Benelli, the Italian firearms manufacturer, has introduced the M4 Advanced Impact Drone Guardian, a new weapon designed for short-range drone defence. Based on the M4 semi-automatic shotgun platform, the Drone Guardian is specifically configured to neutralise UAS using 6.1 mm buckshot, commonly known as No. 4 buckshot. The weapon is intended to be a cost-effective, user-friendly solution for defending against low-flying drones at distances up to 50 meters.
The rise in drone usage in military conflicts, particularly for reconnaissance and armed missions, has highlighted the need for accessible countermeasures. Benelli’s new offering aims to address this need by providing a straightforward, reliable option for dismounted forces and asset protection.
The M4 Advanced Impact Drone Guardian is categorised as a personal defence weapon, with a role similar to that of the HK MP7, but specifically designed to counter UAS.
The M4 platform
The M4 platform, developed over 20 years ago, has gained widespread adoption by military and law enforcement agencies due to its durability and effectiveness. The short-stroke gas piston system with an auto-regulating gas system has made the M4 a versatile tool, now repurposed for anti-drone operations. The 12-gauge M4 has already seen use in drone defence, including by the Belgian armed forces and Ukrainian forces on the front lines.
Benelli reports that the Drone Guardian has an effective combat range of 50 meters, with a potential maximum range of up to 100 meters. The weapon’s modified choke allows the buckshot to maintain velocity and impact power at these distances. The shotgun is equipped with a front sight and an aperture sight mounted on a full-length MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail.
Drone Guardian capabilities
Users can also opt for a Steiner MPS red dot sight. Two barrel lengths are available, an 18.5-inch version for dismounted personnel and a 26-inch version intended for asset protection, which also makes it suitable for law enforcement use.
Kinetic weapons like shotguns offer an advantage in drone defence, particularly against drones that are resistant to electronic jamming or operate autonomously. However, the short reaction time and the challenges of detecting and tracking small drones remain significant obstacles. Despite these limitations, shotguns have proven to be a valuable component of short-range drone defence strategies, as seen in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The versatility of the 12-gauge shotgun, widely used across military units for various tasks including breaching and neutralising threats, has led to its adaptation for anti-drone efforts. Several countries, including Belgium and France, have experimented with using standard-issue shotguns in this role, adding another layer to their existing defence capabilities against UAVs.
Post Image Credit: Benelli
