Ukraine has developed an unconventional hard-kill option against hostile drones: a modular shotgun system mounted directly onto unmanned platforms.
Local firm Varta’s latest counter-drone setup fires 12-gauge rounds at incoming threats, giving operators a close-range, drone-based alternative to lasers or electronic jamming.
The company said the system can be fitted to multiple platforms and has now been deployed to 15 drone models from over 20 military units.
Designed to reduce the training burden, the setup gives operators the choice to fire at will while keeping the interface simple enough for one soldier to oversee several drones at once.
A starter kit, including 12 charges, two barrels, mounting hardware, and an initiation board, costs about 12,900 Ukrainian hryvnia ($307).
At roughly $7 per shot, the shotgun module is positioned as one of the lowest-cost “one flight, one kill” options available to Ukrainian forces.
Polishing the Barrels
Varta is also developing a sensor module and camera to boost the system’s detection and targeting.
During early tests, the weapon reportedly spotted aerial threats at 126 meters (413 feet).
A new guidance module is in development as well, adding automatic detection and shot calculation to the system.
Finally, specialized variants are being tailored for specific military units, with plans for alternate barrels and cartridge types based on mission needs.
