French defence news platform Forcesoperations reported that the French Army will test HATSAN’s BTS 12 semi-auto bullpup shotgun.
The French Army evaluates various C-UAS solutions, including UGV-mounted laser weapons, jammers, and soon HATSAN’s BTS 12 mag-fed shotgun for infantry-level capability.
BTS12 was previously spotted at the hands of Ukrainian troopers in a long barrel configuration.
The bullpup layout allows for a more compact build than a traditional layout of the same barrel length. In BTS 12’s case, the centre of gravity being closer to the shooter makes moving the gun around when aiming easier. It is important to react quickly against incoming kamikaze UAVs, as there is little time after the moment of notice.
Due to spreading pellets rather than shooting a single bullet, shotguns are being explored by Ukraine and Russia as a short-term solution against fragile kamikaze UAVs. However, early warning on foot remains an issue for the infantry units.
After an observation of both sides using shotguns to shoot down UAVs, the U.S. Marines have recently embarked on multi-pellet ammunition for 5.56 mm to 12.7 mm firearms, which might be a development of the ratshot ammunition normally used against large pests (snakes, rats...). Interestingly, some small companies have already produced the exotic ammunition type in said calibres (but in small numbers).
