Enhancing your defense against small drones

Drones, particularly small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are being used for reconnaissance and, increasingly, as attack platforms. Their small size and maneuverability make them hard to detect and target with conventional systems, such as radar and missiles. This has led to the development of more kinetic defense mechanisms, such as shotguns armed with specialized ammunition.

Shotguns, known for their short-range effectiveness and spread pattern, provide a reliable and cost-effective option for taking down drones, especially in situations where more advanced countermeasures might be too costly, impractical or inefficient.

Shotguns, particularly semi-automatic shotguns, have proven themselves to be versatile tools in counter-drone scenarios. Here’s why they are gaining attention:

Cost-effectiveness: A shotgun and 500 rounds of tungsten ammunition cost around €5.000, a fraction of more advanced options such as jammers, missiles etc.

Ease of use: Shotguns are simple to operate and require minimal training, making them accessible for rapid deployment in various military units.

Effective range: The tungsten ammunition allows shotguns to engage drones at distances up to 100 m. This makes them a viable solution for low-flying drones that pose an immediate threat and as a last line of defense when everything else has failed.

Beyond shotguns, training with target presentations such as Nordic Clays is essential to refine the skills required to shoot down drones. Just as clay pigeon shooting sharpens accuracy and reaction time, practicing with Nordic Clays can simulate the erratic movement patterns and speeds of drones (up to 100 km/h). Allowing military and law enforcement personnel to improve their targeting and engagement tactics wherever and whenever they have the time.

The tungsten rounds are designed specifically for countering small drones. These rounds are:

Lightweight: Optimized for use against drones weighing less than 25 kg / 55 lbs. (Group 1 & Group 2 UAS)

High-Energy impact: They maintain enough velocity and impact force at longer distances to disable drones.

Adaptable: These rounds are compatible with widely-used military shotguns, making them a flexible addition to existing arsenals.

Shotguns versus drones: Key benefits

Precision and spread: While shotguns are known for their spread, making them forgiving in close-range scenarios, the addition of specialized ammunition such as buckshot or tungsten increases the precision needed for counter-drone tasks.

Multiple uses: In addition to drone defense, military shotguns can serve in other roles, such as breaching or personal defense, adding value to any force that adopts them.

Combat proven: In conflict zones such as Ukraine, both sides have used shotguns to neutralize drones, proving their effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

European militaries, particularly those in NATO, are increasingly integrating small arms like shotguns into their defense strategies against drones. Manufacturers like Benelli Armi and FN Herstal are leading this charge, providing counter-drone solutions that are both effective and cost-efficient. These innovations are a direct response to the evolving threat of small drones, which are being used in increasingly sophisticated ways.

As drones continue to proliferate on the battlefield, counter-drone shotguns like Benelli’s M4 and specialized ammunition such as tungsten will play an essential role in mitigating this emerging threat.

Training with Nordic Clays, combined with the use of advanced shotgun technology, will prepare military personnel to effectively neutralize drones in combat scenarios.

By integrating these tools into defense strategies, forces can ensure they are ready for the challenges posed by modern, agile threats like drones. Whether used for close defense or asset protection, shotguns are becoming a critical component in the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare against drones.

Nordic Clays provides the most efficient and realistic drone shooting practice because Nordic Clays can send targets in all different directions and trajectories with 10 different speeds (55-100 km/h) which mimics that of a drone.

• Drone-mimicking trajectories and speeds (up to 100 km/h)
• Deployable anywhere, lightweight for fast setup in any terrain, anywhere.
• Universal training: 10 speeds, all skill levels. (55-100 km/h)
• Practice all types of scenarios; towards the shooter, crossing, going away and many more.
• Cost-efficient and no downtime

Which kind of shotgun can you use to train?

• Semi-auto shotguns are recommended because of their rapid reload time.
• Pump action shotguns
• Over and under and side-by-side shotguns

Which type of ammunition?

12-gauge ammunition shot size #7-9 is recommended (steel or lead dependent on your country's regulations)

For taking down drones at distances at more than 30 meters away, specialized ammunition such as the tungsten or Norma ALDA round is recommended.