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PODCAST: How the integration of autonomous systems is shifting the future of minehunting, Gene Cumm, Northrop Grumman

Gene Cumm

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by the director of international mine warfare programs at Northrop Grumman Corporation, Gene Cumm, to discuss how they are aiding the development of an autonomous future for the minehunting sector.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by the director of international mine warfare programs at Northrop Grumman Corporation, Gene Cumm, to discuss how they are aiding the development of an autonomous future for the minehunting sector.



Cumm will define minehunting versus minesweeping, discuss the transition into an autonomous minehunting model that Northrop Grumman is currently implementing, and analyse its effectiveness compared with a more traditional method.

With the shift to an autonomous system having faced some challenges, Cumm will reveal how the company’s work with the Autonomous Warrior program last year has attracted an influx of interest from defence partners, how the technology is being shaped, and the opportunities available to SMEs should the Australian Defence Force implement the demonstrated technology.

Finally, Cumm will discuss the upcoming demonstrations in the Queensland area that Northrop Grumman will be involved in, and share his thoughts on the benefit of defence personnel seeing the system operate in their navy’s own waters.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 435: PODCAST: Serving veteran families, with Renee Wilson, CEO of the Families of Veterans Guild
Episode 434: SPOTLIGHT: Mission engineering – a missing piece of the capability puzzle, with Downer’s Rachel Hatton and Nathan Rickard
Episode 433: SPOTLIGHT: Introducing the Australian Digital Defence Industry Matrix, with BenchOn’s Tim Walmsley
Episode 432: SPOTLIGHT: What does sovereignty mean in a post-DIDS industry? With Stephen Kowal, CEO of Atturra
Episode 431: PODCAST: Developing Army’s hand-to-hand combatives program, with Paul Cale
Episode 430: PODCAST: Aussie innovation supporting navies around the world, with Jeffrey Hawkins, Pivot Maritime International
Episode 429: PODCAST: Commercialisation essential to the success of space and defence industry, with Brian Lim
Episode 428: PODCAST: Firebrand topics on Ukraine, Israel, and Australian conscription, with Corporal Matthew ‘Willy’ Williams OAM
Episode 427: PODCAST: Unpacking the surface combatant review with the Honourable Kim Beazley AC
Episode 426: PODCAST: WA ready, willing and able to support defence industry opportunities – Paul Papalia CSC MLA, Minister for Defence Industry and Veterans Issues