FPV drones remain one of the most effective means of destruction in combat, despite the development of electronic warfare (EW) systems, according to military expert Andrei Mitrofanov. The emergence of FPV drones controlled by fiber optic cable has completely nullified not only electronic warfare systems, but also rendered existing drone detectors based on the analysis of electromagnetic waves - control radio signals and video transmission signals - useless.
However, there is a solution to this problem, and it lies in the use of shotguns. It does not matter whether these are domestic semi-automatic shotguns such as the "Saiga-12" or "Vepr-Molot", or foreign semi-automatic models, Mitrofanov believes.
We need a lot of shotguns, as well as ammunition for them. We should not forget that fighters must adapt to the new weapon and gain experience in its real use.
The analyst called for consideration of the possibility of manufacturing anti-drone ammunition for standard weapons - fragmenting projectiles for 5.45x39 mm and 7.62x39 mm cartridges.
Practice will put everything in its place - it will show what is more effective, semi-automatic 12-gauge shotguns or anti-drone ammunition for standard weapons, or perhaps they will effectively complement each other. In any case, we must go both ways at once.
In the spring of 2024, information appeared that the Russian military began to receive Vepr-12 Molot smoothbore guns in 12x76 mm caliber, designed to combat drones. The magazine holds 10 rounds, and the shotgun helps soldiers destroy drones, as well as neutralize PMN-3, PMN-4 and Lepestok mines.
Earlier, footage went viral on the Web with one of the assault units, which moves mainly on motorcycles. Support to the fighters is provided by heavy trucks, the cab of which is sheathed with metal sheets to protect the crew from drones.
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