Northrop Grumman Unveils Raid Hunter 50mm Cannon Air Defense System to Counter Drone Swarms

Northrop Grumman has unveiled a 50mm cannon air defense system called Raid Hunter, designed to protect military bases and critical infrastructure from drone swarms, cruise missiles, and other aerial threats. The system integrates the company's chain gun technology, precision-guided 50mm ammunition, and a networked battle management controller. Northrop said its high rate of fire, large ammunition magazine, and rapid reload capability provide a more economical response than using million-dollar interceptor missiles against drones that cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Raid Hunter is designed to counter a range of aerial threats, including high-priority cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems, and other advanced threats. Its guided 50mm ammunition combined with a high-rate-of-fire chain gun, large magazine, and rapid reload capability aims to address the economic challenges posed by large-scale swarm threats. The system features a modular design and can be rapidly deployed via C-130 transport aircraft, with future plans for vehicle-mounted and containerized variants.

The system is the result of Northrop Grumman's continued investment in advanced counter-UAS and air defense technologies. It is part of the company's counter-UAS integrated air and missile defense product portfolio, supporting a layered defense architecture to protect critical assets across multiple operational scenarios.