Redwire Secures $13.8 Million Stalker Aircraft Order

The contract for Group 2 uncrewed systems supports essential National Guard training programs.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Military

Redwire Secures $13.8 Million Stalker Aircraft Order

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Should the military spend more on advanced drone training systems for National Guard units?

Redwire Corporation has secured $13.8 million in orders for its Stalker uncrewed aircraft systems. These systems will be deployed to support specialized National Guard training programs.

Why it matters

The investment supports the training of soldiers for the Army's 15X Tactical UAS Specialist role, which integrates both flight operation and maintenance duties.

The contract covers the procurement of Stalker uncrewed aircraft systems, which are classified as Group 2 units. This procurement supports the Army's 15X Tactical UAS Specialist role, which encompasses maintenance and operation duties.

The players

Redwire Corporation

This is a space and technology company that provides critical infrastructure and systems for the national security and commercial space markets.

National Guard

This is a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces that provides support to domestic emergency response and international military operations.

The details

The Stalker aircraft will be used by the National Guard at Camp Shelby and Fort Indiantown Gap to teach field maintenance, flight operations, and the deployment of multi-mission payloads. The training prepares soldiers to operate and troubleshoot uncrewed aircraft systems ranging from Group 1 to Group 3.

October 15, 2026: Redwire Corporation secured the $13.8 million order for Stalker aircraft.

Political Context

Opponents of increased military drone spending often argue that such capital-intensive programs divert funds from modernization efforts in other sectors. Others raise concerns regarding the rapid integration of uncrewed systems into training pipelines without sufficient long-term cost-benefit analysis.

This investment directly impacts the readiness and training capabilities of National Guard units stationed at domestic facilities. Taxpayers should note that the contract aims to standardize technical training for soldiers operating across multiple classes of uncrewed aircraft.

The takeaway

The procurement of these systems highlights the military's shift toward multi-role UAS positions that combine technical maintenance with flight operations. Personnel moving into these roles will need to develop a broad skillset to manage the increasing complexity of Group 1 through Group 3 aircraft.