At the ORЁLEXPO International Exhibition of Weapons and Hunting Products held in Moscow, Russia unveiled the IGLA anti-drone cartridges, specifically engineered for the LEX series rifles. This innovative ammunition marks a strategic advancement in addressing the escalating threat posed by small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within both military and security domains.

The IGLA cartridges are designed to effectively neutralize drones by targeting their durable metal and plastic structures through a distinctive blend of kinetic energy and broad shot dispersion. The LEX 30 cartridge, which is a containerless variant, is optimized for engagements at close ranges of up to 30 meters. In contrast, the containerized LEX 50 cartridge provides enhanced power and precision for engagements extending to 50 meters. Both cartridges utilize 12/76 caliber ammunition tailored for low-altitude drone operations.

These rounds achieve high velocities, with a minimum muzzle speed of 435 meters per second, facilitating effective engagement of rapid-moving targets. The design of the ammunition ensures a hit rate of at least 60%, utilizing lead hardened to 16 HV to maximize impact on even well-armored UAVs.

The IGLA series is distinguished by its versatility, allowing for the loading of various shot sizes between 6.2 mm and 8.5 mm, accommodating a range of operational requirements. Additionally, the IGLA LEX Tracer variant incorporates a red tracer element, enabling operators to visually track their rounds within a distance of 20 to 100 meters. This feature is particularly advantageous for military and security personnel, allowing for real-time assessment of targeting accuracy during active combat situations.

Although the IGLA system is a recent introduction, it builds upon previous innovations showcased at earlier exhibitions. For instance, at the Armi-2024 event in Moscow, Rostec presented the NEEDLE, another anti-drone munition, further contributing to the expanding arsenal aimed at countering drone threats.

The challenges posed by drones, particularly smaller models, have rendered traditional air defense systems—such as missiles—inefficient and often disproportionately resource-intensive. As articulated by Behan Ozdoev, Rostec’s industrial director for Conventional Weapons, Ammunition, and Special Chemistry, “Mini-drones present a significant threat, yet conventional methods like standard anti-aircraft missiles frequently fall short in efficacy. This gap is why Rostec is developing alternative solutions, including mini-missiles, electronic warfare systems, and specialized munitions tailored for firearms.”

The IGLA cartridges are crafted with the needs of special forces, security teams, and personnel tasked with safeguarding high-value assets and military facilities in mind. Given the rapidly advancing capabilities of drone technologies, the availability of specialized ammunition such as the IGLA series provides these professionals with essential tools for countering a diverse array of UAV threats.

As the prevalence of drones continues to rise in combat zones and restricted airspaces, the necessity for effective countermeasures will only increase, highlighting innovations like the IGLA system as critical components of contemporary defense strategies. These advancements illustrate a fundamental shift in modern warfare, where the capacity to swiftly and effectively disable small, agile drones is as vital as addressing more traditional military threats.