**Ukraine Develops New Anti-Drone Ammunition to Counter Drone Threats**
In a significant move to counter the increasing threat of drones on the battlefield, Ukraine’s defense technology cluster Brave1 has launched the development of anti-drone rifle rounds. These special rounds are designed to increase the chances of hitting fast-moving aerial targets, such as first-person-view (FPV) drones or commercial quadcopters like the DJI Mavic.
According to Brave1, the ammunition appears similar to standard rounds used in automatic rifles but features a specially designed warhead that makes it more likely to shoot down enemy drones. The manufacturer has already codified the new rounds according to NATO standards, with the goal of supplying every infantry soldier with a magazine of specialized ammunition for use in case of aerial threats.
The development of anti-drone rifle rounds is a response to the widespread use of cost-effective FPV drones by both Ukrainian and Russian forces on the battlefield. These drones have proven highly effective in destroying expensive military equipment, making them a significant threat to Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov praised the new development, saying that it significantly improves the chances of hitting a moving target. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that every infantryman has access to this specialized ammunition and can equip his rifle with it in case of an air threat.
Ukraine continues to scale up its drone warfare capabilities, with plans to purchase 4.5 million FPV drones in 2025 at a cost exceeding Hr 110 billion ($2.6 billion). President Volodymyr Zelensky has set a goal of producing at least 30,000 long-range drones in 2025.
The development of anti-drone rifle rounds is a significant step forward for Ukraine’s military capabilities and demonstrates the country’s commitment to countering the growing threat of drones on the battlefield.
