Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern has developed specialized multi-projectile ammunition that allows soldiers to engage attacking drones using standard AK-12 assault rifles. Demonstrated at a testing range near Moscow, the new rounds are designed to destroy aerial targets at distances of up to 150 meters.

Military analyst Yuri Knutov told aif.ru that each bullet separates into several spinning projectiles after being fired, increasing the likelihood of hitting a maneuvering FPV drone. He explained that soldiers would only need to carry two magazines, one loaded with conventional ammunition and the other with specialized anti-drone rounds. This would allow them to respond to drone attacks without carrying a separate shotgun.

The ammunition underwent testing in April 2026. During the trials, an AK-12 was fired in both semi-automatic and automatic modes at hovering drones and moving targets simulating attacks on the shooter. The projectiles damaged drone motors, batteries, electronic components and structural parts, causing the aircraft to crash. According to the reported results, the ammunition also proved effective during field trials in the Ukraine conflict zone.

However, Knutov questioned whether the rounds would be effective against enemy soldiers. Because the bullet separates into smaller projectiles, its armor penetration capability is reduced. As a result, the ammunition would primarily be effective against unprotected areas of the body, which are difficult to identify and hit during combat.

The new ammunition is therefore intended to complement rather than replace conventional rifle rounds. Its primary purpose is to give infantry an additional short-range defense against small, highly maneuverable drones.