This post is also available in:
עברית (Hebrew)
Russia is testing a new class of anti-drone shotgun cartridges engineered to neutralize small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), using a tungsten-based alloy to increase destructive power. The IGLA family of cartridges is designed specifically to target and disable commercial and military drones, which have become a central feature of modern battlefield surveillance and strike capabilities.
Unlike traditional gun rounds, the IGLA series uses pellets composed of a high-density alloy made from tungsten, nickel, and iron, according to Russian news outlet TASS. This material mix offers significantly higher penetration potential compared to conventional lead ammunition, allowing the rounds to inflict critical damage to drone components such as propellers, batteries, and internal electronics.
According to tests reported by Russian state media, these enhanced pellets are capable of penetrating directly into a drone’s circuitry. They claim that upon impact, the pellets can destroy vital flight components, effectively grounding the target with minimal shots.
The ammunition was publicly showcased by Russian defense industry representatives during the MILEX 2025 defense exhibition in Minsk, according to CalibreDefense. The IGLA line includes several variants: IGLA 30, 50, 100, and Tracer 75, with the numerical designations referring to their respective effective engagement ranges in meters.
Among them, the IGLA 100 stands out for its high density—reportedly 1.5 times that of lead. This kind of performance makes it a particularly formidable option against consumer-grade quadcopters and similar low-flying UAVs.
The cartridges are designed for use in standard 12-gauge shotguns, specifically in 12/70 and 12/76 calibers, making them easily deployable without requiring new weapons platforms. Their adaptability and power could offer militaries and security forces a low-cost, mobile countermeasure against the growing threat of drone incursions in tactical environments.
As drone warfare continues to evolve, ammunition like the IGLA series highlights a shift toward specialized munitions optimized for emerging aerial threats—an area of increasing relevance for homeland security and defense sectors worldwide.
