US Marines train to shoot down drones with rifles and shotguns

The US Marine Corps is integrating "drone hunting" into its fundamental infantry skills, a response to the growing threat posed by small FPV (first-person view) drones, particularly highlighted by the conflict in Ukraine. This new training initiative aims to establish layered defenses against unmanned aerial systems, incorporating electronic warfare alongside direct kinetic engagement.

“

The US Marine Corps is beginning to list 'shooting down drones' as a basic skill that general infantry must possess.

During a "Force Level Training Exercise 4-26" held in Twentynine Palms, California, on July 15, units from the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions participated in specialized counter-small unmanned aircraft systems (C-sUAS) training. Unlike previous approaches that relied heavily on specialized air defense and electronic warfare units, this new training directly embeds anti-drone capabilities into the routine tactics of general ground forces.

One of the most extreme scenarios tested involved intercepting drones traveling at speeds exceeding 145 kilometers per hour at a distance of just 20 meters. At such speeds, a drone covers this distance in approximately half a second, leaving infantry with virtually no reaction time if it breaches outer defenses. The Marines employed a range of weapons, including the 5.56mm M27 infantry automatic rifle, the M1014 combat shotgun, and grenade launchers. While the M27 allows infantry to use their standard issue rifles, its effectiveness against fast, small drones depends heavily on early warning, tracking, and accurate shooting. The M1014 shotgun, with its spread-shot capability, increases the probability of hitting the drone's body or critical components at close range.

“

if the FPV drone breaks through the outer defenses, the infantry almost has no time to hesitate.

However, the Marine Corps is not solely relying on individual marksmanship. They are establishing a multi-layered defense system. The "Marine Air Defense Integrated System" (MADIS) utilizes sensors, electronic warfare, and kinetic interceptors to counter drones and other low-altitude threats. If these measures fail to stop an approaching target, infantry with rifles and shotguns then engage. This capability is particularly crucial for the Marine Corps' push towards distributed operations, enabling smaller units deployed in temporary positions or coastal areas to maintain a basic level of self-defense even without dedicated anti-drone equipment.

“

The M1014 utilizes the scattering characteristic of shotgun shells to increase the probability of hitting the drone's body and fragile components at close range.