Ukraine’s Brave1 develops NATO 5.56mm anti-drone rifle ammo to strengthen infantry drone defense.

On June 30, 2025, Ukraine’s Brave1 developed NATO 5.56mm anti-drone rifle ammo to strengthen infantry drone defense. As drone warfare reshapes the battlefield, Ukraine’s Brave1 defense innovation cluster has unveiled newly designed anti-drone rifle rounds that significantly increase the chances of infantry neutralizing fast-moving aerial threats. This advancement comes amid extensive use of low-cost FPV drones capable of destroying high-value assets. The new ammunition, now codified under NATO standards, aims to make every soldier more resilient against drone attacks, as reported by Brave1.

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Brave1’s introduction of NATO-compatible anti-drone rifle ammunition highlights Ukraine’s determination to adapt its ground forces to modern aerial threats (Picture source: Brave1)

The new round retains the appearance of standard 5.56mm NATO ammunition widely used in Ukraine’s CZ Bren rifles but incorporates a specialized warhead to improve the probability of hitting agile FPV drones and commercial quadcopters. The intent is to give each soldier the ability to react instantly to drone threats with their existing rifles, without relying solely on electronic warfare or heavy air defense systems.

The development process reflects Ukraine’s adaptive response to the drone threat that has challenged conventional force structures. According to Brave1 and Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, the objective is to supply each infantryman with at least one magazine of these specialized rounds. By codifying the ammunition to NATO standards, Ukraine signals a potential path for integration within allied forces. In comparison to heavier, more static counter-drone solutions, this rifle-based approach offers a flexible, squad-level defensive measure that complements other systems.

A key advantage of Brave1’s anti-drone rounds is their immediate interoperability with widely fielded NATO-standard rifles. This mirrors the historical success of armor-piercing ammunition, which became standard as battlefield threats evolved. Russian forces often rely on heavier or vehicle-mounted systems to target drones, which can limit response time in fast-changing conditions, making Ukraine’s approach more responsive at the tactical level.

The broader strategic implication is clear: as inexpensive drones inflict outsized damage, equipping infantry with direct-fire countermeasures helps rebalance this cost asymmetry. Should the rounds prove effective, NATO forces may follow Ukraine’s example by integrating such capability into standard infantry kit. This would strengthen overall resilience in environments where drone swarms and loitering munitions are increasingly common threats.

Test footage published by Brave1 shows a Ukrainian soldier operating a CZ Bren rifle equipped with these new 5.56mm rounds, underscoring that the system relies on NATO-standard ammunition. Given how common the caliber is, widespread use could standardize counter-drone magazines within infantry units. If battlefield results confirm their effectiveness, this solution could become routine across NATO, giving soldiers a low-cost, practical edge when electronic warfare fails.

Brave1’s introduction of NATO-compatible anti-drone rifle ammunition highlights Ukraine’s determination to adapt its ground forces to modern aerial threats. As drones continue to shape current and future conflicts, this innovation demonstrates how existing weapons can be enhanced to protect troops in the field. If proven effective, the concept may redefine how NATO infantry counters drones, one magazine at a time.