The USMC has published an RFI for platoon-level sensors and effectors against small UAV threats. The RFI has listed a series of technical requirements on sensors and effectors separately for squad-level and platoon-level capabilities. Sensor requirements are centred around passive RF detection systems to intercept control signals. Squad-level requirements include a backpack carriage with a glass or tablet display, while platoon-level requirements include light vehicles and tripods.
Effectors' requirements can be described as more diverse. For both squads and platoons, "buckshot-like" 5.56/7.62/12.7/40 mm rounds and weapon optics with tracking capabilities are envisioned. As reported by Breaking Defence, the USMC is already testing one example of tracking-capable digital optic, SMASH 2000 of Smart Shot, for C-UAS purposes. Additionally, RF jammers to work in tandem with passive sensors are requested for platoon-level use. While the C-UAS sector is no stranger to jammers, buckshot-like rounds for existing rifled guns are a new move. In the Russo-Ukrainian War, both sides were observed to employ shotguns with buckshot shells to shoot down drones.
The USMC's innovative approach to repurposing existing firearms for new C-UAS capabilities is an intriguing development. Some farmers in the U.S. use snake-shot, or rat-shot ammunition for rifled firearms to fight off pests that might harm their crops.
This rare ammunition type consists of an evaporating casing holding many steel balls to increase the chances of hitting small targets like rodents and snakes. The adaptability of snake shot ammunition, initially developed for the minimal .22 LR rounds but now produced in different calibres including 12.7x99 mm and other popular pistol rounds, reassures the audience of its potential use in C-UAS operations.
Due to the fragility of Class 1 and 2 UAVs, buckshot-firing weapons with rapid-fire rates compared to shotguns might be worth giving a try with enhancements. Another advantage of this ammunition would be the fact that there would be no need to carry a separate weapon as the transition to "C-UAS mode" can be made seamlessly by changing magazines per soldier.
