Anti-drone ammunition for assault rifles: CSG subsidiary Fiocchi presents new cartridge

Fiocchi, a company of the Czech defence group Czechoslovak Group (CSG), has presented a new generation of anti-drone ammunition developed specifically to counter small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

It is intended primarily against small commercial or improvised drones, which are seen ever more frequently on modern battlefields. Conventional air defence systems are often unsuitable against low-cost, low-flying drones. The Fiocchi ammunition, by contrast, gives soldiers a simple, immediately available means of individual self-defence.

Many existing solutions use shotguns or specialised systems. The Fiocchi ammunition, however, is designed for standard assault rifles, so that soldiers can respond to drone threats without additional equipment and without special training.

It is based on a multi-projectile concept: once the cartridge has left the rifle barrel, it releases several tungsten balls. Small, fast UAVs are thus hit with a higher probability, and the controlled effect at the same time reduces the risk of collateral damage – especially in complex or urban areas of operation.

Petr Marijczuk, CEO of the CSG Ammo+ division, explained: “The growing proliferation of small drones has fundamentally changed the battlefield. Armed forces are increasingly looking for simple, immediately available solutions that can be used at the individual level. By providing anti-drone capability directly through standard rifles, we are closing one of the most urgent operational gaps identified in recent conflicts.”

Areas of use and testing of the anti-drone ammunition

The ammunition is typically intended for the direct protection of troops, patrols and convoys as well as for the defence of forward positions and critical infrastructure. Police forces in urban environments can also use it.

The new ammunition was developed in close cooperation with the Italian armed forces; it was tested by special forces and the Italian Army. The product was also validated in realistic operational scenarios, confirming its effectiveness against small UAV targets. Fiocchi is currently preparing market launch and series production and is also working on extending the concept to further calibres.