An unidentified Russian manufacturer unveiled a 7.62x39 mm pellet ammunition to shoot down UAVs more easily following the partial success of shotguns.
A new attempt from Russia to enhance its infantrymen’s defence capability against UAVs is new ammunition for the 7.62x39 AK-pattern weapons remaining in widespread use. Previously, shotguns and improvised under-barrel grenade launcher kits were issued to the troops to bolster self-defence against UAV threats.
The footage from the Russian local TV channel shows pellet ammunition being loaded onto an SKS semi-auto rifle for test purposes and later shown inside an AK magazine. The pellets appear to be closer in size to birdshot ammunition to ensure a large number of pellets are carried.
The polymer-cased pellet ammunition for rifled weapons is known as a rat shot and is usually employed in smaller calibres (Such as .22 LR) for hunting pests in agriculture.
The USMC has requested similar pellet ammunition for both service rifles and heavy machine guns to defend from UAV attacks. Additionally, the service has been testing the SMASH 2000 rifle optic for C-UAS purposes.
One major advantage of pellet ammunition for service rifles is the fact that no modification is needed on the gun, and the user can quickly switch magazines on notice.
