SGT Stout’s First Live Fire in NATO: Specs & Tactical Advantages

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The U.S. Army’s SGT Stout, formerly known as Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD), has officially made its mark in NATO’s integrated air and missile defense architecture. On May 8, 2025, during Exercise Formidable Shield 25, the SGT Stout fired Stinger missiles for the first time in a multinational training event in Andøya, Norway. This milestone underscores the growing importance of mobile air defense systems in modern warfare.

SGT Stout. U.S. Army

A Game-Changer in Air Defense

SGT Stout is a Stryker-based air defense system designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats, including drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles. It integrates:

  • Infrared-guided Stinger missiles

  • A 30 mm automatic cannon

  • An onboard radar system

These features allow the vehicle to detect, track, and engage aerial threats independently, making it a crucial asset for protecting maneuvering forces.

Formidable Shield 25: A Test of Strength

Formidable Shield 25 is a U.S. Sixth Fleet-led multinational exercise focused on integrated air and missile defense. The event brought together naval, air, and ground forces from 10 NATO allies and partners, demonstrating the importance of joint operations in countering aerial threats.

During the exercise, soldiers from the 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (5-4 ADAR) deployed the SGT Stout to engage target drones simulating low-altitude threats. In one instance, when a vehicle failed to lock onto a target, its crew executed a battle drill, dismounting and firing a shoulder-launched Stinger missile, showcasing their adaptability and tactical responsiveness.

Lessons from Modern Warfare

The inclusion of ground-based air defense in Formidable Shield reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war, where drones and cruise missiles have become persistent threats. The SGT Stout’s deployment in Norway highlights the U.S. Army’s commitment to strengthening NATO’s air defense capabilities.

Looking Ahead

SGT Stout is currently in service with three U.S. Army battalions stationed in Germany, Fort Sill (Oklahoma), and Fort Cavazos (Texas). It has already been deployed in Saber Strike in Poland as part of DEFENDER 24, providing short-range air defense for U.S. and Allied forces. Additional variants are under development to address evolving threats and doctrinal shifts within the U.S. Army.

As the battlefield continues to evolve, SGT Stout stands as a testament to the U.S. Army’s innovation in air defense. Its successful deployment in Formidable Shield 25 marks the beginning of a new era in short-range air defense, ensuring that ground forces remain protected against emerging aerial threats.

SGT Stout Specifications

Platform & Mobility

  • Base Vehicle: Stryker A1 chassis

  • Crew: 3-4 personnel

  • Mobility: Highly maneuverable, designed for multi-domain operations

Weapon Systems

  • Missiles:

    • 4× Stinger missiles (infrared-guided)

    • 2× Longbow Hellfire missiles (for extended-range engagements)

  • Cannon: 30 mm XM914 Bushmaster Chain Gun

  • Machine Gun: M240 7.62 mm machine gun

Target Acquisition & Defense

  • Radar: Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar (MMHR) by RADA USA

  • Fire Control System: Integrated with the Army’s battle command systems

  • Turret: Moog’s Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP)

Deployment & Future Plans

  • First Unit Equipped (FUE): March 2021

  • Current Deployment: 3 battalions in Germany, Fort Sill (Oklahoma), and Fort Cavazos (Texas)

  • Future Expansion: Potential increase to 312-361 vehicles, including National Guard battalions


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