Defense & Military
US Air Force OA-1K Skyraider II Crashes Near Oklahoma City
The OA-1K Skyraider II crashed during training in Oklahoma with crew unharmed; investigation is ongoing into the cause of the incident.
On October 23, 2025, a U.S. Air Force OA-1K Skyraider II, one of the newest aircraft in its fleet, crashed during a routine training mission in southeast Oklahoma City. The incident, which occurred around 2:42 PM local time, involved a two-person crew consisting of a U.S. Air Force member and a civilian contractor. In a fortunate turn of events, both individuals survived the crash without injury, a significant outcome given the circumstances.
The crash marks the first publicly reported incident involving the OA-1K Skyraider II since it officially entered service. This aircraft is the cornerstone of the U.S. Special Operations Command’s (SOCOM) “Armed Overwatch” program, a strategic initiative to field a versatile and rugged platform for close air support and reconnaissance. The event immediately places the new aircraft and the broader program under scrutiny as officials begin a thorough investigation into the cause.
The flight originated from Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City, a key training hub for the new platform. The presence of both military personnel and a civilian contractor suggests the mission was part of the ongoing process of integrating the aircraft, developing procedures, and training crews. As the investigation gets underway, the focus will be on determining the sequence of events that led to the downing of this next-generation asset.
The OA-1K was on a standard training flight when the crew encountered trouble. According to initial reports from the scene, the pilot signaled an engine failure before the aircraft went down. The plane ultimately crashed in a field, striking two power poles in the process. The impact caused a small grass fire, which was promptly extinguished by the Oklahoma City Fire Department, who were among the first responders.
Emergency crews responding to the aircraft emergency found both crew members safe. The Oklahoma National Guard was the first to officially confirm the crash, highlighting the local and national significance of the event. The crash site in southeast Oklahoma City was secured to allow investigators to begin their work. The immediate survival of the crew is a critical aspect of this story, potentially pointing to the aircraft’s design and safety features.
While official channels worked to manage the situation, unverified images and videos began circulating on social media platforms. These posts, captured by the public, provided some of the first visual confirmations of the aircraft’s low-altitude flight path and the subsequent crash scene. This rapid dissemination of information is a common feature of modern events, often outpacing official statements.
The investigation into the precise cause is now the primary focus. While engine failure is the suspected culprit based on initial pilot reports, a full inquiry will be required to confirm the cause and identify any contributing factors. This process will be crucial for the future of the OA-1K fleet and the safety of its crews.
The fact that both crew members walked away from the crash of a brand-new aircraft is a testament to either its safety design, the skill of the pilot, or a combination of both. The investigation will be key to understanding what happened.
To understand the significance of this crash, we must look at the aircraft itself and the strategic program it represents. The OA-1K Skyraider II is not a clean-sheet design; it is a heavily militarized version of the Air Tractor AT-802, a platform originally built for agricultural and firefighting duties. This origin speaks to the aircraft’s intended ruggedness and ability to operate in harsh conditions from unimproved airstrips. The transformation from a crop duster to a military asset is handled by L3Harris Technologies, the prime contractor for the “Armed Overwatch” program. L3Harris outfits the Air Tractor airframe with advanced armor, sophisticated sensors, and the capacity to carry a wide array of weapons, including missiles, bombs, and rockets on ten external hardpoints. The aircraft is designed for a crew of two, a pilot and a combat systems officer, and is powered by a reliable Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67F turboprop engine.
The “Armed Overwatch” program was launched by SOCOM to procure a fleet of around 62 military aircraft to provide dedicated close air support, precision strike, and armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) for special operations forces. The OA-1K is intended to replace aging platforms like the U-28A Draco and MC-12W Liberty, offering a cost-effective and durable solution for missions in environments where larger, more advanced aircraft are not required or are at greater risk.
The program’s training operations are centered at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base. The Oklahoma National Guard’s 137th Special Operations Wing serves as the official “schoolhouse” for the OA-1K. The crashed aircraft and its crew were assigned to the active-duty 492nd Special Operations Wing, which is based in Florida but conducts its OA-1K operations from the Oklahoma base, highlighting the collaborative nature of the training and integration effort.
The crash of the OA-1K Skyraider II near Oklahoma City is a significant event for the U.S. Air Force and its special operations community. While the loss of a new aircraft is a setback, the survival of the crew is the most important outcome. The incident brings the “Armed Overwatch” program into the public spotlight and raises important questions about the aircraft’s mechanics and the training protocols being established.
Moving forward, the results of the official investigation will be paramount. Determining the root cause of the crash, whether it was a mechanical failure, a design flaw, or another factor, is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of the entire OA-1K fleet. This incident will serve as a critical, albeit unfortunate, data point for L3Harris and the Air Force as they continue to field this new capability, reinforcing the inherent challenges of introducing any new technology into military service.
Question: What is the OA-1K Skyraider II? Question: Were there any injuries in the crash? Question: What is the “Armed Overwatch” program? Sources: Defence Blog
Newest Air Force Attack Aircraft Crashes in Oklahoma; Crew Unharmed
Anatomy of the Incident
The Immediate Aftermath
The OA-1K and the “Armed Overwatch” Program
A New Tool for Special Operations
Conclusion: Investigation and Future Implications
FAQ
Answer: The OA-1K Skyraider II is a light attack and reconnaissance aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force. It is a militarized version of the Air Tractor AT-802 airframe, modified by L3Harris Technologies for the “Armed Overwatch” program to support special operations forces.
Answer: No. Both the U.S. Air Force pilot and the civilian contractor on board survived the crash without any injuries. There were also no reported injuries on the ground.
Answer: It is a U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) initiative to acquire a fleet of approximately 62 crewed, fixed-wing aircraft. These aircraft are designed for close air support, precision strike, and ISR missions in support of special operations forces in austere environments.
Photo Credit: X
Defense & Military
US Approves $3.8B Apache Helicopter Sale to Israel
The US approved a $3.8 billion Foreign Military Sale of 30 AH-64E Apache helicopters to Israel, with deliveries expected by 2030.
This article summarizes reporting by The Jerusalem Post and official US government announcements.
The United States State Department has officially approved a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Israel valued at approximately $3.8 billion. The package, which centers on the acquisition of 30 AH-64E Apache Guardian attack Helicopters, represents a significant modernization effort for the Israeli Air Force (IAF). According to reporting by The Jerusalem Post and official notifications released on January 31, 2026, the deal includes extensive support equipment, engines, and advanced targeting systems.
This approval is part of a broader arms package totaling over $6.5 billion, which also includes Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) and other ground support equipment. While the authorization signals continued US strategic support, defense officials have clarified that the delivery timeline is long-term, with initial arrivals not expected until the end of the decade.
The core of the approved sale involves 30 Boeing-made AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters. The “E” variant is the most advanced iteration of the attack helicopter, offering significant upgrades over Israel’s current fleet of AH-64A “Peten” and AH-64D “Saraf” models. According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) details summarized in recent reports, the package includes:
Israeli defense officials have previously identified this acquisition as critical for closing capability gaps. The AH-64E features improved speed, range, and the ability to integrate with unmanned aerial systems (UAS), a capability known as Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).
Despite the high-profile announcement, this acquisition is not an immediate resupply for current operations. Industry analysts and defense officials note that the administrative process, requiring a signed Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA), means production slots will likely place initial deliveries around 2030. As noted in the research data, funding has been allocated for an initial tranche of roughly 12 helicopters, with the remainder subject to future budget decisions.
The approval process has generated friction within the US government. According to reports, the administration utilized emergency protocols or expedited procedures that bypassed standard congressional review periods. Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued a statement criticizing the move.
“This is yet another repudiation… of Congress’ Constitutional oversight role,” Meeks stated, noting the administration “refused to engage Congress on critical questions.”
Meeks indicated that he was informed of the decision only shortly before the public announcement, highlighting a rift regarding oversight of arms sales during the fragile ceasefire period in Gaza.
Regional Deterrence Architecture The Shift to Networked Warfare Sources: The Jerusalem Post
US Approves $3.8 Billion Sale of Advanced Apache Helicopters to Israel
Deal Specifics and Technical Capabilities
Timeline and Political Context
Delivery Estimates
Congressional Oversight Controversy
AirPro News Analysis
At AirPro News, we observe that this sale does not exist in a vacuum. The simultaneous approval of a $9 billion Patriot missile package for Saudi Arabia suggests a coordinated US strategy to fortify regional allies against Iranian influence. By upgrading Israel’s offensive rotary-wing capabilities while bolstering Saudi air defenses, the administration appears to be solidifying a “hub-and-spoke” security architecture in the Middle East.
The transition to the AH-64E is more than an engine upgrade; it is a shift toward networked warfare. The “E” model’s ability to control drones from the cockpit allows pilots to scout high-threat urban environments, like those encountered in Gaza, without exposing the manned aircraft to direct fire. This capability directly addresses the “line-of-sight” vulnerabilities that challenged older Apache models in recent conflicts.
Sources
Photo Credit: US Army
Defense & Military
Airbus and Spanish Air Force Celebrate 100 Years of Plus Ultra Flight
Airbus and the Spanish Air Force commemorate the centenary of the 1926 Plus Ultra South Atlantic flight with a 2026 deployment featuring A400M aircraft and aerobatic displays.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and official information from the Spanish Air and Space Force.
In January 2026, the aviation world turns its eyes to the South Atlantic to celebrate a centenary of pioneering spirit. According to an official announcement by Airbus, the manufacturer is joining forces with the Spanish Air and Space Force (Ejército del Aire y del Espacio) to honor the 100th anniversary of the “Plus Ultra” flight, the first aerial crossing of the South Atlantic using a single aircraft.
To commemorate the historic 1926 mission flown by the Dornier Do J Wal seaplane, a modern expeditionary force has been deployed. The tribute mission, dubbed the “Plus Ultra” Centenary Deployment, features two Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft and the renowned Patrulla Aspa helicopter aerobatic team. Retracing the footsteps of early aviators, this deployment highlights the dramatic evolution of aerospace technology over the last century.
As reported by Airbus, the event is not merely a ceremonial flyover but a complex logistical operation that underscores the strategic capabilities of modern military aircraft transport. The mission, running from late January through early February 2026, will see air shows and diplomatic events across Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, reinforcing the deep cultural and historical ties between Spain and South America.
The Spanish Air and Space Force has organized a schedule that mirrors the ambition of the original pioneers. According to mission details released in conjunction with the event, the deployment runs from January 24 to February 7, 2026. The fleet consists of two A400M Atlas aircraft from Wing 31 (Ala 31), based in Zaragoza, and six Eurocopter EC-120 Colibrí helicopters from the Patrulla Aspa (Wing 78).
While the 1926 flight required pre-positioning ships to supply fuel and parts, the 2026 mission demonstrates self-sufficient strategic projection. The A400M aircraft are serving as the backbone of the expedition, transporting the disassembled EC-120 helicopters and support personnel across the ocean. This capability allows the Patrulla Aspa to perform aerobatic displays thousands of miles from their home base.
Key events on the itinerary include:
Reports indicate that the A400M aircraft participating in the tour feature special commemorative livery, including the original registration of the “Plus Ultra” on the vertical stabilizer, visually linking the modern giants to their seaplane ancestor.
The original “Plus Ultra” mission remains a cornerstone of Spanish aviation history. Departing from Palos de la Frontera, Spain, on January 22, 1926, the crew set out to prove the viability of long-distance air travel between Europe and South America. The aircraft, a Dornier Do J Wal (“Whale”) flying boat, was powered by two 450 hp engines and navigated using celestial tools and radio direction finding. The crew, led by Commander Ramón Franco and Pilot Captain Julio Ruiz de Alda, along with Navigator Lieutenant Juan Manuel Durán and Mechanic Pablo Rada, faced a grueling journey. According to historical records cited in the centenary materials, the 10,270-kilometer (6,381-mile) route included stops in the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and Brazil before reaching Buenos Aires on February 10, 1926.
“The journey was completed in 59 hours and 39 minutes of flying time. It was a massive media event of its era, comparable to the moon landing for the Spanish-speaking world.”
Historical summary of the 1926 flight
The success of the mission established the first air route between Spain and the Southern Cone. The original aircraft was eventually donated to Argentina and is currently preserved at the Luján Museum, serving as a tangible link to the past.
The contrast between the Dornier Do J Wal and the Airbus A400M illustrates the exponential growth in aviation capabilities. While the “Plus Ultra” was a marvel of its time, capable of carrying mail and a crew of four at roughly 145 km/h, the A400M represents the pinnacle of modern tactical transport.
Data provided by the Spanish Air Force and Airbus highlights these technical leaps:
Connecting Heritage to Modern Capability
This centenary celebration is more than a nostalgic look back; it is a strategic demonstration for Airbus and the Spanish Air Force. By deploying the Patrulla Aspa via the A400M, Spain is showcasing “expeditionary air power,” the ability to project soft power assets (like an aerobatic team) rapidly across transoceanic distances without relying on sea freight.
Furthermore, Airbus notes that the Dornier company is a “spiritual ancestor” to the modern consortium. The lineage of European aerospace cooperation is evident here: the Dornier Wal was a German design flown by a Spanish crew, foreshadowing the multi-national collaboration that defines Airbus today. The event successfully frames the A400M not just as a military asset, but as a diplomatic tool capable of bridging continents, much like the seaplanes of the 1920s.
From the Plus Ultra to the A400M: Airbus and Spanish Air Force Mark a Century of Transatlantic History
The 2026 Centenary Deployment
Strategic Logistics in Action
Historical Context: The 1926 “Plus Ultra” Flight
A Century of Engineering Evolution
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin Reports Record $194B Backlog and Strong Q4 2025 Results
Lockheed Martin posts $20.3B Q4 sales, $1.3B earnings, and a record $194B backlog, with strong 2026 guidance amid new regulatory challenges.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin and additional financial data released January 29, 2026.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) released its Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 financial results today, reporting figures that surpassed Wall Street expectations on both revenue and earnings. The defense giant announced a record-breaking backlog of $194 billion, a surge attributed to unprecedented global demand and the verified performance of its platforms in recent geopolitical conflicts.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2025, the company reported net sales of $20.3 billion, a 9% increase over the same period in 2024. Net earnings for the quarter reached $1.3 billion, or $5.80 per share, significantly outpacing the consensus estimate of approximately $5.75. The company also issued strong guidance for 2026, projecting net sales between $77.5 billion and $80.0 billion.
The company’s financial health showed robust improvement across key metrics, driven by broad-based growth in all four business segments. According to the official release, cash from operations in the fourth quarter tripled year-over-year to $3.2 billion.
For the full year of 2025, Lockheed Martin achieved total net sales of $75.0 billion, a 6% increase year-over-year, with free cash flow settling at $6.9 billion. The Aeronautics segment, the company’s largest division, saw sales grow by 6%, delivering 191 F-35 jets in 2025 compared to 110 in the previous year.
Management attributed the record backlog and sales growth to the “combat-proven performance” of its systems. Specifically, the company highlighted the role of its platforms in “Operation Absolute Resolve,” a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that took place earlier this month.
In a statement regarding the company’s operational impact, Lockheed Martin Chairman, President, and CEO Jim Taiclet noted the direct correlation between field performance and demand:
“2025 marked a year of unprecedented demand for Lockheed Martin capabilities… driven by combat-proven performance… demonstrated in 2026. During the U.S. military aircraft‘s recent Operation Absolute Resolve, F-35 and F-22 fighter jets… were decisive contributors.”
, Jim Taiclet, Chairman, President & CEO, Lockheed Martin
The Missiles and Fire Control segment emerged as the fastest-growing division, posting an 18% increase. This surge was driven by high demand for PAC-3 MSE interceptors and HIMARS systems, reflecting ongoing security needs in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. While the financial results were positive, the company acknowledged the shifting regulatory landscape following the January 7, 2026, Executive Order titled “Prioritizing the Warfighter in Defense Contracting.” This order, signed by President Trump, introduces potential restrictions on dividends and stock buybacks for contractors deemed “underperforming” due to delays or cost overruns.
Despite this new layer of regulatory scrutiny, Lockheed Martin signaled confidence in its execution stability. The Board authorized an additional $2 billion for share repurchases, bringing the total authorization to approximately $9.1 billion, and raised the quarterly dividend by 5% to $3.45 per share.
Looking ahead, the company’s 2026 guidance anticipates continued growth:
Lockheed Martin’s latest report presents a dichotomy familiar to the current defense sector: record-breaking demand versus tightening government oversight. The $194 billion backlog provides a massive revenue safety net, yet the new Executive Order linking capital returns to operational performance introduces a “zero-defect” pressure on the factory floor.
While competitors like Northrop Grumman and RTX Corp face their own program-specific hurdles, Lockheed’s ability to meet F-35 delivery targets in 2025 places it in a favorable position relative to the new administration’s standards. However, with dividend payouts now theoretically revocable under the new EO if performance slips, we expect investors to scrutinize production schedules as closely as balance sheets in the coming quarters.
Lockheed Martin Reports Record $194 Billion Backlog Amid Strong Q4 2025 Results
Financial Performance Highlights
Fourth Quarter 2025 vs. Q4 2024
Operational Drivers and Geopolitical Context
Regulatory Headwinds and 2026 Outlook
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
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