Army Conducts Tests of Anti-Drone Ammunition for Standard Rifles
U.S. Army Tests Anti-Drone Ammunition
The U.S. Army has begun testing a new type of ammunition designed specifically to counter small drones. Soldiers from the XVIII Airborne Corps Signal Detachment conducted live-fire training with the 5.56mm L-variant Drone Round at Oak Grove Training Center in North Carolina on April 9, 2026. This training involved using standard M4 carbines to shoot down FPV drones, demonstrating a straightforward approach to drone defense.
Overview of the Drone Round
The Drone Round, developed by Drone Round Defense, is engineered to fragment upon exiting the barrel, effectively transforming a standard rifle into a weapon capable of delivering a spread of projectiles. This design aims to increase the likelihood of hitting small, fast-moving drone targets.
- The K-variant splits into eight projectiles with an effective range of about 165 feet.
- The L-variant, used during the training, splits into five larger projectiles with an effective range of approximately 330 feet.
The L-variant exits the muzzle at a speed of 2,200 feet per second, which is significantly faster than a standard shotgun shell. This speed and the projectile dispersion pattern address the challenges infantry units face when targeting small drones.
Training and Operational Context
The April training session was not the first instance of the Drone Round being tested by the Army. An earlier demonstration took place in December 2025 at the same training facility. This ongoing collaboration is part of the XVIII Airborne Corps’ Joint Innovation Outpost Program, which connects non-traditional defense companies with operational Army needs.
During the recent training, Staff Sgt. Dwayne Oxley was among those using the L-variant. The choice to involve Signal Detachment personnel is strategic, as these troops often maintain communication infrastructure, making them potential targets for drone operators.
Global Context and Future Developments
The timing of the U.S. Army’s training coincides with similar developments in other countries. For instance, Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern is testing a multi-projectile cartridge for the AK-12, aimed at engaging FPV drones. Ukraine has also advanced its capabilities with NATO-compatible anti-drone rounds, indicating a broader trend among military forces to enhance their drone defense strategies.
The Drone Round Defense claims its production line can manufacture up to 350 million rounds annually, with plans for additional variants, including a 7.62x51mm NATO version. The potential for widespread adoption of this ammunition could significantly enhance the capabilities of infantry units in countering drone threats.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Drone Round represents a practical solution for soldiers facing the challenges posed by small drones in combat. Its ease of integration with existing weapon systems and the rapid training already underway suggest a promising future for this technology in military operations. As the threat from drones continues to evolve, the need for effective countermeasures will remain a priority for armed forces worldwide.