Russian military forces are increasingly using shotguns to eliminate Ukrainian drones, particularly FPV models.
According to a study that was made available to the German publication Hartpunkt, despite the limitations of the tactic and its low effectiveness at a distance, the Russian side views shotguns as a cost-effective method for countering UAVs.
The analysis highlights that shotguns can only hit slow-moving targets at low altitudes and from close range. To compensate for these limitations, Russian troops are organizing constant vehicle protection by positioning shooters with shotguns at the rear of the vehicles, as most drone attacks are directed from this angle.
To increase the chances of detecting drones, Russian forces utilize passive detectors like Bulat-3 and Bulat-4, which allow the identification of approaching UAVs from a distance of up to 1000 meters. At the same time, by combining shotguns with electronic warfare systems, Russian military personnel hope to improve shooting accuracy and reduce losses from drone attacks.
However, despite all efforts, the effectiveness of using shotguns against drones remains limited, especially considering the rapid advancement of UAV technologies, which are becoming more mobile and maneuverable.
Source: hartpunkt.