Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern unveils anti-drone bullets for AK-12 rifles, turning everyday infantry weapons into drone killers amid escalating Ukraine conflict threats.
Story Highlights
- Kalashnikov Concern announces mass production of 5.45mm multi-element cartridges that fragment to hit drones.
- Compatible with standard AK-12 magazines, allowing soldiers to mix anti-drone and regular rounds seamlessly.
- Successful tests downed FPV drones by damaging engines, batteries, and electronics.
- Evolves from Russian soldiers’ 2025 homemade solutions into official military capability.
Kalashnikov’s Breakthrough Announcement
Kalashnikov Concern revealed on April 9-10, 2026, the development and testing of specialized 5.45mm rifle rounds for the AK-12 assault rifle. These multi-element projectile cartridges fragment upon exiting the barrel, boosting hit probability against unmanned aerial vehicles. Russian military representatives praised the performance during controlled tests against hovering and attacking FPV drones. The company plans mass production to equip frontline troops facing constant drone threats. This formalizes ad-hoc battlefield innovations into standardized ammunition.
From Battlefield Hacks to Official Ammo
Russian soldiers began crafting homemade anti-drone rounds in mid-2025 by packing 5.45mm cartridges with ball bearings in plastic sleeves. Videos on social media showed these DIY efforts evolving through December 2025. Ukraine set a precedent with its “Horoshok” round that splits into fragments. The drone surge in Ukraine forced both sides to improvise, as FPV units became dominant threats. Kalashnikov’s version standardizes this necessity, addressing vulnerabilities without new weapons.
Technical Design and Test Success
The cartridges match standard 5.45x39mm dimensions for full compatibility with 30-round AK-12 magazines. Multi-element projectiles separate orderly post-barrel, preserving ballistic stability and rifle reliability. Tests involved single shots and bursts at drones with preset speeds and altitudes. Fragments crippled engines, batteries, circuit boards, and frames, forcing crashes. Soldiers gain flexibility, loading pure anti-drone mags or mixing for personnel and aerial targets. This empowers riflemen in mixed combat.
Operational advantages include engaging drones at close to medium ranges without weapon swaps. Magazine compatibility supports dynamic loadouts, cutting reliance on grenade launchers or platforms. Homemade limits like short-range effectiveness around 20 yards and unpredictable spread prompted official refinement. Kalashnikov’s engineered separation improves reliability over improvised steel bearings, which risked barrel damage.
Strategic Implications for Modern Warfare
This development highlights drone warfare’s transformation, where infantrymen must counter aerial foes organically. It validates a new small arms ammo category, potentially spurring NATO counterparts. Russian forces standardize solutions against a vulnerability plaguing Ukraine fronts. Broader industry effects include new markets for arms makers like High Precision Systems pursuing alternatives. Effectiveness beyond tests remains unproven, with gaps in costs and deployment data.
Russia's AK-47 manufacturer is making special bullets for its assault rifles to knock drones out of the sky https://t.co/lCMKpGtRio
— BargainBest777 (@nataliecorri) April 10, 2026
Sources:
Business Insider: Russia Trying to Get Into Anti-Drone Rifle Game With New AK Bullets
TASS: Kalashnikov Concern develops anti-drone cartridges for small arms
Calibre Defence: Russia launches new counter-drone rifle cartridge
