Dust off Grand Pops old duck gun, we are going hunting. At the ORЁLEXPO International Exhibition of Weapons and Hunting Products in Moscow, Russia introduced the IGLA anti-drone cartridges, designed specifically for use with the LEX series rifles. These cartridges represent a new approach to combatting small unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs], a growing threat in both military and security sectors.
The IGLA ammunition is crafted to efficiently take down drones by targeting their robust metal and plastic components, using a unique combination of kinetic energy and wide-shot dispersion.
For closer targets within 30 meters, the LEX 30 cartridge, a containerless version, is used. Meanwhile, for distances up to 50 meters, the containerized LEX 50 cartridge offers more power and precision. Both variations are designed to handle low-flying drones and use 12/76 caliber ammunition.
These rounds deliver high velocity, with a minimum shot speed of 435 meters per second, ensuring they can effectively neutralize fast-moving targets. The ammunition is engineered for accuracy, with a hit rate of at least 60%, and is made using lead with a hardness of 16 HV, optimizing its impact on even well-protected UAVs.
The versatility of the IGLA series stands out. The cartridges can be loaded with various shot sizes, ranging from 6.2 to 8.5 mm, providing options depending on the specific mission requirements.
In addition to the standard rounds, the IGLA LEX Tracer variant includes a red tracer element, allowing operators to visually track their shots at distances between 20 and 100 meters. This feature is particularly useful for military and security personnel who need to quickly assess whether their rounds are on target in real-time combat situations.
While the IGLA system may be new to some, it has been featured at previous exhibitions. Earlier in 2024, at the Armi-2024 event in Moscow, the NEEDLE, another anti-drone munition from Rostec, was showcased as part of the growing arsenal aimed at countering drone threats.
Drones, especially small ones, are increasingly difficult to counter with traditional air defense systems like missiles, which are not only expensive but often overkill for such small targets.
As Behan Ozdoev, the industrial director for Conventional Weapons, Ammunition, and Special Chemistry at Rostec, explained in August, “Mini-drones pose a significant threat, but traditional methods, such as standard anti-aircraft missiles, are not always effective in combating them. That is why Rostec develops alternative solutions—mini-missiles, electronic warfare systems, and specialized ammunition, including for firearms.”
The IGLA cartridges were specifically designed for use by special forces, security teams, and personnel responsible for protecting high-value infrastructure and military installations. In the face of the increasing sophistication of drone technologies, having specialized ammunition like the IGLA series gives these professionals a crucial tool to defend against a variety of UAV threats.
As drones continue to proliferate on battlefields and in restricted airspaces, the demand for such countermeasures will only grow, making innovations like the IGLA system essential for modern defense strategies.
These developments underscore the shift in modern warfare, where the ability to disable small, fast, and agile drones quickly and efficiently is just as critical as countering larger, more conventional threats.