Drone threat neutralized: Shotguns emerge as frontline heroes
The spread of fibre-optically controlled drones is rendering electronic warfare systems ineffective, and only smoothbore shotguns or specialised targeting modules on rifles can offer protection for soldiers. Here's how they manage.
The video below shows Ukrainians exiting their vehicle to shoot down an incoming Russian FPV drone controlled via fibre optics. The soldier recording uses a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun, resembling one of many Turkish bullpup designs powered by detachable magazines.
After a few shots, the Russian drone explodes in front of the vehicle, and the soldiers continue their journey. Judging by the use of a civilian car, the action appears to have taken place somewhere behind the front lines, as civilian vehicles are used by both sides to deliver supplies in the frontline region. This also demonstrates how dangerous FPV drones, capable of flying over 10 kilometres, are for last-mile logistics.
Shotguns as anti-drone defence — last resort weapons
Physical elimination is the only option for protecting against fibre-optically controlled drones or those supported by artificial intelligence algorithms. The most common and quite effective tool for a skilled marksman is a semi-automatic smoothbore shotgun with a high-capacity magazine, which enables multiple rapid shots.
The effective range can range from about 30 to 70 metres, depending on the length of the chamber and the type of shot. Special anti-drone ammunition, ALDA, has also been developed, providing strike effectiveness up to 120 metres. Shotguns are merely a stopgap because other more effective solutions are either unavailable or very limited.
Better solutions include modules like SMASH, which, depending on the calibre of the weapon they're used with, can combat drones at distances up to 300-400 metres or 600-700 metres. Unfortunately, not many of these have made it to Ukraine.
