GAO Urges Caution in Special Operations Command's Armed Overwatch Aircraft Acquisition

 

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has advised the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to reconsider its plan to procure 75 Armed Overwatch aircraft. The watchdog recommended a slowdown in the acquisition of the AT-802U Sky Warden, chosen for the Armed Overwatch program, until fiscal year 2025. GAO emphasized the need for a more comprehensive analysis of the fleet to justify the planned acquisition. The Armed Overwatch initiative aims to deploy versatile fixed-wing aircraft in austere locations, requiring minimal logistical support. SOCOM's selection of the Sky Warden, costing $2.2 billion through FY29, raised concerns about the fleet's size, with GAO suggesting a significantly smaller number based on force structure ratios and operational need estimates. The watchdog highlighted unproven assumptions in SOCOM's studies and the lack of consideration for changes in mission and force structure. GAO recommended a thorough analysis before further acquisitions, a suggestion partially agreed upon by the Defense Department, emphasizing the importance of assessing force structure needs for Armed Overwatch. SOCOM has purchased 16 Sky Wardens to date, with plans to increase the number to 28 by April 2024.