NSWC Crane’s New Drone Killer Cartridge (DKC) Technology

Multi-projectile cartridges for anti-drone warfare are arguably the most rapidly developing type of small arms ammunition, with new options being introduced throughout the world at a frequency unseen before. Last week, we took a look at the latest multi-projectile cartridges developed in Russia, Switzerland and Lithuania. Well, the United States Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane) has been working on this type of ammo too and has just recently announced its new Drone Killer Cartridge (DKC) ammunition technology.

Anti-Drone Devices and Ammunition @ TFB:

• [SHOT 2026] Drone Round Defense Multi-Projectile Anti-Drone Ammo
• Benelli's Anti-Drone M4 Shotgun (+Tungsten Ammo): A.I. Drone Guardian
• Russian BRT Setkomet Anti-Drone Net Launching Muzzle Device
• The Ukrainian Ptashka Anti-Drone Net Launching Handgun System
• New Russian 5.45x39 Anti-Drone Ammunition

The primary advantage of the DKC technology over shotgun ammunition is its greater range. Additionally, this ammunition is designed to be used in standard-issue firearms with no modifications, so there is no need to have a separate dedicated anti-drone weapon or attachments. The Drone Killer Cartridge is also advertised to be an affordable technology. In the pictures published by NSWC Crane, we can see 5.56x45, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.8x51, 7.62x51, 9x19, .338 Norma Magnum and .50 BMG DKC cartridges; however, this technology is scalable and can be applied to other calibers and cartridges. According to NSWC Crane, during a recent demonstration at Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, Indiana, DKC achieved a 92% success rate against drone targets.

All DKC products are U.S. Government-owned intellectual property with U.S. nonprovisional utility patent applications and Patent Cooperative Treaty applications on file. The Drone Killer Cartridge technology is available for licensing to commercial ammunition and defense manufacturing. To learn more about the licensing, visit TechLink.

NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electromagnetic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi-spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.

Pictures by Naval Sea Systems Command, www.navsea.navy.mil