As the U.S. Army accelerates its push toward a fully networked battlefield, Redwire’s Stalker Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) is emerging as a cornerstone of that vision. During the Ivy Sting IV exercise at Fort Carson, Colorado, the combat-proven Stalker demonstrated its ability to function not merely as a sensor, but as an active node within the Army’s Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) ecosystem.
Working alongside the 4th Infantry Division, Redwire showcased how the Stalker’s Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) enables seamless integration with modern tactical networks. Upon entering the NGC2 mesh, the system was instantly recognized as a native asset, populating the network with real-time position data and full-motion video while requiring minimal manual configuration. This “plug-and-fight” capability allowed the fixed-wing vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft to extend network reach to the tactical edge, acting as a routing node that ensured reconnaissance data flowed directly to artillery units and command posts.
The exercise highlighted tangible battlefield advantages. By feeding intelligence directly into the DIVARTY Artillery Execution Suite, the Stalker enabled faster processing of fire missions and battle damage assessments compared to legacy methods. In one demonstration, the UAS populated directly into a Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle, underscoring its ability to deliver actionable ISR to ground forces in real time.
Beyond technical integration, the event reflected months of collaboration between Redwire’s Flight Operations team and over 6,000 soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division. This sustained partnership ensured that Stalker’s deployment aligned with operational realities, not just theoretical capabilities.
The implications extend beyond a single exercise. As the Pentagon pursues its Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) vision, systems like Stalker represent a shift away from siloed platforms toward interconnected, data-centric warfare. By bridging the gap between Group 2 UAS efficiency and Group 3-level capabilities, Stalker offers brigade commanders persistent surveillance with a reduced logistics footprint.
With Project Convergence-Capstone 6 on the horizon, Redwire’s demonstration at Ivy Sting IV signals that the Stalker is not just ready for the future battlefield—it is actively helping to build it.
