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INTRODUCTION

Small drones are changing the operational environment

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated a highly dynamic and evolving warfare, where small fast-moving drones are changing the operational environment on the battlefield.

Small drones, including FPV Kamikaze Drones, present a direct and immediate threat to personnel, transport, equipment and positions.

Responsible for nearly 70% of all casualties in combat zones and on re-supply routes.

WHAT IS DRONESHREDDER?

Specialist anti-drone ammunition for existing rifle platforms

DroneShredder uses a plastic sabot which opens after leaving the barrel and releases multiple metal projectiles to increase the probability of impacting an enemy drone when a drone must be physically damaged or disabled.

DroneShredder is designed to improve a soldiers ability to engage small and medium unmanned aerial vehicles using existing rifle platforms of 5.45, 5.56 and 7.62 calibres.

An additional kinetic engagement layer within a wider multi-layer defensive approach, not a replacement for existing countermeasures.

HOW IT WORKS

Multiple projectiles increase the probability of impact

  • Plastic sabot replaces original bullets in standard automatic rifle ammunition
  • Plastic sabot contains up to 5 metal projectiles. A full magazine contains up to 150 projectiles
  • Unique design features ensure good shot grouping at distances from 20 to 50 metres
  • Metal projectiles of 4.5 to 6.2 mm in diameter retain penetrating power at 50–60 metres
  • Available in 7.62×39mm, 5.45×39mm and 5.56×45mm formats

TESTING & EVIDENCE

Visual proof from range and penetration testing

Spread of 12 rounds at 25m using a paper target. A magazine of these rounds will kill even a small drone at this range reliably.

Projectiles retain enough energy to pass through 1mm sheet metal at 20m from the muzzle.

WHY IS THIS AMMUNITION NEEDED?

The last layer of defence…

01

IMMEDIATE AVAILABILITY

Last layer of defence if electronic and specialist counter-UAV measures fail or are not available. A response must be available at the moment a close-range threat emerges.

02

STANDARD-ISSUE COMPATIBILITY

Anti-drone munition must be suitable for standard-issue firearms without the need for an additional weapon or gadget, and fit existing army logistics and supply chains.

03

CONFIDENCE & MORALE

Availability of anti-drone ammunition enhances troop morale and enables soldiers to successfully achieve battle mission tasks.

BENEFITS TO THE SOLDIER

Preservation of life and prevention of injury

Users of anti-drone munition estimate that the chances of surviving a drone attack are increased by 70-80 percent when the attack is repelled with anti-drone munition.

  • Use a normal standard-issue automatic rifle by quickly changing the magazine
  • Five projectiles compared with a single bullet increases the chance of hitting and destroying the enemy drone
  • A group equipped with anti-drone ammunition makes destruction of the drone almost certain
  • Standard magazines fit standard webbing for easy carrying and quick retrieval
  • The rifle can be quickly re-loaded with another magazine
  • Mastering use requires minimal training

USER EXPERIENCE

Trialled and used by over 20 military units

20+

MILITARY UNITS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF UKRAINE AND THE NATIONAL GUARD OF UKRAINE

Combat troops report successful use against DJI, Autel, FPV and other drones, and note that availability raises confidence to repel a drone attack and improves the combat morale component among troops.

  • Additional training against fast-moving targets further improves skills and capability
  • Training significantly reduces fear of drones and enhances the psychological will to fight and achieve victory
  • Soldiers value the ability to adapt a familiar weapon system by switching to a magazine with anti-drone munition within seconds

OPERATIONAL USE

Operational scenarios and aspects of drone engagement

OPERATIONAL SCENARIOS

  • Personal protection against drone threat
  • Escort of logistics
  • Destruction of loitering drones
  • Destruction of roadside improvised explosive devices
  • Engagement by one serviceman or a group
  • Stationary or moving, closed or open positions
  • Any weather conditions
  • Night conditions using thermal or night vision scopes

ASPECTS OF DRONE ENGAGEMENT

  • Effective against frontal attack and lateral movement
  • Multiple magazines can help repel attacks from multiple drones and directions
  • Automatic firing keeps the drone in sights over the duration of engagement
  • Projectiles can detonate explosives, break the drone frame, penetrate fibre reel, destroy motors and electronics and rip through wiring
  • Engagement can begin at any distance but is most effective at 35 -40 metres

CONCLUSIONS

An effective defensive solution against small to medium drones

  • Presents an effective defensive solution including against tethered opto-fibre drones
  • Prevents loss of life and injury of military personnel from drone attack
  • Can be produced in large numbers to satisfy training and combat needs
  • Is inexpensive and follows the same logistical and distribution routes as normal munition
  • Enhances troop morale and enables soldiers to successfully achieve battle mission tasks

CONTACT

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