open-architecture mission computer to host Israeli-specific software and capabilities. IAI will also supply and integrate its mission systems and lead all flight tests and airworthiness campaigns with the Ministry of Defence and the Israeli Air Force.
“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,” said Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI. “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.”
“This strategic partnership with IAI allows us to provide a tailored variant of our Sky Warden to meet Israel’s operational and industrial needs,” said Jon Rambeau, President, Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris. “The Sky Warden light-attack aircraft delivers the best-in-class endurance, payload and survivability needed for airborne ISR and other missions.”
Sky Warden is the commercial version of the OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft, currently being produced and delivered by L3Harris to the U.S. Special Operations Command. The new collaboration aims to apply this proven platform to meet Israel’s unique mission demands.
