Below the reader will find recent news about unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are used in conflicts (Ukraine, Africa, etc.), new developments in drone use, and training by militaries for using drones during combat operations. Curated articles on the topics below are provided:
- Featured Topic: Shotguns and Drone Defense
- “Nomad” Family of Drones
- “Vampire” Counter-Drone Systems
- The ‘Widowmaker’
- Drones vs. Helicopters
- Ukraine’s Sea-Launched Fiber-Optic Drones
- New Naval Drone for Ukraine?
- Russian Long-Range Fiber-Optic Drone
- Fixing Germany’s Drone Problem
- Taiwan Anti-Drone Measures
- British Anti-Drone Training
Featured Topic
This articles featured topic is about how shotguns have returned to the frontlines in a new role. Shotguns are a key element and last resort for the infantryman in the defeat of first person view attack (FPV) drones.
In an age of artificial intelligence and technological advances in weapons the shotgun has made a revival in modern warfare. The FPV drones are fast, highly maneuverable, and carry enough explosives to disable a tank. When electronic jammers and interceptor drones fail to stop an attack drone then the shotgun may very well be the last hope of survival for the infantryman in the trenches or riding on a vehicle.
The Ukrainians have developed a training program for how shotguns can take out drones. In addition, there now are methods of integrating the shotgun with other components such as drone detector systems and thermal night vision so it becomes more effective in anti-drone engagements.
Shotguns, leveraging their wide spread pattern, can shred drone frames, propellers, or electronics without needing pinpoint accuracy. Shotgun ammunition costs pennies per shot and training can be easily integrated into basic training for the infantryman.
The use of shotguns is “the last line of defense” as they are most effective at close range (0-50 meters optimal, up to 100-120 meters with specialized gear). Shotguns fire a burst of pellets (or shot) that spread into a cone-shaped pattern which increases the probability of a hit against quick and maneuverable attack drones. At 50 meters, a shotgun’s pellets can spread to 1-2 meters wide.
Some shotgun manufacturers have come out with specialized models for drone defense. One example is the Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian 18,5″. Its primary purpose is to serve as a “last resort” weapon against small quadcopter FPV drones or to neutralize small spy drones.
Some of the best training for drone defense using shotguns can be found on the clay pigeon range. Also known as skeet or trap shooting, the clay pigeon can simulate the speed, size, and erratic movements of small quadcopters. The shooter can learn how to lead targets and time shots. This is a low-cost training method that can prepare infantrymen for that ‘last resort’ using a relatively cheap and already existing weapon system – the shotgun. The requirements for the training include a range, shotgun, ammunition, automated clay throwers, dedicated training time, and the “smarts” for leaders to realize they need the training for their soldiers.
U.S. and Drones
“Nomad” Family of Drones. Sikorsky is introducing a new series of drones that need no runways but that have extended ranges. They will be capable of executing a variety of missions including resupply, armed combat, ISR, and combat search and rescue. The “family of systems” will range from a small, 10-foot wingspan vehicle to one with a wingspan of 55 feet. The drones would require a ground crew of two in some cases that can operate off a tablet. “New ‘Nomad’ VTOL Drone Family Could Boost Air Force’s Plans for Agile Ops”, Air and Space Forces, October 6, 2025.
“Vampire” Counter-Drone Systems. The Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment system is being expanded to include specialized variants for maritime, airborne, and electronic warfare operations. The current ground-based system has been deployed to Ukraine. “Entire Family of VAMPIRE Counter-Drone Systems Unveiled”, The War Zone, October 9, 2025.
Medical Field Hospital for the Drone Era. Field hospitals are sometimes targets in a conflict and one firm intends to manufacture one that drone defensive systems built in. “Startup aims to invent battlefield medicine for the drone era”, Defense One, October 12, 2025.
Drones vs. Helicopters. Helicopter air assaults were one way to decisively engaged the enemy in their rear areas. However, small and inexpensive attack drones are proving to be a more effective method to disrupt logistics and command centers at a fraction of the cost and risk. “Do Drones Make Helicopters Obsolete?”, National Interest, September 12, 2025.
Drones and the Ukraine – Russia Conflict
Ukraine’s Sea-Launched Fiber-Optic Drones. The Ukrainians now have the capability to send multiple fiber-optic first person view drones to targets from a sea drone. The fiber-optic connection allows the drones to fly without radio signals, thus defeating electronic jamming. This gives Ukraine the ability to extend out even further from shore to use fiber-optic drones against Black Sea Fleet targets and military targets on Crimea. The FPV drones are carried in weather proof compartments on the sea drone which open up once it is time to launch the FPV attack drone. “Ukraine’s Sea Drones Are Now Launching Unjammable Fiber-Optic Drones“, by David Kirichenko, Forbes, October 6, 2025.
New Naval Drone for Ukraine? A state-owned firm (Ukraine) has signed an agreement with a U.S. firm to jointly develop a “float-and-fly” system capable of operating on both water and in the air. “Ukraine could get revolutionary naval drones”, defence-blog.com, October 12, 2025.
Ukraine – Drone Superpower. “More than three years after Russia launched its all-out invasion, Ukraine has become the world leader in drone warfare. No other country has a comparable depth of experience in building, utilizing and defending against drones. And there is little doubt that when the war ends, Ukraine will find that its knowledge, acquired at such a high material and human cost, will be a new source of momentum for its battered economy.” “Ukraine Has Become Europe’s Drone Superpower”, World Politics Review, October 9, 2025.
Russian Long-Range Fiber-Optic Drone. A city with 100,000 residents in eastern Ukraine located 12 miles from the front lines was hit by a Russian drone. This incident shows that longer ranges can be attained by fiber-optic drones – the ranges keep getting extended as time goes on. The fiber-optic drones can’t be jammed by electronic warfare and they have a clearer video signal than radio-controlled drones. “Russian Fiber-Optic Drones Are Now Reaching Into Ukrainian Cities Deep Behind the Lines”, The War Zone, October 6, 2025.
AI and Drones. Read how artificial intelligence is changing how drone warfare is conducted in the Russia-Ukraine war. “The new AI arms race changing the war in Ukraine”, BBC, October 10, 2025.
Drones Around the World
Fixing Germany’s Drone Problem. The German army is just now equipping its force with armed combat drones – it has plenty of work to do when it comes to defending against enemy drones. “How Germany Plans to Fix Its Drone Problem”, Deutshe Welle, October 2, 2025.
Taiwan Anti-Drone Measures. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense issued a report saying it is training soldiers to shoot down drones and actively looking to procure new anti-drone weapons systems, which comes in response to Chinese drone incursions. “Taiwan says anti-drone measures will be a top priority in defense against China”, AP News, October 9, 2025.
British Drone Training. The Anartes company will be providing training equipment to the British Army. The training program will include 3,000 quadcopters in three size variant. The training package also includes 50 Ground Control Stations and 500 video output screens. The program will give soldiers hands-on experience assembling, maintaining, and flying FPV drones. “British Army awards contract to expand FPV drone training”,UK Defence Journal, October 11, 2025.
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