Northrop Grumman believes a good defense against Unmanned Aerial System (aka drones) Threats requires a comprehensive, end-to-end approach. They have a uniquely capable of providing an integrated, layered solution across the kill chain. The C-UAS architecture and system of systems approach starts with sensing and tracking. It delivers a layered defense that includes a full complement of kinetic (bullets, missiles) and non-kinetic (lasers) effects, aerial and ground sensors and the battle-hardened, proven and deployed Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) system. FAAD C2 was recently selected by the Department of Defense (DoD) as the system of choice for Counter-small UAS. Ultimately, their approach creates a fully networked battlespace that connects, integrates and optimizes every-sensor/best-effector operations.
Northrop’s Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), which detects, engages and shoots down drones with a combination of “directed energy and kinetic effectors,” is in operation today. It is likely being used in Ukraine.
In August,2023, Northrop Grumman Corporation has delivered a miniaturized high-energy laser source to the U.S. government. The laser is ruggedized for field use and miniaturizing it allows for rapid placement in tactical situations.
* The 10kW class high-energy laser, known as Phantom, is about 12 cubic feet (nearly the size of a mini fridge).
* Weighing less than 200 pounds, it enables lift, carry and installation by as few as two personnel.
* The Phantom customer will integrate it with other subsystems for testing and delivery to military customers.
How about rockets, artillery shell and mortar rounds. Northrop’s Counter Rockets, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) is able to fire its ray gun from a turret mounted on a Humvee.
A 150 kW laser weapon system demonstrator was deployed on the USS Portland and saw action in December 2021 with the U.S. 5th Fleet. Northrop Grumman has a 300 kW high-energy laser prototype that can be scaled up to more than a megawatt.
Northrop Grumman’s all-seeing radars – AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR, HAMMR, and the AN/TPS-80 Long Range Radar provide a complete, operational picture and unambiguous view of the battlespace to help warfighters make better decisions when it matters most.
Northrop Grumman has integrated medium caliber gun and ammunition system for land, air, sea-based combat platforms.
Northrop Grumman is a leader in high-power directed energy (combat lasers) technology for a variety of platforms operating in multiple domains. Their advance high-energy laser weapon system enables on-the-move, rapid, precise target engagements.

Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
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