MKE, the state-owned defence company affiliated with Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence, successfully completed live-fire trials of its newly developed 7.62 mm anti-drone ammunition. This ammunition aims to enhance infantry-level air defence capabilities against small unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The trials demonstrated the ammunition’s effectiveness in engaging and neutralising aerial targets simulating hostile mini and micro drones used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and one-way attack missions. Designed for immediate frontline use, the ammunition allows infantry units to counter drone threats by simply loading specialised rounds into existing service weapons, eliminating the need for additional equipment or system modifications.
The anti-drone ammunition is available in both 7.62×51 mm NATO and 7.62×39 mm calibres, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of platforms, including assault rifles, machine guns, vehicle-mounted systems, and remotely operated weapon stations.
Engineered to improve hit probability, the round mechanically opens approximately five metres after leaving the barrel, dispersing multiple projectiles along its trajectory. This controlled fragmentation creates a wider engagement envelope, increasing effectiveness against small, fast-moving, and manoeuvrable aerial targets.
With a muzzle velocity of around 680 m/s, the ammunition produces a projectile spread of approximately one metre at 50 metres and two metres at 100 metres, significantly enhancing the likelihood of intercepting drone threats compared to conventional ammunition. Fully compatible with existing weapons and requiring no additional training, the system offers a cost-effective solution for protecting military bases, critical infrastructure, and frontline units.
