New Anti-Drone Rifle Bullet Now In Widespread Use By Ukraine Forces

Ukraine has developed a new anti-drone bullet for use in conventional infantry weapons. The bullet fragments making it more effective in hitting fast moving drones.

That the bullet can be used in weapons already used by Ukrainian forces makes both less expensive and easier to distribute and use quickly. JL

Sofiia Syngaivska reports in Defense Express:

These new, domestically produced ammunition  are designed specifically for counter-UAV engagements, featuring specialized warheads that significantly increase the probability of destroying enemy drones. Unlike conventional ammunition, the enhanced fragmentation or focused-blast effect of these anti-drone cartridges is optimized for hitting small, fast, low-altitude aerial targets. Their key advantage is that they require no new weapon platforms, they can be used in standard infantry firearms already in service. This is especially valuable given the decentralization of Ukraine's counter-drone strategy. Many small units engage FPV drones at extremely short distances, often with minimal warning

The Ministry of Defense has officially codified several types of domestically produced anti-drone ammunition, clearing the way for mass production and rapid delivery to the Armed Forces

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has officially codified anti-drone ammunition produced by several domestic manufacturers, opening the way for full-scale serial production to supply the Armed Forces. The announcement, made by Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, marks another step in Ukraine's rapid effort to strengthen its capabilities against russian FPV drones and commercial quadcopters like the Mavic, which continue to pose a significant threat on the front line.

According to Denys Shmyhal, codification is a critical administrative step that allows the army to formally adopt new munitions and integrate them into logistics, procurement, and distribution systems. With several models already approved, Ukrainian defense companies can now begin mass production to meet the growing battlefield demand.

The use of Ukrainian anti-drone ammunition from the Bren 2 rifle / screenshot from video

These newly codified rounds are designed specifically for counter-UAV engagements, featuring specialized warheads that significantly increase the probability of destroying enemy drones. Unlike conventional ammunition, the enhanced fragmentation or focused-blast effect of these anti-drone cartridges is optimized for hitting small, fast, low-altitude aerial targets. As Denys Shmyhal noted, their key advantage is that they require no new weapon platforms, they can be used in standard infantry firearms already in service.

 

This compatibility is especially valuable given the rapid decentralization of Ukraine's counter-drone strategy. Many small infantry units engage FPV drones at extremely short distances, often with minimal warning, and immediate access to effective anti-UAV ammunition can make the difference between survival and casualties.

By enabling rapid, mass distribution of purpose-built rounds, the Ministry of Defense aims to improve local air defense resilience across the entire front line.

 

Denys Shmyhal also emphasized that work continues on expanding the range of modern munitions under development. This includes both offensive and defensive systems, from long-range strike capabilities to mobile counter-drone technologies. The goal is to fill critical gaps quickly and to ensure that Ukrainian units receive a constant supply of effective tools for modern warfare.