Northrop Grumman unveils Raid Hunter counter-UAS system

Northrop Grumman has introduced Raid Hunter, a 50mm gun-based air defense system designed to counter high-volume aerial threats, including drone swarms, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), and cruise missiles. The system serves as a short-range, point-defense layer within integrated air and missile defense architectures.

Built around a Bushmaster Chain Gun, Raid Hunter utilizes a networked control architecture powered by the company’s AiON command-and-control software. This AI-enabled system processes sensor data from multi-domain networks to identify, target, and lock onto multiple incoming threats. The system features a high rate of fire, capable of up to 200 rounds per minute, and employs steerable, precision-guided 50mm ammunition that can execute multiple in-flight maneuvers to improve engagement success.

The platform-agnostic system is designed for modularity, supporting palletized configurations and future vehicle-mounted options. It is also engineered for rapid transportation via C-130 aircraft.