US defense manufacturers are expanding the capabilities of two air defense systems designed to tackle a growing range of unmanned threats. Northrop Grumman is developing a new weapon for defeating mass aerial attacks, while Leonardo DRS has adapted an existing military system to destroy smaller drones.

Northrop Grumman on Tuesday, August 11, revealed the name of its new short-range air defense system, Raid Hunter. The system is built around a 50mm Bushmaster Chain Gun and is being developed to engage large numbers of drones attacking simultaneously, as well as cruise missiles.

Raid Hunter uses 50mm ammunition whose trajectory can be adjusted in flight. Northrop Grumman plans to continue testing the system in 2026.

The company also intends to develop additional Raid Hunter configurations, including versions that can be mounted on a vehicle or installed in a container.

Leonardo DRS announced results from tests of its SGT STOUT system on the same day. A software upgrade has enabled the system to destroy small Group 1 and Group 2 drones without requiring any additional hardware.

Before the upgrade, SGT STOUT was primarily intended to counter larger Group 3 and above drones, along with aircraft and helicopters.

According to Leonardo DRS, the US military has already received several hundred SGT STOUT systems.