The U.S. Army is arming its soldiers with AI-powered SMASH scopes to shoot down enemy drones using standard M4A1 rifles. These scopes, developed by Israeli company Smart Shooter Ltd., incorporate advanced technology such as cameras, sensors, and artificial intelligence to track and engage drones with precision. The system, known as the SMASH 2000L, was demonstrated during a live-fire training exercise in Germany, where a soldier from the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment successfully used it to target drones as part of Project Flytrap, a multinational training initiative.
According to reports from Army Recognition, the SMASH 2000L is designed to lock onto targets and trigger fires only when a hit is guaranteed, minimizing the risk of collateral damage. The Army awarded Smart Shooter Ltd. a $13 million contract to begin delivering these scopes under its Transformation In Contact (TIC 2.0) program, which aims to integrate cutting-edge technology into the battlefield quickly. The device, weighing approximately 2.5 pounds, is compatible with standard-issue rifles and has already been tested in combat zones and utilized by NATO allies.
In the ongoing Ukraine conflict, both sides have increasingly relied on low-cost drones for reconnaissance and attacks. Similarly, in Israel, armed groups have used small drones to infiltrate military positions. These drones are fast, quiet, and difficult to detect, making them a significant threat to military operations. The SMASH system is intended to counter this challenge by allowing individual soldiers to neutralize drones without requiring support from larger, more complex systems. This capability enhances combat readiness and provides a tactical edge in asymmetric warfare scenarios.
Experts highlight the growing concern over drone warfare, noting that incidents like Ukraine’s surprise attacks could prompt a major shift in U.S. defense policy. While the Army did not comment on recent inquiries, the deployment of SMASH underscores a strategic shift toward integrating advanced technology into infantry units to counter evolving threats. As drone technology advances, the ability to quickly adapt and respond becomes critical for maintaining battlefield superiority.