New ammunition lets soldiers shoot down drones with standard rifles

A major European defence manufacturer is moving into the counter-drone market with new ammunition designed to shoot down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using standard assault rifles to eliminate the need for soldiers to carry additional equipment.

Developed by the Italian subsidiary of Czechoslovak Group, the rounds are aimed at infantry and special forces operating in high-risk environments such as patrols, convoy protection and site security missions. While primarily intended for military use, a review of the technology by NextGenDefense points out that it could also be adapted for law enforcement in urban settings.

“This new product demonstrates how CSG companies translate battlefield experience into scalable industrial solutions,” said Petr Marijczuk, head of the group’s ammunition division.

“Leveraging our international production footprint, we are able to deliver reliable and cost-effective ammunition that can be rapidly integrated into existing force structures.”

The Prague-based Czechoslovak Group — formerly known as Excalibur Group — oversees more than 100 companies spanning defence, aerospace, automotive and rail industries.

Its Italian unit, Fiocchi Munizioni, worked closely with the Italian armed forces during development. Testing was carried out alongside special forces and broader army units under realistic operational conditions, confirming the ammunition’s effectiveness against small UAV targets.

Fiocchi unveiled the system at the Enforce Tac 2026 exhibition in Nuremberg this February, reflecting growing demand for counter-drone solutions as small UAVs become increasingly prevalent in modern conflicts.

“The proliferation of small drones has fundamentally changed the battlefield,” Marijczuk said. “By enabling counter-drone capability directly through standard-issue rifles, we are helping address one of the most urgent operational gaps identified in recent conflicts.”

Existing counter-drone systems — including laser-based air defence, handheld jammers, net-launchers, anti-drone guns and interceptor drones — typically require additional specialised equipment, making integration more complex for frontline units.

 By Nazrin Sadigova