The U.S. Marine Corps recently inked two new deals with Redwire for continued UAS production. (Photo/Ernesto Lagunes, USMC)
By Troy Turner
International airshows where more spectators wear ties than T-shirts usually mean a lot of professional networking, good spirits, new aircraft; and an occasional business deal. Alabama landed one of the latter on Monday when space and defense technology company Redwire Corp. announced an expansion of its Huntsville operation.
File photo from Farnborough. (Alabama/Commerce)
Redwire leadership, along with city and state leaders from Alabama, made the announcement at the Farnborough airshow in England, “reinforcing Alabama’s position as a national leader in aerospace, defense, and advanced, U.S.-based manufacturing,” it said.
The company is adding 164,000 square feet to its operational footprint in Huntsville, “increasing the company’s manufacturing and engineering capacity to develop and produce mission-critical technologies that strengthen America’s leadership in space and provide advanced capabilities to the U.S. military and its allies.
“Supported by approximately $8.5 million in eligible state and local economic development incentives, Redwire is expected to create approximately 150 new high-skilled jobs spanning engineering, manufacturing, integration, and technical operations. Construction has already begun on the expanded campus, with building expected to be completed by Q4 2027,” the company reported.
Its current operation employs 100-150 and focuses primarily on engineering and manufacturing, including UAS production (unmanned aerial systems, often referred to as drones.)
The expanded campus will accelerate Redwire’s production of combat proven Stalker UAS, Octopus gimbal payloads, advanced energy solutions, and space capabilities that support exploration, commerce and national security.
“By expanding U.S.-based production of these essential capabilities, Redwire is strengthening critical domestic supply chains,” it said.
THE MARINES WANT MORE STALKER UAS
Redwire is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, with offices in several states and a handful of global locations, totaling more than 1,400 employees.
It works in several sectors of the defense and space technology fields, including avionics and sensors, digital technology, energy systems, optics systems, space platforms, and uncrewed systems such as UAS.
The Huntsville expansion comes after two recent UAS contracts with the Marine Corps totaling more than $40 million for Redwire’s continued development of its Advanced Stalker Block 30 uncrewed aircraft system.
(Photo/Judith Ann Lazaro, USMC)
Meanwhile, the company is exploring fuel cells and other warfare-required components while considering the military’s need for an extremely long-range, low-cost and high-mobility drone, as Redwire works to develop its Stalker Block 40 UAS.
The Army, in addition to the USMC, also is working with a Stalker UAS program, such as the Stalker VXE30 developed by Lockheed Martin.
“Expanding the footprint Redwire has established in Huntsville reflects the momentum we’re seeing across both Redwire Space and Defense Tech,” said Peter Cannito, chairman and chief executive officer of Redwire in making the Huntsville announcement.
“Huntsville is one of the fastest growing technology hubs in the United States, uniquely positioned at the intersection of America’s space and defense industries, which makes it the ideal location to expand our capabilities and strengthen America’s industrial base,” he said. “We’re grateful to Gov. (Kay) Ivey, Mayor (Tommy) Battle, and our state and local partners for helping make this strategic growth possible and for their continued commitment to developing Alabama’s high-tech economy.”
ALABAMA LEADERSHIP’S REACTION
Alabama leaders shared praise with their comments after the announcement.
Gov Kay Ivey:
“Alabama is proud to be at the forefront of innovation that strengthens our national security, advances space exploration and creates meaningful, high-paying careers for our people. Redwire’s expansion in Huntsville is a powerful endorsement of our state’s skilled workforce and collaborative business environment, and it further solidifies Alabama’s leadership in aerospace and defense.”
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle:
“Redwire’s continued investment is another strong vote of confidence in Huntsville’s world-class aerospace and defense ecosystem, creating 150 new high-quality jobs while building on the talented team already here. We’re proud to welcome their expansion and look forward to supporting their continued success as they help shape the future of space and national security.”
Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair:
“Redwire’s buildout in Huntsville is a testament to the company, its product and its mission. It also speaks to exactly what the Alabama team is promoting this week in Farnborough – our state’s ability to provide advanced manufacturers the skilled workforce, infrastructure and local support to not only launch their initial operations, but to help them expand with their successes.”
Troy Turner is the editor and senior consultant for AlaDefense.com. He can be contacted at [email protected]. His bio can be found here.
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