Modified Crop Duster Joins Air Force Training in Oklahoma Amid Skepticism

First authorized training for the Air Force's OA-1K Sky Warden, a crop duster-turned-warplane intended for special operations missions, will occur at an Air National Guard installation in Oklahoma. Made last week at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base near Oklahoma City, the revelation raises issues over the aircraft's future combat capability and fleet size.

Originally modified from the agricultural Air Tractor, the single-engine aircraft OA-1K will replace the MC-12 Liberty reconnaissance planes, scheduled for retirement by 2027. A Monday release from the installation said the relocation is expected to bring 150 to 200 permanent staff members to the site. 2025 is expected to get the first mission-ready OA-1Ks.

"This is an exciting time for the 17th Special Operations Squadron," Lt. Col. Jesse Ziegler, the next unit commander, said. "Until completely operational, the [OA-1K] block zero models will first act as training platforms."

Still, there is doubt regarding the program. According to a report published by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the  Special Operations Command (SOCOM) promised to buy 75 aircraft before finishing necessary investigations. Critics contend the aircraft's relevance may decline among geopolitical events, including the U.S. departure from Afghanistan and changing objectives toward confronting China in the Pacific.

Later, SOCOM cut its intended fleet count to 62; nevertheless, Lt. Gen. Michael Conley, director of Air Force Special Operations Command, insists that practical close-air support calls for 75 planes. Conley noted at a September conference, "The world has changed since the OA-1K was conceived, but it remains a cost-effective platform."

Although the OA-1K program is constantly inspected as geopolitical factors change, officials are sure about its possibilities for the next flights.

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