Ukraine’s defence technology cluster Brave1 has initiated the development of anti-drone ammunition designed to significantly increase the likelihood of neutralising fast-moving aerial threats on the battlefield.

The rounds, manufactured in the common 5.56mm calibre used in automatic rifles, are fitted with a specialised warhead intended to improve strike probability against FPV (first-person view) drones and reconnaissance UAVs.

Although visually similar to standard infantry ammunition, the new rounds are engineered to address one of the most pressing threats faced by Ukrainian ground forces: small, agile drones used by Russian forces for surveillance and offensive operations. These drones, often operating at low altitudes and in complex terrain, have proven difficult to intercept using conventional small arms fire.

While Brave1 has not disclosed the precise technical specifications of the projectile, the cluster reports that the specialised warhead configuration markedly increases the chance of striking or disabling aerial targets before they can reach and attack infantry positions. No further information has been released about the warhead’s mechanism—whether it involves enhanced fragmentation, alternative trajectory stability, or another design feature.

The Ukrainian manufacturer behind the ammunition has already completed the codification process, a key administrative step within the defence procurement system. Codification signifies that the product has passed a level of formal review and classification, and is now eligible for integration into logistics and supply planning within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The next phase of the initiative focuses on scaling production. Brave1’s stated aim is to ensure that every infantryman on the front line can be equipped with at least one magazine of the new ammunition, providing the ability to respond to aerial threats directly with existing service weapons. This approach would give soldiers an immediate and flexible defensive option without requiring additional equipment or external support.

The project forms part of Brave1’s broader effort to stimulate innovation within Ukraine’s defence industrial base. Operated under the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Brave1 serves as a platform linking state defence requirements with the capabilities of Ukrainian private sector developers. The anti-drone ammunition joins a growing list of battlefield-focused technologies emerging from this initiative.

Earlier this year, Brave1 presented another project developed with the Ukrainian team “UADamage”—a drone equipped with sensors and AI-driven systems capable of surveying mine-contaminated areas up to 100 times faster than manual inspection methods. Such solutions underscore Brave1’s role in promoting scalable, high-impact technologies across multiple domains of modern warfare.

The challenge of countering small drones remains acute across all theatres of the Ukrainian conflict. Russia has increasingly relied on FPV drones and modified commercial UAVs to conduct low-cost, high-precision attacks on infantry, vehicles, and static positions. These drones are often difficult to detect and engage using traditional air defence systems, which are typically prioritised for larger or more strategically significant threats.

Infantry units, particularly in forward positions, have had limited tools with which to counter these threats. Jamming devices and dedicated anti-drone systems are available in some areas, but coverage remains uneven. The introduction of a kinetic countermeasure—delivered through familiar platforms and without additional logistical burden—represents a notable shift in tactical capability.

The anti-drone ammunition may also serve as a stopgap measure while Ukraine continues to expand its suite of electronic warfare tools and drone-on-drone countermeasures. Although its effectiveness under combat conditions remains to be evaluated in detail, early indications suggest a significantly improved probability of kill when compared with standard ball ammunition.

No public timeline has yet been given for the mass production or full-scale field deployment of the new ammunition. However, codification and positive preliminary assessments suggest that preparations are under way to integrate the rounds into frontline supply chains, subject to production capacity and funding.

As the Ukrainian military adapts to the evolving nature of aerial threats in the conflict, efforts such as this reflect a broader trend toward flexible, decentralised defence solutions. The ability to arm ordinary infantry with tools to counter airborne threats is seen as a necessary development in a war where low-cost drones increasingly shape tactical outcomes.

Brave1 continues to support new defence innovations with an emphasis on operational relevance, rapid deployment, and cost-efficiency. The cluster remains open to proposals from developers across the country, aiming to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation in Ukraine’s defence sector.