The proliferation of small drones on the battlefield has presented a challenge for forward ground units but identifying an effective counter to them has been particularly difficult for infantry. Being often located on the most forward lines far from potential already stretched supporting air defences it is perhaps not surprising that they have sought out one of the most readily available solutions – the smoothbore shotgun.
The very widespread presence of small and FPV (First Person View) drones requires that any counter must itself be equally available and fielded where the threat is most likely to be encountered. This means the solution must be relatively economical and simple to employ, attributes reflected in the shoulder-fired shotgun. The move toward “hard-kill” offered by the shotgun is partly the result of the decreased effectiveness of “drone guns” which target and disrupt the drones electronic controls. Learning from experience drones make use of signal hopping and fibre-optic wire to prevent the jamming used by these systems.
Both sides in the war in Ukraine have adopted commercially available shotguns for use against drones. Images of Russian soldiers with 12-gauge Vepr-12 Molot shotguns have been posted.
Ukraine has been acquiring since October 2024 the Hima Arms Safari HG-105M for counter drone use. The bullpup, military-style, semi-automatic design allows a full-length barrel while reducing the overall length of the weapon while its detachable clip magazine provides for the quickest reloading. With the prevalence of urban and trench clearing the HG-105M is also handy in close-combat.
Top gun manufacturers, like Benelli of the Baretta Group, have also stepped up to present shotgun configurations optimized not only for effectively engaging and downing the small drone but also suitable for the severe environments and hard use of military field use. The company recently displayed its Advanced Impact (AI) Drone Guardian, an adaption of the proven M4. The weapon features a patented system inside the barrel with a larger and longer cone. This shotgun enhances the ability to hit targets at greater distances compared to standard shotguns. It also provides deeper penetration and destructive capacity. The AI Drone Guardian can effectively engage targets at an optimal range from 0 to 50 meters while reach up to 100 meters or more. It is equipped with a Picatinny rail with a 355 Ghost Ring rear sight with diopter with adjustable windage and elevation. It is being used with #4 Buckshot rounds to achieve single hit kill. Ukraine sources also suggest Magnum loads as preferred.
The later highlights the importance of the ammunition used against the drone. The renowned ammunition firm Norma conducted extensive firing trials of various round combinations against drones. A key finding is that rounds that could down commercial drones were unreliable against military done designs. The company, therefore, perfected its AD-LER cartridge optimized to down these threats. Each contains 350 tungsten pellets, weighing 34 grams, with a muzzle velocity of 405m/s and effective range of 60 meters.
Another is the Skynet Drone Defense system using 12 gauge rounds to deliver tethered pieces that extend outward creating a 1.5 m/ 5-foot diameter web. This SKYNET web tangles the drone airframe and blades causing it to come down.
The US company Tacnition offers a 12-gauge 3-inch Depleted Uranium round that user reviews suggest is capable of reliably disabling a drone well beyond typical engagement ranges.
The evidence suggests that downing military drones in combat requires the right weapon, proper ammunition, as well as individual boldness. The presence of the small and FPV should give Armies an indication of their need to seriously review their small unit structure and arms to counter their impact on tactics on future battlefields. The use of the shotgun may not be sophisticated but, as a Ukrainian soldier shared “It is a far better alternative to have the ability to fight than to fruitless try to run or hide”.
by Stephen W. Miller
