Technology: British Army Demonstrates SMASH X4 Sight Mounted on SA80A3 Rifle to Counter Drone Threats.

According to recent images released by the British Ministry of Defence on June 6, 2025, British Army soldiers demonstrated the SmartShooter SMASH X4 Fire Control System mounted on SA80A3 assault rifles during Project Flytrap at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels Training Area, in Hohenfels, Germany. The pictures showed a British Army SA80A3 rifle fitted with the SMASH X4 sight in an operational training environment, confirming the system’s field deployment within frontline units. 
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U.S. Army Capt. David Smith, commander of Lightning Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment (left), tests the SmartShooter SMASH X4 fire control system mounted on a British Armed Forces SA80A3 rifle during Project Flytrap at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, June 6, 2025. (Picture source: British MoD)

This new capability is designed to enhance the British Army soldiers' response to the growing threat posed by hostile drones on the modern battlefield, particularly small and low-flying UAVs that are difficult to engage with conventional optics.

The SMASH X4, developed by Israeli company SmartShooter, is a precision fire control system that integrates a 4x magnification optical scope with advanced electro-optical sensors, real-time image processing, and AI-based fire control algorithms. The system enables automatic target detection, acquisition, and tracking. Once a target is locked, the SMASH X4 ensures the weapon fires only when perfectly aligned with the target, thereby maximizing the probability of a successful hit. This “one shot one kill” concept is especially critical against drones, which are often fast, small, and capable of erratic flight patterns that challenge conventional aiming techniques.

Unlike traditional optics, the SMASH X4 transforms a standard rifle into a smart weapon system capable of executing precision engagements against aerial threats and other difficult targets. It not only enhances individual lethality but also reduces collateral damage by increasing shot accuracy. The SMASH X4 is effective in day and night conditions and supports both kinetic engagements and reconnaissance assistance through its integrated tracking capabilities. Its design allows seamless integration onto NATO-standard Picatinny rails, making it compatible with a wide range of small arms.

The SA80A3, the latest upgrade in the long-serving SA80 rifle family, is the British Army’s standard 5.56mm NATO bullpup assault rifle. This version incorporates significant improvements, including a monolithic upper receiver with extended Picatinny rails, enhanced durability, improved barrel harmonics, and better ambidextrous handling. It was specifically updated to meet the modern soldier’s need for modularity and to support advanced optics and targeting systems like the SMASH X4. The combination of the SA80A3’s mechanical improvements and the precision capabilities of the SMASH X4 creates a powerful, next-generation rifle platform suited for the complexities of modern warfare.

The British Ministry of Defence signed the initial procurement contract for the SMASH X4 during the Land Warfare Conference held on June 26–27, 2023. The £4.6 million agreement was awarded to Viking Arms Ltd, a UK-based defense supplier, and covers the delivery of 225 SMASH X4 units to Very High Readiness units in the British Army. The contract includes a five-year framework to expand supply based on operational requirements, with a potential total value of up to £20 million. This scalable approach ensures flexibility for equipping dismounted elements of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force in addition to the Army.

The integration of the SMASH X4 system marks a strategic advancement in the British Army’s approach to countering low-cost, high-impact threats like commercial and military drones. By giving dismounted soldiers the ability to neutralize drones with precision and confidence, the Army is bridging the gap between infantry and advanced anti-drone technology. This development reinforces the UK's broader modernization objectives and showcases a commitment to delivering cutting-edge battlefield solutions to its frontline troops. As drone warfare continues to evolve, the SMASH X4-equipped SA80A3 rifle offers a decisive advantage in securing tactical airspace and protecting ground forces in future operations.