The OA-1K Skyraider II is SOCOM’s new Armed Overwatch aircraft, designed to support Special Operations Forces in remote, austere environments. Built on the rugged AT-802 airframe, it combines advanced sensors, precision weapons, and long endurance to collapse the traditional airpower stack into a single, versatile platform. Developed with insights from special ops veterans like Col. (ret.) Craig “Buck” Walker, the Skyraider II is redefining air support at the edge.

In 1986, Squadron Leader Dave Southwood was 34 years old and a seasoned Royal Air Force test pilot. He had experience flying Jaguars and...

MiG-23 being flown during an exploitation sortie over the Nellis ranges in the 1980s (USAF photo). By the time the first F-5Es screamed...