Northrop Grumman integrates new Gryphon R1810 radar into Raid Hunter

Northrop Grumman is integrating the newly developed Gryphon R1810 radar into its Raid Hunter air defense system, defense research company SRC announced on October 8, 2026. The gun-based system combines networked control, Bushmaster Chain Gun technology and guided 50mm ammunition to protect military bases, airfields and critical infrastructure from aerial threats, including coordinated drone swarms.

The R1810 radar tracks both incoming targets and the munitions fired to intercept them, supporting precision fire control during multiple simultaneous engagements. SRC scaled the Gryphon architecture and developed a functional prototype in six months after Northrop Grumman determined that the previously considered R1540 radar did not offer enough range and accuracy for Raid Hunter.

The new radar expands detection ranges significantly by using eight subarrays per panel instead of four. The R1810 detects Group 1 unmanned aircraft systems at up to 21.6 kilometers, compared with 12.7 kilometers for the R1540. For Group 3 systems, detection range reaches up to 49.4 kilometers versus 30.2 kilometers on the earlier model. It can operate in a single-panel turret configuration or with four panels for 360-degree surveillance.

The project expands Northrop Grumman's previous work with SRC on the M-ACE system, which used the Gryphon R1410 radar. SRC president and CEO Kevin Hair stated that defending forces against coordinated drone swarms is one of the most urgent operational challenges facing the United States military and its allies.