May 2, 2019
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