PODCAST: Counter-drone systems, manufacturing and Australia’s defence industry priorities, with Northrop Grumman Australia’s Robert Denney

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How is Northrop Grumman Australia supporting sovereign defence manufacturing, strengthening local supply chains and developing next-generation counter-drone capabilities?

How is Northrop Grumman Australia supporting sovereign defence manufacturing, strengthening local supply chains and developing next-generation counter-drone capabilities?

Speaking with Defence Connect news editor Robert Dougherty at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026, Northrop Grumman Australia country executive Robert Denney discusses the company’s priorities for Australian Defence Force capability, including proximity-fused ammunition, Bushmaster cannon systems and emerging counter-uncrewed aerial system technologies.

The conversation explores Northrop Grumman’s ambition to develop a fully Australian solid rocket motor supply chain, the opportunities for local manufacturers to support domestic and international programs, and the challenges of producing advanced military components to demanding operational standards.

Denney also discusses the company’s proposed 50mm gun-based air defence system capability, known as Raid Hunter, designed to provide an additional layer of defence against drones and other aerial threats.

He shares his views on accelerating capability delivery, strengthening industry partnerships and the role of trade shows in connecting Defence with existing and emerging solutions.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: SPOTLIGHT: Australia’s loitering munitions, sovereign manufacturing and the future of drone warfare, with Innovaero’s Gregory Tunny
Episode 10: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 9: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer
Episode 8: SPOTLIGHT: Lockheed Martin Australia’s priorities, leadership and life after service, with Jeremy King
Episode 7: THE PROGRESS REPORT: Leadership, mentorship and life at sea – Commander Melanie Lennard on 17 years in the Royal Australian Navy
Episode 6: PODCAST: Australia’s munitions manufacturing push at Land Forces 2026, with NIOA Group’s Robert Nioa
Episode 5: PODCAST: EOS showcases new interceptor and layered drone defence at Land Forces 2026, with Lee Kormany
Episode 4: CONTESTED GROUND: The information advantage – how AI is reshaping influence, competition and power
Episode 3: PODCAST: Next-generation equipment at Land Forces 2026, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 2: SPOTLIGHT: Defence electronics supply chains, counterfeit components and shortages