Kalashnikov Concern Develops Special Ammunition to Counter FPV Drones

The Kalashnikov Concern has developed and tested experimental 5.45 mm cartridges designed to counter FPV drones.

The new ammunition is intended for use in small arms, increasing the likelihood of hitting fast-moving aerial targets, the company said.

During testing, shooters used AK-12 rifles to fire at drones simulating attacks at different speeds and altitudes.

The cartridge contains a propelling projectile with multiple sub-elements that separate in a controlled manner after exiting the barrel, ensuring stable ballistic performance and a larger engagement area.

According to the concern, upon impact the projectile segments damaged drone motors, battery packs, electronic circuit boards, and structural load-bearing components.

The new ammunition fully matches the dimensions of the standard 5.45×39 mm cartridge. Its design allows magazines to be loaded either entirely with multi-projectile rounds or interleaved with standard cartridges.

Kalashnikov is currently refining the technology in preparation for serial production of these rifle cartridges.