L3Harris Technologies opened an expanded production facility for its OA-1K Skyraider II light attack aircraft in Waco, Texas, in late August, even as U.S. Special Operations Command continues to reduce near-term procurement numbers for the program.
The company announced the new manufacturing hangar will serve as the central hub for Skyraider II production, featuring advanced manufacturing tools and streamlined processes designed to expedite testing and boost output. First deliveries from the expanded facility are expected this fall.
“This hangar brings together the talent and technology needed to rapidly advance the Skyraider II mission and deliver the OA-1K aircraft,” said Jason Lambert, president of L3Harris’ Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance division, according to the company’s press release.
Big milestone in Waco: Our upgraded hangar is now fully operational and building the OA-1K Skyraider II for @AFSpecOpsCmd. Read more: https://t.co/skrgsnVSc8 pic.twitter.com/howfkIXhOD
— L3Harris (@L3HarrisTech) August 27, 2025
The expansion comes despite SOCOM’s continued reduction in planned aircraft purchases. The command intends to procure only six OA-1K aircraft in Fiscal Year 2026, down from 12 previously planned and significantly reduced from the original 15 aircraft requested for FY2025, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine.
The reductions reflect ongoing budget constraints affecting the $3 billion Armed Overwatch program, which originally called for 75 aircraft. SOCOM spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Kassie Collins confirmed that “OA-1K aircraft procurement has been reduced due to resource constraints,” though the command maintains its program of record for 75 aircraft.
The OA-1K Skyraider II, built on the Air Tractor AT-802U agricultural aircraft platform, was designed for counter-insurgency missions and armed overwatch operations from austere airstrips. The aircraft features ballistic armor modeled after the A-10 Warthog and can carry up to 2.7 tons of weapons with a six-hour loiter capability and 230-mile combat radius.
Key capabilities include integration with the Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS), which converts unguided Hydra rockets into precision munitions. The aircraft also shows potential for counter-drone missions, offering a more capable platform than improvised methods currently used in conflicts like Ukraine.
Despite the production expansion, questions remain about the aircraft’s long-term role within special operations. The Skyraider II was designed for low-intensity conflicts and counterinsurgency operations, mission profiles that have become less relevant since 2022 as military focus shifts toward great power competition.
The Armed Overwatch program launched in 2020 to provide affordable close air support and reconnaissance capabilities.
