Russia has begun fielding Mnogotochie rifle cartridges that separate into three projectiles after leaving the barrel to increase the chance of striking small drones. The rounds fit standard 5.45×39mm and 7.62×39mm service rifles and are reported to be effective to about 300 meters. While the design could improve hit probability against fast, small UAVs, independent verification of battlefield effectiveness is limited and results will depend on shooter skill, range, and target type.
Russia Deploys 'Mnogotochie' Ammo — Rifle Rounds That Split Into Three To Counter Drones
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Russia has introduced a new type of rifle ammunition, marketed as Mnogotochie, designed to increase the chance of hitting small, fast-moving drones by splitting into multiple projectiles immediately after exiting the barrel.
What It Is
The Mnogotochie cartridge is a conventional-looking 5.45×39mm or 7.62×39mm round that contains three stacked projectiles. According to manufacturer reports, once the round exits the muzzle the bullet separates into three pieces, creating a wider strike pattern similar in concept to shotgun buckshot but fired from standard service rifles.
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Why It Matters
Mass-produced, low-cost combat drones have made volume a dominant problem for defenses: waves of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can overwhelm single-point interceptors. A cartridge that produces several strike elements from one trigger pull could improve the probability of scoring at least one hit on a small target without changing the shooter’s weapon or optics.
Technical Details
- Compatible Calibers: 5.45×39mm and 7.62×39mm service rifles.
- Manufacturer: Russia’s High Precision Systems holding company (reported).
- Design: Three stacked projectiles that separate after leaving the barrel.
- Reported Effective Range: Up to about 300 meters (≈984 feet).
Potential Advantages
- Increased hit probability against small, fast-moving drones due to a wider impact pattern.
- Compatibility with existing service rifles: no special launchers required.
- Compact mechanical design that preserves logistics simplicity (same magazines, rifles).
Limitations And Open Questions
Independent, verifiable battlefield data about Mnogotochie’s effectiveness are limited. Practical limitations include:
- Target Acquisition: Drones can travel quickly (reports cite speeds up to ~87 mph), so shooters have a narrow window to acquire, lead and fire.
- Reduced Per-Fragment Energy: Splitting a single projectile into three reduces the energy and penetration of each piece, which may limit effectiveness against hardened or well-protected targets.
- Dispersion Factors: Wind, range, and barrel harmonics will influence the spread and effective hit envelope.
- Operational Evidence: Public confirmation of combat performance is sparse; observers urge caution until field reports are documented.
In short, Mnogotochie rounds are an inventive, low-cost response to the volume threat posed by small drones, but their battlefield value will depend on range, shooter training, and real-world testing.
Sources: Manufacturer statements and defense reporting; original coverage reported by technology outlets.
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