Getting Shotgun (and Rifle) Serious About Drone Defense
Increasingly, rifles and shotguns would appear to be the last-ditch C-sUAS (counter-small unmanned aerial systems) answer. Ukraine is buying thousands of 12-gauge shotguns from Turkey (which makes “Turknellis” of all sorts), and American mil-journalists have vouched for them in action, with the caveat that you only have about two seconds of response once you hear the overhead drone inbound.
It is all getting pretty kinetic in a sort of 21st-century Shooting Clays of Death kinda way.
The Marines are actively using their M1014 Benellis to conduct “realistic training in countering low-altitude sUAS threats, highlighting the necessity to continually adapt to rapidly evolving technologies.”
Thus:
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ean Gibson, a ground electronics, telecommunications, and information technology systems maintainer with Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, fires an M1014 shotgun during a counter-small unmanned aerial systems shotgun range at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 18, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mhecaela Watts)
A U.S. Marine with 1st Marine Logistics Group, fires an M1014 shotgun during a night counter-small unmanned aerial systems shotgun range at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 22, 2026. During the range, Marines practiced engaging simulated sUAS, providing realistic training in countering low-altitude aerial threats while reinforcing the need to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mhecaela Watts)
U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Logistics Group, fire M1014 shotguns during a counter-small unmanned aerial systems shotgun range at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 22, 2026. During the range, Marines practiced engaging simulated sUAS, providing realistic training in countering low-altitude aerial threats while reinforcing the need to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mhecaela Watts)
Further, the Marine Corps is moving to acquire 5.56x45mm L Variant anti-drone ammunition for standard M4, M4A1, and M27 rifles.
“Aim High, Air Force”
The USAF is bringing in Security Forces members for two-day shotgun courses using enhanced Remington 870s, specifically to counter drones. It has something the Air Force has been mulling for a minute, having trialed C-sUAS shotgun ammo as far back as 2017.
As part of a Department of War strategy to counter adversary use of small unmanned aerial systems across all military branches, the Air Force is addressing these new threats by training Airmen to mitigate drone incursions at U.S. installations. While security forces personnel traditionally carry rifles and handguns, the 12-gauge M870 offers another tactical option against fast-moving aerial targets.
Airmen assigned to the 124th Security Forces Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard, participate in counter-drone training at Saylor Creek Range, Idaho, June 5, 2026. USAF 260605-Z-LB832-9443 by Air Force Staff Sgt. Jadyn Eisenbrandt
Big Green’s efforts
The Army, at least the 10th Mountain, is now running a weeklong Counter‑Unmanned Aerial Systems Academy.
During the course, Soldiers learn how drones operate, how they are used tactically, and how to maintain and integrate them into maneuver formations.
The academy includes instruction on detection, defeat methods, concealment, battle drills, and survivability, reinforced through practical exercises.
Pfc. Anthony Leap, an infantryman for 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), practices avoiding detection from small unmanned aircraft systems May 13, 2026, at Fort Drum, NY. Through the Mountain Innovations Systems Lab, Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division trained to understand their tactical applications, maintenance requirements, and integration into maneuver operations. Photo by Spc. Isaiah Mount
Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division (LI) practice firing live rounds at small unmanned aircraft systems as part of a training exercise on May 14, 2026, at Fort Drum, NY. Through the Mountain Innovations Systems Lab, Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division trained to understand their tactical applications, maintenance requirements, and integration into maneuver operations. Photo by Spc. Isaiah Mount
Meanwhile, proven Ukrainian devices, such as the Obriy 1.3 drone detector, are increasingly being spotted in the field with U.S. troops in training.
For a quick reality check on how hard it is to down a drone with small arms, check this out from Garand Thumb: