Russia unveils new anti-drone ammunition, state arms maker says VIDEO

A Russian defence manufacturer has developed new small-arms ammunition designed to counter drones, according to the state news agency TASS.

The rounds, known as SC‑226 and SC‑228 and branded Mnogotochie (“Ellipsis”), were developed by the High-Precision Systems holding, part of the state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec.

Rostec said the new multi-projectile cartridges significantly improve the effectiveness of fire against small unmanned aerial vehicles. Bekkhan Ozdoev, industrial director of Rostec’s weapons cluster, was quoted as saying that the ammunition increases effectiveness by around 2.5 times at ranges of up to 300 metres compared with standard rounds.

According to the company, the ammunition is produced in 5.45×39 mm and 7.62×54 mm calibres and uses a three-element bullet that separates during flight. Standard cartridge cases and propellant are used, which, Rostec said, allows for serial production without major changes to existing manufacturing processes.

Engineers said the design ensures an even separation of all three elements after firing, increasing hit probability against small, highly manoeuvrable aerial targets. The ammunition has reportedly undergone trial use in the zone of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine, where developers say it has proven effective against drones.

Rostec also stated that the new cartridges can be used without modifying standard small arms or installing additional equipment, and can be fired even with a suppressor fitted, without affecting the weapon’s performance.

By Vugar Khalilov