[SHOT 2026] Drone Round Defense Multi-Projectile Anti-Drone Ammo
Drone Round Defense brought their anti-drone ammunition to SHOT Show 2026, offering 5.56 NATO and 7.62 NATO loads designed specifically to neutralize small unmanned aerial systems. The company operates under the same leadership team behind Freedom Munitions, Unlimited Ammo, and Ammo Load, with production capacity reaching 350 million rounds annually.
NOTE: Sales are currently restricted to military and law enforcement only, with additional calibers, including 6.8x5,1 in development.
The ammunition uses a multi-piece projectile design that splits into multiple fragments after leaving the barrel. Drone Round couldn't display the internal construction at the booth citing patent reasons, but as it was vaguely described to me, it sounds like the system uses a semi-hollowed projectile with shot packed inside or behind it. This design maintains safe operation in suppressors and reliable cycling in both semi-automatic and full-automatic firearms.
Two variants handle different engagement scenarios. The K Variant packs 8 projectiles with a 50-meter effective range, while the L Variant uses 5 projectiles extending the effective range to 100 meters. The 5.56 NATO load exits the muzzle at 2,200 fps - roughly twice the velocity of standard 12-gauge shotgun shells. The 7.62 NATO version remains in testing with velocity figures not yet released.
Drone Round Specifications:
- 5.56 NATO: 2,200 fps, K Variant (8 projectiles/50m) or L Variant (5 projectiles/100m)
- 7.62 NATO: Velocity in testing, same K/L variant options
- 6.8x51: Development stage
- Full-auto and suppressor capable
- No weapon modifications required
- Drop-in compatibility with standard magazines
- Belt-fed and magazine-fed compatible
- Military and law enforcement sales only
The system feeds identically to standard ammunition through STANAG magazines or belt systems. No special equipment, attachments, or training requirements complicate deployment. Units can load Drone Round alongside ball ammunition in the same magazines for immediate anti-drone capability without carrying additional weapon systems.
Drone Round holds patent-pending status on their projectile design. The company welcomes inquiries from defense professionals and law enforcement agencies, with civilians able to sign up for notifications about potential future civilian releases. That being said, future pricing wasn't disclosed at the show.
Would kinetic anti-drone ammunition become standard issue for infantry squads facing UAS threats, or does this solution address too narrow a threat profile? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Managing Editor: AllOutdoor.com | Staff Writer: TheFirearmBlog | Certified Gunsmith | Published Author | Firearm History Enthusiast
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Tell “John Wayne” to fasten his chin strap! 😂
I have thought that canister style ammo in a 30mm cannon or the 40mm cannon from Bofers used as an antiaircraft gun aboard ships, again loaded with canister type ammo. Once fire a proximity fuse would set the canister off, the bursting radius would be helpful against a mass drone attack and would have more range. Such a firearm could be vehicle mounted and vehicles could be as small as a 4-wheeeled all terrain vehicle. Off the shelf would be preferable to allowing the weapons design wonks working for the Army try to load it down with all manner of gadgets.