New Drone-Killer Ammo Gives Soldiers, Taxpayers a Bargain Against UAVs

By John Damon for Just The News Iowa

The U.S. military has developed a new type of ammunition that turns standard rifles and machine guns into effective drone killers, offering a low-cost alternative to expensive guided interceptors. The Drone Killer Cartridge (DKC), designed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Crane, Indiana, could give American troops a powerful new tool against the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems while saving taxpayers money.

What is the Drone Killer Cartridge?

The DKC is a family of ammunition designed for use in rifles, automatic rifles, and machine guns. Unlike standard bullets, it disperses a cluster of projectiles upon firing, creating a shotgun-like effect at ranges far beyond what a conventional shotgun can achieve. This increases the probability of hitting and destroying a drone while reducing the risk of collateral damage from missed shots.

The ammunition comes in two designs: a pelletized version that releases a stack of high-density buckshot-sized pellets at the muzzle, and a segmented version where a single projectile mechanically separates into spin-stabilized sub-projectiles before leaving the barrel.

How Effective Is It?

During a recent demonstration at Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, Indiana, the DKC achieved a 92 percent success rate against drone targets. That is a significant improvement over standard rifle fire, which often struggles to hit small, fast-moving UAVs.

“We’re enabling extended range, shotgun-style effects through automatic rifles and machine guns with nothing more than an ammunition change,” said Brian Hoffman, man-portable weapons chief engineer at NSWC Crane.

Why This Matters for Iowa and the Nation

Drones are becoming an increasingly common threat on battlefields around the world. From surveillance to direct attacks, enemy forces use UAVs to target American troops and infrastructure. The DKC gives soldiers a simple, cost-effective way to fight back without relying on expensive missiles or electronic jammers.

For Iowa taxpayers, this means the military can equip troops with a solution that works with existing weapons, avoiding the need for costly new systems. It also keeps manufacturing dollars in the Midwest, as the Crane facility is located just a few hours from the Iowa border.

Could These Rounds Be Sold to Civilians?

The military has not announced any plans to sell the DKC commercially. But the technology raises interesting possibilities for Iowa gun owners and sportsmen. Hunters and shooters who deal with invasive species like European starlings, which can devastate cattle feed, would welcome a round that combines rifle accuracy with shotgun spread.

“Plenty of shooters like to dabble in the unusual,” said one firearms enthusiast. A commercial version loaded in popular calibers like .338 Winchester Magnum or even 5.56 NATO could find a ready market among Iowans who value versatility and performance.

What This Means for Second Amendment Rights

President Trump and Republicans across the country continue to defend the Second Amendment and the right of law-abiding citizens to own firearms. Innovations like the DKC show that American ingenuity can produce tools that serve both military and civilian needs, without infringing on constitutional freedoms.

As the military moves forward with fielding the DKC, Iowans can take pride in knowing that their tax dollars are funding practical, effective solutions that protect our troops and our values.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the DKC different from regular ammunition?

The DKC disperses multiple projectiles upon firing, creating a wider pattern that increases the chance of hitting a drone. It works in standard rifles and machine guns with no modifications needed.

How much does the DKC cost compared to other drone countermeasures?

Exact costs are not public, but the DKC is designed to be a low-cost alternative to expensive guided interceptors or electronic warfare systems. It uses existing weapons platforms, saving money on new hardware.

Will the DKC be available for civilian purchase?

There are no current plans for commercial sales. However, the technology could eventually be adapted for hunting and sport shooting if the military releases it for civilian use.

Where was the DKC developed?

The DKC was developed at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, in Crane, Indiana, just a few hours from the Iowa border.

Photo: Redstate