Ukraine Scaling Up Production of Anti-Drone Rounds

Several Ukrainian defense companies are preparing to launch mass production of anti-drone rounds.

Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the expansion of production, saying the Ministry of Defense has already codified this type of ammunition from several Ukrainian manufacturers and that they are ready for large-scale output.

The rounds are intended to help Ukrainian forces counter small enemy drones more effectively.

Their key feature is a specialized projectile that increases the likelihood of downing a Russian drone, including FPV models.

Shmyhal added that the rounds do not require separate weapons — they can be used with standard small arms.

In June, Ukraine authorized the military to use 5.56×45 mm anti-drone rounds designed to improve effectiveness against UAVs.

The ammunition is produced in the widely used 5.56×45 mm caliber and can be fired from standard assault rifles.

In appearance and function, it resembles a multi-projectile round: when fired, the projectile breaks into several fragments in flight.

This increases shot density and improves the chance of a hit by two to three times.

Each infantry soldier is expected to carry a dedicated magazine loaded with anti-drone rounds that can be quickly attached to a rifle when enemy UAVs are detected.

Similar machine-gun-caliber models are also being developed in Russia. In March, local engineers reported achieving acceptable accuracy, with fragment dispersion forming a 25-centimeter pattern at 100 meters.

The United States has also tested a specialized 5.56×45 mm anti-drone round designed to intercept FPV drones and small quadcopters at short range.