Russia has developed a new type of anti-drone ammunition compatible with its standard-issue Kalashnikov rifles, signaling a tactical shift in how infantry units are expected to engage aerial threats like FPV drones on the battlefield.
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Multi-projectile Design For Close-range Drone Defense
On January 22, 2026, the Russian defense conglomerate Rostec announced the deployment of new multi-projectile ammunition, called Mnogotochie, for use in existing assault rifles. Developed by High-Precision Systems, a Rostec subsidiary, these rounds come in two standard calibers: 5.45×39 mm (SC-226) and 7.62×54 mm (SC-228), making them fully compatible with Kalashnikov-pattern rifles currently in service.
Unlike traditional ammunition, these cartridges are designed to split into three projectiles after firing. The purpose of this controlled fragmentation is to widen the area of effect, increasing the chances of hitting fast-moving, low-flying drones commonly used in the conflict in Ukraine. According to Rostec, the new design improves effectiveness by 2.5 times at distances up to 300 meters, compared to conventional ammunition.
The rounds do not require any changes to existing rifles, allowing for a quick and efficient rollout across military units. Rostec confirms that even with suppressors attached, the rifles remain compatible with the new rounds. Since the ammunition uses standard casings and propellant, production can continue through current industrial lines, reducing both cost and complexity.
Tested In Combat And Ready For Deployment
Rostec reports that these munitions have undergone field testing in active combat zones within the ongoing military operation in Ukraine. The testing focused on scenarios involving small and agile drones, such as those used for first-person view (FPV) strikes. Results released by the corporation indicate that the rounds are effective at short range, where soldiers often have limited time to react to incoming aerial threats.
The choice to equip individual soldiers with anti-drone ammunition marks a strategic departure from prior reliance on specialized systems, such as electronic jammers or dedicated anti-aircraft weapons. In a war environment where drones are widely used in swarms or sudden attacks, the need for flexible and widely distributed defensive capabilities is increasingly evident.
This approach allows for faster response times and reduces dependence on high-cost systems that may not always be available on the front lines. The ammunition also offers an advantage in logistics, since it fits directly into the military’s existing supply chains without requiring changes to weapon platforms or storage infrastructure.
