Anti-drone weapons & equipment for military use and small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)

In modern asymmetrical warfare, drones have become indispensable tools, creating significant challenges for military and law enforcement operations. With their reconnaissance, weaponization, and swarming, drones demand robust and adaptable anti-drone defense systems. BDT can provide these systems and we will discuss the topic below.

The growing threat of small drones

Small drones, with particular reference to the sUAS (small Unmanned Aircraft Systems), have fundamentally changed the dynamics of modern asymmetrical warfare. These tools, once limited to commercial and recreational use, have evolved into highly adaptable weapons in the hands of adversaries, posing unique challenges to military and law enforcement agencies worldwide.

The evolving role of drones in warfare

In asymmetrical conflict scenarios, where traditional strategies are often insufficient, drones offer a low-cost, high-impact solution. Armed groups, insurgents, and non-state actors leverage drones to bypass conventional defenses, utilizing their compact size and manoeuvrability to infiltrate restricted zones, monitor enemy activity, and launch precise attacks. This evolution in drone technology has escalated their role from simple reconnaissance tools to integral components of hybrid warfare.

Versatility in combat and intelligence

Drones have proven to be incredibly versatile tools in modern warfare, offering adversaries unprecedented capabilities to gather intelligence, deliver precise attacks, and overwhelm defences. Their adaptability allows them to play multiple roles on the battlefield, significantly amplifying their impact. Some scenarios in which the drones have an important role:

1. surveillance: equipped with advanced optics, drones provide adversaries with real-time battlefield intelligence;
2. reconnaissance: drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and infrared sensors enable adversaries to gather real-time intelligence on troop movements, fortifications, and supply routes without direct engagement;
3. weaponization: by modifying commercial drones, adversaries can create improvised explosive devices (IEDs) capable of striking targets with pinpoint accuracy. This transformation of drones into airborne weapons has significantly increased the lethality of asymmetrical threats;
4. swarm tactics: coordinated deployment of multiple drones overwhelms traditional defensive systems. These swarms operate as a single entity, combining surveillance and attack capabilities to exploit vulnerabilities in even the most advanced defences;
5. hybrid threats: combining physical and electronic warfare, drones disrupt and destroy with precision.

The need for advanced counter-drone solutions

Given the increasing frequency and sophistication of drone-based threats, advanced counter-drone systems are critical for maintaining operational security and effectiveness. Traditional defenses are often ill-equipped to detect, track, and neutralize such fast-moving and versatile targets. Effective counter-drone solutions must:

• provide real-time detection and early warning capabilities to minimize the element of surprise;
• offer a range of neutralization methods, from kinetic systems like firearms and ammunition to non-kinetic approaches such as jamming and electronic warfare;
• adapt to the dynamic nature of drone threats, ensuring scalability for various combat environments.

Military and law enforcement agencies must embrace these cutting-edge technologies to counter the growing reliance on drones in modern warfare. This proactive approach is essential for safeguarding personnel, infrastructure, and national security.

BDT’s advanced counter-drone solutions
Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian

The Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian is a state-of-the-art solution specifically designed for anti-drone defense. Engineered for precision, adaptability, and durability, it is tailored to meet the demands of military and law enforcement personnel operating in challenging environments. Key features include:

• telescoping stock: offers enhanced flexibility and ergonomic handling, allowing operators to adapt quickly to dynamic combat scenarios or confined spaces. This feature is critical in high-pressure situations where mobility and ease of use are paramount;
• corrosion resistance: ensures operational reliability even in extreme weather conditions, such as high humidity, rain, or exposure to saltwater. This makes the weapon ideal for diverse deployment environments, from urban terrains to coastal or desert operations;
• holographic sight: enables rapid and precise target acquisition, a vital capability when neutralizing fast-moving drones. The sight’s wide field of view and accuracy minimize response times, significantly improving mission outcomes.

While the Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian is a leading solution, other options, such as the Beretta 1301 Tactical, provide additional versatility and reliability for counter-drone operations. The Beretta 1301 stands out for its lightweight design, intuitive handling, and adaptability, making it an excellent alternative or complementary choice for various scenarios.

When paired with advanced ammunition like the NORMA AD-LER, both the Benelli M4 and Beretta 1301 become integral components of an anti-drone weapon system, ensuring superior performance against modern aerial threats.

NORMA AD-LER ammunition

Developed by NORMA AB, the AD-LER (Anti-Drone Long Effective Range) shotgun shell revolutionizes drone neutralization. Key features include:

• caliber: 12/70, with a tungsten load for superior density and energy transfer;
• effective range: 0–100 meters, optimized for targeting drones in both civilian and combat scenarios;
• weapon compatibility: designed for use with the Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian and other shotguns proved to 1,320 Bar.

This ammunition’s advanced design ensures maximum impact and disruption of the drone.

Specialized training for drone defense

Anti-drone operations require advanced training tailored to the unique dynamics of targeting aerial threats. BDT offers comprehensive training programs, emphasizing:

• target acquisition techniques: similar to clay or sport shooting, requiring anticipation of drone movement;
• integrated training solutions: leveraging sports shooting facilities to simulate real-world scenarios. The possible synergy between sports federation, shooting sports facilities, complete and dedicated weapon system for this application, reusable flying drones for cost-effective training sessions , all supported by qualified trainers, allows BDT to offer a complete service capable of training the end user with a solution complete and effective;
• complete packages: covering weapon systems, ammunition, optics, special reusable ‘training drones” and expert trainers to ensure mission-readiness.

A forward-looking approach and future challenges

The rapid advancement of drone technology creates ever-evolving threats for military and law enforcement agencies. Enhanced autonomy, stealth capabilities, and hybrid tactics combining physical and electronic warfare demand adaptive and scalable countermeasures.

Deploying effective anti-drone systems requires balancing cost-efficiency with operational performance. Budget constraints necessitate solutions that are durable, low-maintenance, and interoperable with existing equipment, while remaining scalable for widespread deployment.

By integrating firearms like the Benelli M4, specialized ammunition such as the NORMA AD-LER, and Optic devices for target acquisition (e.g. Steiner MPS) countermeasures, layered defense systems ensure preparedness for current and future challenges.Our state-of-the-art weapon system is designed to counter the growing threat of small drones in combat scenarios.

This cutting-edge system is the result of a unique integration of know-how and advanced research by our companies, combining expertise to deliver the most effective and reliable solution available today. While it may not be the definitive answer to every threat, it provides unmatched performance when operators need it most.

As drone technology continues to evolve, so must our anti-drone defense strategies. Innovations like the Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian and NORMA AD-LER ammunition represent the cutting edge of anti-drone weapons. They are the countermeasures offered by BDT and, to date, they are the most efficient solutions. By combining adaptability, cost-efficiency, and comprehensive training, Beretta Defense Technologies ensures superiority in the face of emerging threats.

For more information about our anti-drone defense systems, visit Beretta Defense Technologies and discover the full suite of solutions designed for military and law enforcement professionals. In addition, you can contact Benelli via the following email address [email protected].