Defeating Drone Threats [This Could Save The USA]

Maximizing Battlefield Flexibility with Innovative Guns and AmmunitionOn today’s battlefield, the hum of a drone overhead has become all too familiar. Affordable and easy to fly, these unmanned systems are one of the most commonly used tactics by adversaries of the U.S. and allies to gather intelligence, evade traditional defenses and quickly launch precise attacks.

With drone threats advancing faster than ever, Northrop Grumman’s flexible, cutting-edge technology marries speed with innovation to defeat drones like never before. Through close collaboration with our warfighters and partners, we drive continuous innovation — anticipating emerging challenges and providing the precise capabilities needed, exactly when and where they matter most. Building upon the reliability and precision of the Bushmaster family of Chain Guns that our customers know us for, our teams are building next-generation weapon systems and ammunition to elevate battlefield adaptability.

“We built this technology because the need is real — and it’s ready now to help protect those on the front lines,” said Rylan Harris, director of business development for Northrop Grumman armament systems. His team works on the M230LF Dual Feed Bushmaster® Chain Gun, which was engineered to address the growing counter unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) threat. “In the end, defeating drones comes down to reliable capability and the Bushmaster Dual Feed with our proximity ammunition will win the fight.”

Northrop Grumman’s M230LF Dual Feed Bushmaster Chain Gun integrated with SAAB’s Trackfire weapon station on the CB90 Combat Boat.

Revolutionizing Flexibility on the Front Lines

Currently, warfighters need one type of ammunition to defeat ground threats and another to defeat drones. With the Dual Feed cannon, operators can switch between these two ammunition types with the push of a button, with no time lost reloading or changing weapons. When seconds matter for survival, this mission flexibility gives an instant battlefield advantage.

“Seeing the emerging needs of the warfighter as C-UAS threats evolve, our team moved with urgency,” Rylan said. “We saw where the battlefield was going and built a solution to meet it.”

The versatility of the Dual Feed cannon enables commanders to respond swiftly to both unmanned aircraft systems threats and ground combat situations, adapting to rapidly changing mission demands. Whether engaging drones swarming overhead or enemy vehicles advancing on the ground, operators remain ready with superior capability in any operational setting.

Our advanced ammunition, including proximity and air-bursting rounds, are ideal for defeating small unmanned aerial systems.

Accelerating Advanced Ammunition

Northrop Grumman’s commitment to innovation goes beyond the cannon itself. For more than 30 years, the company has led advancements in medium-caliber ammunition and now delivers cutting-edge solutions that provide warfighters with a decisive edge in counter-UAS missions. The Bushmaster Dual Feed cannon utilizes two types of our advanced ammunition, including XM1198 high-explosive rounds designed to defeat armored targets and the XM1211 proximity-fuzed rounds for C-UAS engagements.

Designed and produced in partnership with the U.S. Army, the XM1211 is a 30x113mm round integrated with a proximity sensor that detonates when it gets close enough to detect a target, sending fragmentation to defeat it. This makes it ideal for C-UAS operations, as drone targets are typically small, fast and hard to hit precisely.   

Our advanced ammunition is demonstrating real-world effectiveness against drones and we’re continuing to ramp production on these critically needed rounds to meet escalating global C-UAS threats,” Rylan said. 

To meet growing global demand for cannons and ammunition, Northrop Grumman is investing in equipment, facilities and tools to accelerate capacity expansion and reduce lead-times. We are engineering technology that responds swiftly to the rapidly changing battlefield. Not just to keep pace with the future of warfare, but to dominate it. 

Learn more about how we’re innovating armaments.  

By Allison Newman