Ukraine’s defense technology cluster Brave1 has launched the development of anti-drone rifle rounds, significantly increasing the chances of hitting fast-moving aerial targets on the battlefield. The ammunition, which is designed to be compatible with NATO standards, is intended to provide infantry soldiers with a specialized means of countering aerial threats such as FPV drones and commercial quadcopters. This development is especially critical as FPV drones have been extensively used by both Ukrainian and Russian forces in the war, frequently proving effective in destroying expensive military equipment.
According to Brave1, the new rounds are similar to standard rifle ammunition but feature a specially designed warhead aimed at improving the probability of shooting down FPV drones or commercial quadcopters such as the DJI Mavic before they strike. Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has highlighted the importance of equipping every infantry soldier with a magazine of such ammunition, ensuring that they are prepared to defend against aerial attacks. This initiative is part of a broader trend as Ukraine continues to scale up its drone warfare capabilities, which has included an ambitious plan to acquire 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, further expanding Ukraine’s aerial capabilities. The development of anti-drone ammunition is part of a wider effort to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the face of ongoing Russian aerial threats. The Kyiv Independent previously reported that Ukraine has also entered mass production of its Sapsan ballistic missile, a development that underscores the nation’s growing capacity to produce its own weapons and technologies to counter Russian aggression.