Northrop Grumman Integrated New Radar Into Raid Hunter
The R1810 radar increases detection ranges for drone defense to counter inexpensive aerial threats.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cybersecurity
Live Poll
Should the nation prioritize increased spending on advanced air defense systems to counter drone threats?
Northrop Grumman has integrated the SRC-developed Gryphon R1810 radar into its Raid Hunter air defense system. This new sensor suite increases detection ranges for small unmanned aerial systems compared to previous radar models.
Why it matters
The system addresses the rising economic and tactical challenges posed by mass drone attacks. By utilizing guided 50mm ammunition, it offers a lower-cost alternative to traditional missile-based defense systems.
The R1810 features eight antenna subarrays per panel and enables simultaneous tracking of targets and 50mm interceptor projectiles. It detects Group 1 drones at 21.6 kilometers and Group 3 systems at 49.4 kilometers, marking a significant improvement over the R1540 predecessor.
The players
Northrop Grumman
A defense contractor specializing in aerospace, sensor, and weapons systems for the United States military.
SRC
A research and development firm that designed the Gryphon R1810 radar for the Raid Hunter program.
The details
The Raid Hunter system pairs the R1810 radar with Northrop Grumman's Bushmaster Chain Gun technology to provide precision anti-air capabilities. Guided 50mm ammunition adjusts its flight path in real-time, allowing for corrections against moving targets. A single-panel radar setup manages simultaneous tracking, while a four-panel configuration delivers full 360-degree surveillance coverage.
Timeline
February 2026: Conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran intensified.
October 8, 2026: SRC announced the development of the R1810 radar.
The Tech Race
This integration follows a six-month rapid prototyping cycle initiated to meet the specific requirements of the Raid Hunter program. It competes with existing C-UAS (counter-unmanned aircraft system) platforms that rely on more expensive interceptors.
The system is currently undergoing integration for future field use, including planned palletized and vehicle-mounted configurations. While the current focus is on military utility, the core tracking technology may influence future mobile, high-precision air defense deployment timelines.
The takeaway
The development represents a tactical shift toward using guided, gun-based projectiles to counter low-cost drone threats economically. Watch for upcoming announcements regarding the deployment of palletized R1810 configurations to active military units.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in sensor integration and defensive strategies within the Cybersecurity section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Army Recognition.
Live Poll
Should the nation prioritize increased spending on advanced air defense systems to counter drone threats?
