Russia has begun delivering to its troops a new rifle-caliber munition designed to address one of the most pressing problems on today’s battlefield, small drones that fly at low altitude and close range. According to NextGenDefense, the bullet, developed by Vysokotochkasubsidiary of Rostecis called Mnogotochie and differs from a conventional cartridge in that its projectile splits into three after leaving the barrel.
Thus, instead of relying on a single bullet to hit a small, fast and difficult-to-track target, each shot generates a controlled spread of three projectiles. Rostec maintains that this allows a high density of fire and substantially increases the probability of impact against commercial or military drones operating near infantry positions.
The system is based on standard cartridges 5.45 x 39mm and 7.62mmthe usual calibers in many Russian weapons. According to the company, the cartridge retains the case and the conventional powder charge, which facilitates mass production in existing production chains and avoid introducing completely new ammunition from scratch.
From a military point of view, this compatibility is one of its main advantages. Rostec claims that the operation of light weapons does not change when firing Mnogotochie, so No modifications to the rifle or additional accessories are required.. Ammunition can also be used with silencer installedsomething relevant for units that operate close to the front and need to maintain discretion.
The separation of the three elements occurs when leaving the barrel, so that the projectiles open evenly and maintain controlled, planned dispersion. The soldier would continue using his usual rifle, but each shot would produce three trajectories close to each otherincreasing the probability of hitting a small drone.
The images released by the company show the variant of 5.45mm shooting down a drone in hover at about 10 meters high from a distance of approximately 100 metersafter four shots. Other information raises the effective range of the ammunition up to about 300 metersa modest distance compared to other anti-drone systems, but enough to cover immediate self-defense situations on the front line.
Mnogotochie is not a substitute for electronic warfare systems, automatic cannons or short-range air defenses, but it can add a cheap layer of defense for infantry. In an environment where FPV drones and small quadcopters are used for reconnaissance, artillery fire adjustment and direct attacks, have specific ammunition for rifles allows you to react without waiting for other more complex means.
Russia’s interest in this type of cartridges reflects the new military doctrine that the war in Ukraine has shown. The armies search low-cost solutions against drones that are also cheap, numerous and difficult to intercept with missiles. If the ammunition delivers in real-world conditions what it promises in tests, each foot soldier could gain an additional option to confront nearby drones with the weapon they already carry.