Drones evade electronic jammers, soldiers turn to shotguns
The proliferation of drones controlled via fibre optics renders electronic warfare systems ineffective, leaving shotguns or specialized targeting modules on rifles as the only means of protection for soldiers. We explore how they manage this challenge.
In the video below, you can see Ukrainians exiting their vehicle to shoot down an incoming Russian FPV drone controlled via fibre optics. The soldier filming uses a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun equipped with detachable magazines, similar to many Turkish bullpup designs.
After a few shots, the Russian drone explodes in front of the vehicle, allowing the soldiers to continue on their way. Judging by their use of a civilian car, the action appears to have occurred somewhere behind the front lines, as civilian cars are often utilized in frontline regions to deliver supplies by both sides. This incident also illustrates how dangerous FPV drones, capable of flying over 6 miles, can be to last-mile logistics.
Shotguns as anti-drone defence — weapons of last resort
The only option for protection against drones controlled by fibre optics or supported by artificial intelligence algorithms is their physical elimination. A semi-automatic shotgun with a smooth bore and a large magazine, enabling several quick shots, is the most common and reasonably effective tool in the hands of a skilled marksman.
Their effective range can reach 30-70 yards, depending on the length of the shell chamber and type of shot used. However, a special anti-drone ammunition called ALDA has been developed, offering an effective range of up to 130 yards. Shotguns remain a stopgap solution since more effective alternatives are unavailable or in minimal supply.
More advanced solutions, such as SMASH modules, can combat drones at distances ranging from 330-440 yards to 660-770 yards, depending on the caliber of the weapon to which they are attached. Unfortunately, not many of these have reached Ukraine.
