About Scout Phantom
Built by makers. Designed for the fight.
Scout Phantom is a product family of Maker TN — a Tennessee-based defense technology company focused on attritable, low-SWaP systems for contested environments. We build the tools warfighters need: fast, affordable, and ready to operate where conventional systems can't.
Our mission
To accelerate the fielding of distributed sensing, effects, and signature control capabilities to U.S. and allied forces — closing the gap between commercial innovation and operational need.
How we work
Speed to field
We design for rapid iteration and fast fielding. Capability today beats perfection tomorrow.
Attritable by design
Low-cost, high-effect systems that commanders can employ without hesitation.
Operator-first
Every design decision starts with the warfighter. If it doesn't work in the field, it doesn't ship.
Trusted partnership
We work closely with government and industry partners to ensure our systems meet real mission requirements.
Leadership
Scout Phantom is built by a small, focused team of operators and engineers. We deliberately stay lean so we can move at the speed the problem requires — rapid iteration, direct accountability, and no unnecessary layers between design and the warfighter.
Max Stephens
Founder
Max Stephens is an American inventor, innovator, and Founder of Scout Phantom (a Maker TN company). A former U.S. Army Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO), he served in multiple austere theaters, including Afghanistan (Arghandab) and Iraq (Tikrit and Baghdad/Sadr City). With extensive experience in rapid field prototyping and operationalizing electronic warfare capabilities under combat conditions, Max now applies that same mindset to developing attritable systems for contested environments.
About Maker TN
Maker TN is a Tennessee-based defense technology company dedicated to building attritable, affordable systems for the modern battlespace. Scout Phantom is our flagship product family — purpose-built for distributed operations in contested and denied environments.
Work with us
Interested in Scout Phantom capabilities for your program or unit? Request access to our materials portal or reach out directly to discuss partnership and engagement opportunities.