The use of drones in military operations has become a pressing concern for both Ukrainian and Russian forces. As drones become more prevalent and sophisticated, troops on the ground are finding themselves increasingly vulnerable to attacks from above. Electronic jammers, while effective, are not foolproof as drone operators are constantly changing their operating frequencies and using jam-resistant radios, leaving soldiers exposed. In response to this challenge, Ukrainian troops have been issued shotguns and trained in how to use them effectively to bring down drones, a tactic that the Russians are now scrambling to adopt.
Retired Russian Colonel Andrei Koshkin recently highlighted the effectiveness of shotguns as a solution when electronic warfare fails. Simple shotguns have proven to be more effective in bringing down drones than machine guns, providing troops with a reliable defense against aerial threats. Russian soldiers have been equipped with 12-gauge Vepr-12 Molot shotguns, as well as improvised solutions such as converting underbarrel grenade launchers to fire shotgun cartridges. These efforts demonstrate the urgency with which the Russian military is responding to the drone threat on the battlefield.
On the other hand, Ukraine has acquired 4,000 Escort BTS12 shotguns from a Turkish company for drone defense. The Ukrainian military has also been conducting courses to train soldiers in using shotguns effectively against drones. This includes selecting the right size shot and sights for the job, as well as emphasizing the importance of constant surveillance and fast, intuitive firing. Ukrainian soldiers tasked with shooting down drones have been chosen based on their hunting experience and shooting skills, highlighting the specialized training needed for this crucial role.
While shotguns have proven to be effective in bringing down drones, they are only a partial solution to the growing drone threat. Soldiers facing FPV attacks often do not see or hear drones approaching, making it difficult to defend against them. Additionally, both Ukrainian and Russian forces are deploying drones equipped with thermal imagers for nighttime attacks, further complicating the defense strategy. Night vision capabilities are crucial for effectively countering drone attacks, with snipers potentially having some success against larger drones in the dark.
As the use of drones continues to evolve on the battlefield, troops may need to adapt their tactics and equipment to effectively counter these aerial threats. Some have suggested that lightweight weapons firing buckshot could be issued to all troops for personal protection, while others have explored adapting handguns for low-velocity ammunition as a last-ditch defense against drones. However, the constant evolution of drone technology poses a challenge for soldiers relying on traditional weapons like shotguns, as drone manufacturers are already producing armored, “shotgun-proof” drones to counter these defenses.
In conclusion, the increasing reliance on drones in military operations has underscored the need for effective countermeasures on the ground. Shotguns have emerged as a valuable tool in bringing down drones when electronic warfare systems fail, with troops in both Ukraine and Russia implementing these weapons in their defense strategies. The specialized training required to effectively use shotguns against drones highlights the complex nature of modern warfare and the need for troops to continuously adapt to emerging threats. As the drone landscape continues to evolve, soldiers must remain vigilant and responsive to effectively defend against aerial attacks on the battlefield.
