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

Joint-capabilities
|
By:
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

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Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:

Episode 11: SPOTLIGHT: Post-quantum cryptography, encryption and securing Australia’s defence networks, with Senetas’ Julian Fay and Andrew Wilson
Episode 10: PODCAST: Lebanon evacuation, military logistics and Australia’s preparedness for future conflict, with Australian Army Colonel (Ret’d) Andrew Condon
Episode 9: PODCAST: Black Hawk modernisation, domestic sustainment and workforce development, with Lockheed Martin’s Rodahn Gibbon and Bobby Adkins
Episode 8: SPOTLIGHT: DISP compliance, defence industry security and strengthening Australian supply chains, with De Stefano & Co’s Emilio De Stefano
Episode 7: PODCAST: AUKUS, workforce challenges and domestic defence industry priorities, with AtkinsRéalis’ David Eyles
Episode 6: PODCAST: Aerospace engineering, UAVs and Australia’s next generation of defence talent, with RMIT University’s Marcus Serong
Episode 5: PODCAST: Counter-drone systems, manufacturing and Australia’s defence industry priorities, with Northrop Grumman Australia’s Robert Denney
Episode 4: SPOTLIGHT: Australia’s loitering munitions, sovereign manufacturing and the future of drone warfare, with Innovaero’s Gregory Tunny
Episode 3: PODCAST: Contested logistics and Australia’s defence industry priorities at Land Forces 2026, with Amentum Australia’s Kim Katheklakis
Episode 2: PODCAST: Containerised solutions and human-in-the-loop systems at Land Forces 2026, with IAI’s Maxim Zemer