[2] The AT-802U Sky Warden won the Armed Overwatch trial, and on 1 August 2022, SOCOM announced a US$3 billion contract to purchase 75 aircraft by 2029.

A version of the AT-802 has been used for years eradicating coca leaf crops (used in the production of illicit drugs) and as a result was already outfitted with lightweight composite ballistic armored engine compartment and cockpit, called a "bathtub."

The cockpit is built of a steel tube frame design to act as a roll cage, and can support the entire weight of the aircraft.

On 15 December 2023, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report urging the Department of Defense to slow down the program until SOCOM makes a better justification for so many planes.

[9] On June 28, 2024, two AT-802U aircraft (strictly Air Tractor airframes not modified by L3Harris) were delivered to Hurlburt Field to train test pilots and initial cadre in preparation for delivery of the missionized OA-1K.