Russia’s Osa pistol, originally developed as a non-lethal weapon, has been given a new role after being adapted for close-range defense against drones.

Special anti-drone cartridges for the system were presented at the All-Russian Arms Forum in Moscow. A representative of the developer named Vitaly said the latest development effectively turns the Osa into a compact weapon for engaging small UAVs at short distances.

He explained that the system has been expanded beyond ammunition intended for limited-impact service use and now includes cartridges designed to counter drones at close range. In this configuration, the pistol is intended to serve as a last-resort weapon against approaching unmanned aircraft.

The new ammunition is loaded with 4 mm shot. According to the developer, the effective range depends on the type and size of the target, while a small quadcopter can be hit from a distance of about 15 meters.

The Osa itself has four chambers, an electronic ignition system and a simple sight. It uses 18×45 mm cartridges with aluminum cases that effectively serve as barrels. The weapon weighs about 400 grams.

Media reports in April 2025 also said that serial production had begun for 7.62×54 mm anti-drone cartridges, each equipped with two bullets.