Stalker UAS Demos Advanced Mission Flexibility Compared to Legacy Systems

With the ability to easily integrate a wide variety of payloads – including droppable munitions – the Stalker is used extensively for training Army UAS operators

In response to the ever-evolving needs of the modern battlefield, the U.S. Army continues to expand its training programs – including the development of an Unmanned Advanced Lethality Course (UALC) at Fort Rucker in Alabama. This course helps to evaluate and define UAS performance in various warfighting environments and ensures that drone pilots can be trained quickly on systems to employ kinetic effects from FPV and SUAS drones.

The Redwire Stalker UAS from Edge Autonomy was recently identified for acquisition by the Army Aviation Center of Excellence, and the Army moved quickly to implement the system for training to ensure that students gain hands-on experience with the latest reconnaissance technology.

“More soldiers trained on the Stalker today means more of our warfighters are ready to operate this platform on the battlefields of tomorrow,” says Joshua Stinson, Chief Growth Officer at Edge Autonomy. “A mature and combat-proven UAS, the Stalker is seen as the system of choice for long-range reconnaissance training and operations. Thanks to the system’s flexible architecture, the Army is fully able to integrate leading third-party technologies that are needed to facilitate mission readiness, keep our warfighters safe, and achieve American drone dominance.”

In the training demonstrations for the U.S. Army’s 1st Aviation Brigade that followed at Fort Rucker, the Stalker drew attention for its flexibility compared to legacy systems. With its small logistical footprint, near-silent forward flight, and mission-adaptable payload integrations including droppable munitions, the Stalker stood out on the UALC and is preparing soldiers for tactical missions at the battalion and brigade level echelons.

Adapting to evolving mission requirements
Smaller Group 2 and 3 UAS are increasingly called upon to perform operations that were formerly met by larger, heavier, and less modular aircraft. In addition to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, these smaller UAS must demonstrate the ability to fly farther, fly longer, and carry a wider variety of payloads – including droppable munitions.

Built with a modular open systems approach (MOSA), the Stalker is uniquely positioned to easily adapt to multiple mission requirements. Incorporating a wide variety of sensors, payloads, and technologies, the Stalker can save both time and money while supporting evolving operational needs.

Demonstrating lethality to meet modern battlefield needs
The Stalker flight operations team not only had the opportunity to work with trainees from the 1st Aviation Brigade, but also completed multiple successful live drop munition demonstrations featuring the Drop Glide Munitions from Orbital Research. All munitions impacted within very close proximity of the target, and the positive results of the exercise were witnessed by the 75th Ranger Regiment as well as members of Army leadership.

This demonstration follows the Stalker’s exceptional performance at the 1st Aviation Brigade’s lethality course, also at Fort Rucker. The lethality course is part of the Army’s overall strategy to advance long-range reconnaissance (LRR) capabilities and drone dominance on today’s battlefields – while continuing to prepare for future combat situations.

“The Stalker was selected for this training program due to the system’s open modularity, maturity, ease of use, and rapid order-to-delivery capabilities,” says Andy Ward, Business Development Director of U.S. Army and Americas at Edge Autonomy.

As the first Group 2 UAS to be used in the UALC—and in replacement of legacy systems like the larger Group 3 Shadow system—the Stalker’s vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability, near-silent acoustical footprint, and ability to easily integrate a wide variety of third party systems, flexibility, also make it an ideal fit for training soldiers on leading edge UAS technology.

Preparing soldiers for the latest UAS capabilities
In early 2026, additional Stalker systems will be sent to the 2nd Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment of the 1st Aviation Brigade at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, where soldiers receive instruction in the operation and maintenance of UAS. This program is actively expanding and anticipates a significant increase in the number of soldiers trained in UAS operations each year.