Use of shotguns against drones
Shotguns counter drones with spread patterns and propeller damage.
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Shotguns became a common countermeasure against small drones during the Russo-Ukrainian war, where commercial FPV drones saw large-scale use.[1] Their spreading pattern of multiple projectiles makes them more effective than regular rifles for damaging a quadcopter's propeller and unbalancing it.[2]
Quick Facts
- Used models
- Vepr-12 and Remington Model 870 type shotguns
- Ukraine acquisition
- 4000 Turkish Hatsan Escort BTS-12 semi-automatic Bullpup shotguns
- Belgium adaptation
- Kleine Brogel Air Base adapted the Benelli M4 Super 90
- Adapter
- Rosyanka adapter for GP-25 underbarrel grenade launcher, uses 12-gauge ammunition
- Specialized ammunition
- Skynet shotgun shells (12-gauge, contain a net)
Facts from the source article.
How it changed
Many units pressed sporting shotguns into service to counter the serious threat drones posed to individual soldiers.[3] The M4 A.I. Drone Guardian features a patented system with a larger and longer cone inside the barrel to improve hit capability at longer distances.[4] Benelli states this system can engage targets from 0 to 50 meters optimally and up to 100 meters or more.[4] The Rosyanka adapter fires a 12-gauge hunting cartridge with an effective range of 15-30 meters.[3]
Benelli Defense markets the M4 A.I. Drone Guardian as a combat-proven shotgun designed as a "last resort" weapon against small quadcopter FPV drones.[4]
What the maker and period sources say
Benelli Defense states that small FPV drones attacking enemy troops have opened the door for 12-gauge shotguns paired with 4/0 buckshot ammunition.[5] Benelli claims this combination creates a large enough spread at 50 meters or more to effectively bring down drones in close proximity.[5] A Russian telegram channel reported a test failure where the cartridge skirt tore off and the barrel flew 30 meters, possibly due to using an unapproved cartridge.[3] According to the manufacturer, the adapter has an effective range of 15 to 35 metres when engaging a target with a 500mm cross section.[3]
The adapter carries a warranty for up to 100 rounds of Siberia 32g No.3 12-gauge ammunition, which is Ingra's recommended load.[3] Because reloading the adapter takes a relatively long time, a user likely gets only one opportunity to hit a fast FPV drone.[3]
References
- Wikipedia, "Use of shotguns against drones" (CC BY-SA 4.0), which cites: Hambling, "Shotguns Are Russia's Last Line Of Defense Against Drones", Forbes; "Belgian Air Force adopts Italian Benelli M4 shotgun as counter-UAS solution", 2024-05-17 (original not read by us) en.wikipedia.org
- Wikipedia, "Use of shotguns against drones" (CC BY-SA 4.0), which cites: "Shotguns as a Drone Countermeasure? - YouTube", YouTube, 2024-06-30; "Shotguns as a Drone Countermeasure? - YouTube", YouTube, 2024-06-30 (original not read by us) en.wikipedia.org
- "Russian Anti-Drone GP25 Adaptor – The Armourers Bench", 2024-05-24. facts only, no text reused. armourersbench.com
- "M4 A.I. Drone Guardian 18,5" Benelli Defense", 2024-12-13. facts only, no text reused. benellidefense.com
- "M4 A.I. Drone Guardian 26" Benelli Defense", 2024-11-07. facts only, no text reused. benellidefense.com
Each numbered sentence above was checked against the source it cites before publication. Sentences citing Wikipedia adapt text from the English Wikipedia article Use of shotguns against drones (contributors), used under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is available under the same licence. Other sources were used for facts only; no text or images are copied from them.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Use of shotguns against drones (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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