Russian Firm Unveils Multi-Bullet Ammunition to Counter Small Drones

A Russian defense manufacturer has announced the development of new small-arms ammunition intended to improve soldiers’ ability to engage small unmanned aerial vehicles using standard service weapons.

High-Precision Systems, part of the Rostec State Corporation, has produced the first batches of the SC 226 and SC 228 “Mnogotochie” cartridges. The 5.45×39 mm SC 226 and 7.62×54 mm SC 228 rounds use a three-element projectile that separates in flight after leaving the barrel, increasing the likelihood of striking small, fast-moving aerial targets.

Rostec said the cartridges use standard cartridge cases and propellant powder, allowing production on existing ammunition manufacturing lines. The projectile elements separate evenly after exiting the barrel, a design the company says improves accuracy and target coverage.

“Mnogotochie ammunition was developed with the realities of modern combat in mind, where miniature drones have become one of the main threats to soldiers,” said Bekkhan Ozdoyev, industrial director of the armaments cluster at Rostec State Corporation. He said the new ammunition increases effectiveness by 2.5 times at ranges of up to 300 meters compared with standard cartridges.

According to Rostec, the ammunition has undergone pilot testing in what it described as a special military operation zone, where it was used against small, highly maneuverable aerial targets. The company said the rounds require no weapon modifications, do not affect weapon performance, and can be fired with a suppressor installed.