Ukrainian report unveils Russian anti-drone shotgun tactics
The command of the Ukrainian special forces has released an extensive report on the use of shotguns by Russians as an anti-drone defence. Here are the key findings.
The 30-page report, available on the portal hartpunkt.de, is divided into six sections detailing the threats and tactics employed by Russians when drones, especially FPV drones, are present.
The report highlights that the primary anti-drone measure involves the use of 12-gauge shotguns in conjunction with electronic warfare capabilities and passive drone detectors. It is reported that Russians are placing a specialised "guard" armed with a semi-automatic shotgun within each unit or open vehicle crew.
This metaphorical Ivan with the shotgun is expected to work alongside operators of electronic warfare systems or to have a passive drone detector of the Bułat-3/4 type, enabling drone detection at distances of up to 1 kilometre (about 0.62 miles). Additionally, nearby Russian forces are anticipated to observe the flight paths of Ukrainian drones and attempt to ambush them with shotgun or machine gun fire along predicted trajectories.
Russian anti-drone defence — semi-automatic shotguns at its core
The Russians utilise various civilian solutions, but according to Ukrainian analysis, they consistently deploy two models. The first is the Molot Vepr-12, and the second is the Baikal MP-155. Both are semi-automatic, allowing for rapid firing, but while the Vepr-12 is magazine-fed, the Baikal MP-155 is a traditional hunting shotgun with a tubular magazine below the barrel.
The Molot Vepr-12 rivals the Saiga-12, as it is essentially an AK rifle adapted to fire 12-gauge shotgun shells. Structurally, it is a weapon weighing around 4 kilograms (approximately 9 pounds), and when fitted with muzzle brakes and collimator sights, it becomes a highly efficient tool in skilled hands. It is fed by box magazines holding 5, 6, or 10 rounds, though drums accommodating up to 25 rounds are also available.
In contrast, the Baikal MP-155 holds up to four rounds plus one in the chamber. Russians are also reported to utilise single-shot "Rosyanka" inserts for under-barrel grenade launchers GP-25, serving as a weapon of last resort for soldiers armed with an AK rifle.
Regarding ammunition, Russians are reportedly focusing primarily on 12/89 Ultramagnum shotgun shells. The 12 gauge refers not to the bore diameter but to the number of spherical projectiles for a barrel that could be cast from a pound of lead. It remains the most popular gauge, with the standard chamber length being 70 mm (about 2.75 inches), known as 12/70. Over time, various adaptations emerged, with 89 mm (around 3.5 inches) being the longest for this gauge.
The extended cartridge permits more pellets, increasing the likelihood of hitting the target owing to a denser lead spread. It is also feasible to use the same number of larger pellets as in shorter cartridges, with heavier objects being less affected by wind and delivering more energy upon impact.
According to the Ukrainian report, the Russians base their strategy on pellets with a diameter of 3.5 mm, with a payload weight ranging from 40-45 grams (around 1.4-1.6 ounces) per cartridge. Upon firing, this creates a spread of 150-170 pellets, which, combined with a muzzle velocity potentially reaching 500 m/s (about 1640 feet/s, indicating a significant powder charge), offers an effective range of 50-75 metres (approximately 164-246 feet).
While this compares favourably to the common 12/70 shotgun ammunition used by sports shooters, which offers an effective range of approximately 30 metres (about 98 feet), it is still short of the latest Beretta ammunition, which claims a range exceeding 100 metres (about 328 feet) without requiring long-chamber rounds. It is also noteworthy that Ukrainians frequently employ shotguns and soldiers with experience in clay pigeon shooting, as this is the most cost-effective common method for drone elimination.
