US Air Force advances OA-1K Skyraider II testing amid changing procurement priorities
July 31, 2025
As the US Air Force reshapes its tactical fleet in response to evolving threats and strategic priorities, its newest special operations aircraft—the OA-1K Skyraider II—is quietly progressing through developmental testing, seeking to prove its value in a shifting procurement environment.
In a June 26 proposal to Congress, the Air Force outlined major changes to its acquisition strategy, signalling a pivot toward next-generation and unmanned systems over traditional crewed platforms.
Despite these adjustments—and a downward revision of Skyraider II procurement targets—testing at Eglin Air Force Base continues in earnest, underscoring the program’s strategic relevance.
OA-1K Skyraider II testing continues despite reduced buy
While the original procurement target for FY2025 was 15 aircraft, this has been revised to 12. FY2026 plans have similarly dropped from 12 to just six units.
However, development is continuing at pace under the 96th Test Wing at Eglin AFB in collaboration with US Special Operations Command (SOCOM). SOCOM maintains an official fleet requirement of 75 aircraft.
The goal is to validate airworthiness, confirm contractor performance metrics, and assess the aircraft’s suitability for special operations missions. This includes a broad range of tests, from austere field operations to human factors evaluations.
Maj. Jacob Marsh, one of the test pilots, highlighted the OA-1K’s tailwheel landing gear—a rarity in USAF service—which required a dedicated training syllabus.
“Flying the OA-1K has been a rewarding experience,” Marsh said. “It certainly requires a unique set of skills, but it’s a fun aircraft to fly.”
Additional aircraft are set to arrive at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma, where the formal training unit is hosted by the 492nd Special Operations Wing.
Though procurement numbers are lower than initially forecast, the OA-1K remains a key asset in AFSOC’s mission to execute the kinds of operations others cannot.
OA-1K Skyraider II: An affordable, modular workhorse
Delivered on April 3, 2025, the first missionised OA-1K Skyraider II officially joined Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), ushering in a new chapter of low-cost, adaptable aircraft design.
A militarised derivative of the rugged Air Tractor AT-802, the Skyraider II is engineered for flexibility. It can be rapidly reconfigured to perform close air support, precision strike, and armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, making it ideal for remote and contested environments.
“Skyraider II represents not just a new platform, but a modular solution to our national security needs,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, AFSOC commander. “It will redefine how we approach joint campaigning, crisis response and the evolving landscape of modern warfare.”
Its lower cost per flight hour and reduced maintenance requirements support the military’s emphasis on expeditionary operations and irregular warfare—areas where advanced jets often prove too costly or complex.
While Pentagon funding shifts toward high-end deterrence assets—such as advanced fighters and autonomous systems—the OA-1K Skyraider II is carving out a niche as a reliable, cost-effective solution for missions in austere and irregular theatres.
Built by L3Harris, the platform is designed for expeditionary use, operating from rugged airfields with a minimal logistics footprint. Its capabilities make it ideal for the types of missions often neglected by high-cost, high-complexity programs.
Honouring the legacy of the original A-1 Skyraider
The aircraft pays tribute to the legendary A-1 Skyraider, a Vietnam-era close air support platform.
At the April delivery event, 98-year-old retired Lt. Col. Bill Buice, a former A-1 pilot, appeared alongside Philip Edward Jennings, who rescued him in combat after he was shot down. Their presence highlighted the Skyraider II’s symbolic lineage and enduring mission ethos.
“This aircraft embodies the very essence of our command,” said Conley. “It’s agile, it’s adaptable, and it’s always ready to deliver lethality.”
