Anti-drone weapons and equipment for military use and small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)

Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) pose immediate low-altitude threats to military personnel. While multi-sensor detection covers wide-area surveillance, tactical units rely on kinetic anti drone weapons and specialized anti drone equipment for rapid, close-range engagement.

BDT delivers proven kinetic counter-drone solutions, including:

• Anti-Drone shotguns and platforms: combat-proven platforms like the Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian for high-probability direct hits.
• Specialized anti-drone ammunition: purpose-built payloads such as NORMA AD-LER anti drone shells optimized to neutralize rotors and propulsion systems.
• Tactical optics & targeting gear: advanced optics enabling rapid target acquisition against fast-moving micro-UAVs.

Need a multi-layered counter-UAS architecture? Read our guide on Anti-Drone Systems & Layered Counter-UAS Defense to learn how sensors, radar, and command networks integrate.

The Evolving sUAS threat: why kinetic anti-drone weapons are essential

The rapid proliferation of commercial quadcopters and militarized FPV drones has fundamentally altered modern warfare. Operating at low altitudes and high speeds, these agile micro-UAVs are frequently deployed for real-time reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and direct-impact strikes against dismounted troops and light tactical vehicles.

Traditional ground-based air defenses are often impractical or cost-prohibitive against small, low-cost drone swarms. To close this tactical gap, modern military units require immediate, field-deployable counter drone weapons and anti uav weapons – such as specialized shotguns, specialized electro-optics, and dedicated payload ammunition – delivering reliable kinetic neutralization without interrupting squad-level operations.

Versatility of sUAS in Combat: key aerial threats

Small unmanned aircraft systems operate across several tactical roles, making immediate kinetic response critical:

• ISR & Targeting (surveillance and reconnaissance): drones conduct real-time battlefield observation, identifying trooper positions, equipment, and movement to direct artillery and mortar fire.
• Direct kinetic attacks (FPV & loitering munitions): weaponized quadcopters carry explosive charges for precision kamikaze strikes against personnel, trenches, and unarmored vehicles.
• Payload drop systems: modified commercial drones hover over targets to drop grenades and small explosive ordnance with high accuracy.
• Swarms and saturation tactics: multiple coordinated sUAS confuse defenses and overwhelm individual operators, requiring rapid-fire anti drone weapons and wide-dispersion anti drone shells.

The need for advanced counter-drone solutions

Defeating low-altitude drone threats requires a multi-layered approach. While detection sensors, electronic jamming, and hard-kill air defense build the overarching protective shield, infantry units need an immediate, last-line capability when drones breach electronic soft-kill boundaries or operate in RF-dense environments.

This is where dedicated anti drone equipment and portable kinetic weapons become essential. Close-range anti drone shotguns and specialized ammunition provide soldiers with an independent, instantly deployable countermeasure to neutralize approaching sUAS before impact.

Need to explore complete multi-sensor detection and jammer architectures? Read our guide on Anti-Drone Systems & Layered Counter-UAS Defense to learn how sensors, radar, and command networks form a unified shield.

BDT’s Anti-Drone Weapons and Equipment for Military Use

To address the immediate threat of low-altitude sUAS, Beretta Defense Technologies provides field-proven kinetic platforms, specialized ammunition, and advanced targeting optics. Below is BDT’s specialized lineup of anti drone weapons and anti drone equipment engineered for dismounted infantry and tactical units:

• Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian – Advanced semi-automatic anti drone shotgun featuring Advanced Impulse technology.
• Beretta 1301 Tactical Drone Solution – Lightweight, high-rate-of-fire tactical platform for close-range sUAS defense.
• NORMA AD-LER Ammunition – Specialized anti drone ammunition and anti drone shells optimized for aerial target neutralization.
• Advanced Optics & Electro-Optics – High-precision targeting optics and rangefinders for rapid target acquisition.
• Tactical Training & Operational Support – Specialized training programs for effective counter-sUAS engagement.

Advanced counter-drone solutions

Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian

The Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian is a specialized, combat-proven semi-automatic anti drone shotgun engineered specifically for close-range sUAS neutralization. Key counter-drone capabilities include:

• Advanced Impulse (A.I.) Gas System: delivers high cycling reliability, reduced recoil, and rapid follow-up shots essential for tracking and engaging fast-moving aerial targets.
• Optimized shot patterning: designed to maintain dense, consistent pellet spread at tactical anti-drone ranges, maximizing hit probability against small UAV frames and propellers.
• High-Rate Kinetic Response: operates as an immediate, semi-automatic hard-kill option when electronic warfare countermeasures are unavailable or bypassed.
• Optic and accessory readiness: features integrated MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails for mounting red dot sights, thermal optics, or tactical illuminators required for day/night drone defense.

When combined with specialized ammunition such as NORMA AD-LER, both the Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian and the Beretta 1301 Tactical can form part of a dedicated kinetic counter-drone solution for engaging small aerial threats.

Beretta 1301 Tactical Drone Solution

While the Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian is a leading solution, the Beretta 1301 Tactical provides an outstanding alternative and complementary choice for counter-drone operations. Engineered for maximum agility, rapid target engagement, and seamless handling, it offers operators an exceptionally versatile platform against small aerial threats.

Key features include:

• lightweight design: ensures superior tactical maneuverability and ease of transport, making it an ideal choice for mobile patrols, rapid-reaction units, and point-defense operators requiring immediate response capabilities;
• intuitive handling: designed with oversized controls and ergonomic checkering to allow fast, natural operation even in high-stress scenarios or when operating with tactical gloves;
• adaptability: features integrated mounting solutions for optics and tactical accessories, enabling rapid target acquisition and seamless integration within diverse counter-drone operational scenarios.

When paired with advanced anti-drone ammunition like the NORMA AD-LER, the Beretta 1301 Tactical delivers highly portable and dependable kinetic defense against fast-moving sUAS threats.

NORMA AD-LER anti-drone ammunition

NORMA AD-LER (Anti-Drone Low-Energy Round) is a specialized anti-drone shotgun ammunition designed specifically for defeat-on-demand neutralization of micro and mini sUAS. Engineered to bridge the gap between traditional combat loads and specialized tactical needs, this purpose-built anti drone ammo offers maximum kinetic effect against aerial targets while minimizing collateral damage in urban or sensitive environments.

Key specifications and operational benefits include:

• High-density payload: engineered with optimized pellet geometry and material composition, providing maximum pattern density to sever drone rotors, destroy sensors, and break airframes upon impact.
• Extended effective range: advanced propellant and wad design deliver high muzzle velocity and tight pattern retention, allowing operators to engage approaching targets at extended tactical distances with specialized anti drone shells.
• Reduced collateral risk: formulated to neutralize low-altitude UAVs while rapidly shedding kinetic energy beyond effective range, mitigating hazards to friendly forces, bystanders, and surrounding infrastructure.
• Universal shotgun compatibility: fully compatible with 12-gauge tactical platforms, including the Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian and Beretta 1301, enabling immediate deployment without requiring specialized weapon modifications.

This ammunition’s advanced design ensures maximum impact and disruption of the drone.

Advanced Optics & Electro-Optics

In counter-drone operations, rapid target identification and engagement are crucial for neutralizing fast-moving sUAS threats. High-precision tactical optics and electro-optical devices provide operators with the visual clarity and targeting accuracy required to track and hit aerial targets in high-stress environments.

Key capabilities include:

• rapid target acquisition: wide field of view and crystal-clear reticles (such as holographic and red dot sights) allow operators to acquire and track low-altitude drones instantly;
• integrated laser rangefinders: deliver precise, real-time distance measurement to accurately estimate lead distance and target trajectory;
• all-weather electro-optics: advanced thermal and infrared imaging systems ensure operational effectiveness across all lighting conditions, day or night.

When integrated into counter-drone platforms, these advanced optical solutions significantly reduce response times, ensuring maximum hit probability during close-range engagements.

Specialized training for drone defense

To maximize the battlefield effectiveness of kinetic countermeasures, BDT provides specialized operational support and hands-on instruction for anti-drone engagements.

Key training components include:

• Live-fire engagement tactics: hands-on instruction focusing on target tracking, lead estimation, and shot placement against fast-moving micro-UAVs using specialized anti drone shotguns.
• Simulated threat scenarios: realistic tactical drills replicating single-drone incursions, drop-payload maneuvers, and high-density swarm attacks.
• Integrated training solutions: comprehensive modules combining firearm handling, optics utilization, and anti drone ammunition selection into existing squad-level defense doctrine.
• Maintenance and readiness: operational protocols to ensure weapons, optics, and ammunition maintain peak reliability in harsh combat conditions.

The future of close-range kinetic drone defense

As small unmanned aerial systems continue to evolve in speed, autonomy, and payload capacity, tactical units must remain equipped with responsive, field-proven countermeasures. While broad multi-sensor networks provide early warning and wide-area coverage, close-range kinetic solutions remain an indispensable line of defense when aerial threats breach electronic soft-kill boundaries.

By combining combat-proven anti-drone shotguns, specialized anti-drone ammunition, advanced electro-optics, and targeted tactical training, BDT provides military and law enforcement operators with a complete, immediate, and high-probability defeat capability at squad level.

Explore the complete counter-UAS framework, by visiting our Layered Counter-UAS Defense Architecture page to see how kinetic weapons integrate with command, control, and multi-sensor detection systems.