US seeks fragmenting rounds for rifles to counter drones

The US military intends to acquire rifle ammunition capable of splitting into multiple smaller fragments to optimize its ability to shoot down drones.

The Marine Corps Systems Command, the US Marine Corps' acquisition agency, announced on 3/6 its intent to purchase an unspecified quantity of 5.56x45 mm L Variant rifle rounds from Drone Round. This sole-source contract is expected to be awarded in December.

This acquisition aims to enhance immediate defensive capabilities against small unmanned aerial systems. According to official documents, the L Variant is the only kinetic energy round available on the commercial or defense market that meets the strict minimum requirements for this mission. The document emphasizes that, "Without this capability, Marines would face unnecessary risks, potentially leading to mission failure and loss of life".

The L Variant round is designed for seamless integration with existing US Marine Corps 5.56 mm firearms, including the M27, M4, and M4A1, without requiring any modifications. This allows soldiers to use the ammunition immediately, eliminating the need for additional training or specialized expertise.

Video introducing K Variant and L Variant rounds. *Video: Drone Round*

Drone Round initiated the development of specialized anti-drone ammunition for infantry rifles in 2025. The company currently offers two versions of 5.56 mm rounds: the L Variant and the K Variant. These rounds fragment into five and eight pieces, respectively, after leaving the barrel.

L Variant round test results. *Photo: Drone Round*

The L Variant and K Variant have effective ranges of 100 and 50 meters, respectively. Both are compatible with automatic fire and can be used with suppressors, according to Drone Round. Joseph Trevithick, editor of the US military news site War Zone, noted, "The main benefit of fragmenting rounds is the increased hit probability when engaging small, highly maneuverable drones." This ammunition provides soldiers with an additional option for countering drones without carrying other equipment, making personal gear lighter and less cumbersome.

This innovative approach to drone defense is also being explored by other nations. Russia's Kalashnikov concern announced in April that it is developing 5.45 mm rifle ammunition with a similar operating principle. This specialized anti-drone round for the AK-12 series will split into multiple fragments after leaving the barrel, significantly increasing the hit probability against drones.