U.S. Special Operations Command has reduced its planned procurement of the OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft as outlined in the Pentagon’s fiscal 2027 budget request. The fleet size is now set at 53 aircraft, down from a previous plan of 62 and an original requirement of 75 under the Armed Overwatch program.
Procurement rates have slowed significantly, with only two OA-1K aircraft requested for fiscal 2027, compared to six in 2026 and 12 in 2025. Further deliveries include four units in 2028 and two in 2029. Developed by L3Harris Technologies, the OA-1K is designed for armed reconnaissance, close air support, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in low-intensity environments. Eight aircraft have been delivered so far, with six more scheduled by the end of 2025.
The cuts reflect a pivot toward unmanned systems, particularly enhancing the MQ-9 Reaper as a mothership under the Adaptive Airborne Enterprise concept. SOCOM requested $75.8 million for the MQ-9 program in fiscal 2027, more than triple the prior year’s allocation. This funding supports procurement of 93 Group 2 drones under 25 kg for reconnaissance and short-range strikes, 10 Group 3 systems around 600 kg for extended endurance, 16 swarm carrier pods, and five ground-system interfaces.
The shift prioritizes survivability in contested environments like the Indo-Pacific, where crewed light attack aircraft face greater risks from dense air defenses. Testing of the OA-1K continues at Eglin Air Force Base despite the reduced buys.