Russia touts new anti-drone ammunition: Ukrainian expert evaluates threat
Photo: the Mnogotochie munition (Rostec Telegram channel)
Triple-projectile round against Ukrainian drones: What is known
The Russian defense conglomerate Rostec has announced the start of deliveries to the military of a new Mnogotochie munition, which is being positioned as a counter-UAV weapon. According to the developers, the round is produced by Vysokotochka, a company within the Rostec structure, in two calibers — 5.45 mm and 7.62 mm — specifically for engaging drones.
The main claimed feature of the Mnogotochie round is a bullet that splits into three elements after being fired, increasing the spread of the strike area. According to the manufacturer, this raises the chances of hitting a drone. The company says the ammunition has already undergone testing — although only as part of its own propaganda video project, #NashKrash.
"Production has already begun. Serial manufacturing is underway. The first pilot batch is already with the troops," the ammunition developer said.
According to the manufacturer, the round is compatible with all assault rifles of the corresponding caliber, allegedly eliminating the need for Russian soldiers to carry a separate shotgun for protection against drones.
About the 'shrapnel cloud' technology
In a comment to RBC-Ukraine, aviation expert and defense industry development director Anatolii Khrapchynskyi said that he had previously been shown a similar product by Colt CZ.
"When a magazine is loaded, for example, the first rounds are designed for engagement at 100 meters, while others are intended for engagement at 50 meters," the expert explained.
He added that this technology already exists and has significant potential. Ukrainian soldiers often use pump-action shotguns, but ammunition has also emerged that can create a so-called "shrapnel cloud": the nose section of the bullet consists of three parts, resulting in a limited spread, while a single shot effectively delivers three projectiles.
"If we say that this is generally the right technology, then in any case a soldier should have a magazine loaded with such rounds," Khrapchynskyi concluded.
Will it have an impact on the battlefield?
Asked whether the widespread use of such ammunition by Russia would be noticeable, the expert said it is difficult to give a definitive assessment.
"It's hard to say because they fire everything they have, and we don't always know exactly what they're using. They fire shotguns, they fire assault rifles, and whether they hit the target depends on the individual shooter," he explained.
According to Khrapchynskyi, the ammunition is unlikely to fundamentally change the situation on the battlefield, but it does provide the enemy with additional options for countering threats. A skilled shooter can bring down a target even without the new round, but Mnogotochie gives Russian forces an extra chance to intercept drones flying toward personnel.
Earlier, we reported on how Ukrainian drones have learned to bypass Russian electronic warfare systems with the help of AI. We also wrote about a proposal by Danish startup BlueShadow to protect Ukraine's coastline from Shahed drones.
