Rostec, a Russian defense conglomerate, released a video on 3/7 showcasing tests of its Mnogotochie (ellipsis) ammunition at a proving ground. The ammunition was fired in both single-shot and automatic modes, engaging fixed and mobile targets. Developers noted two versions are available: 5,45x39 mm and 7,62x54 mm, with effective ranges of 150 and 300 meters respectively.
During tests against a suicide drone, Alexey Egorov, a reporter for Zvezda defense television channel, successfully fired the ammunition, hitting the target and causing it to crash.
Tests revealed the Mnogotochie ammunition possesses high penetrating power and effective dispersion. At 100 meters, it consistently penetrated a 25 mm thick wooden board reinforced with a 0,8 mm steel layer.
The Mnogotochie ammunition project, announced earlier this year, is currently undergoing combat testing by the Russian military. Each round features three stacked elements made from a special copper-like alloy. These elements disperse after exiting the barrel, enhancing the hit probability and neutralizing small drones.
Mnogotochie is designed for production using standard lines at Russian defense factories. While mass production has commenced, the ammunition remains under development and may see further improvements.
The Mnogotochie ammunition aims to lighten Russian soldiers' loads by eliminating the need for specialized anti-drone weapons. Troops can simply carry relatively light magazines for their standard firearms.
Russia is not alone in developing fragmenting ammunition to counter drones.
US-based Drone Round began developing similar ammunition for infantry rifles in 2025. The company now offers two 5,56 mm versions: L Variant, which fragments into 5 pieces with a 100-meter effective range, and K Variant, which fragments into 8 pieces with a 50-meter effective range.
The Systems Command, the US Marine Corps' procurement agency, announced its intention in early June to procure an unspecified quantity of L Variant ammunition. The contract is anticipated to be awarded in December.
Pham Giang (According to RT, War Zone, TASS)
