The Ukrainian Presidential Brigade has tested an innovative method to counter Russian drones by equipping first person view drones with double barrel shotguns. A video of the experiment was shared on the brigade’s official Facebook page, showcasing the effectiveness of the new system.
Engineers from the brigade’s 4th Mechanised Battalion designed the shotgun armed drone to intercept Russian reconnaissance and attack drones along the front line. The commander of the battalion’s unmanned aerial vehicle platoon, known by the call sign “Compass,” stated that quadcopters carrying explosives pose a major threat to infantry. To address this, the military modified a Lucky Strike first person view drone, equipping it with two shotguns and a recoil compensation system to improve accuracy.
The commander of the “Filin” unit noted that successfully using the shotgun drone requires strong reflexes and precision. This is not the first time Ukraine has deployed firearm equipped drones. In January 2025, drone operators from the 2nd Mechanised Battalion of the 30th Separate Mechanised Brigade successfully downed over 20 Russian drones using a similar system.
The Presidential Brigade has been experimenting with mounting firearms on drones for several months. In September 2024, the brigade’s Bulava Unmanned Aircraft Strike Systems unit tested the Queen Hornets drone armed with a Bulspike AP hand held anti personnel launcher. Developers stated that this drone could effectively engage targets over a distance of five kilometres, offering new tactical advantages on the battlefield. Plans are in place to work with Bulava to launch mass production of the system.
In November 2024, the Bulava military unit deployed a first person view drone armed with an AK 74 rifle to repel a Russian assault. Ukraine’s increasing use of firearm equipped drones marks a significant shift in modern warfare, as unmanned aerial systems become more advanced and versatile in countering Russian aggression.
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