Technology · Air and missile defense
Automated turrets that aim shotguns or machine guns at close-range drones using fast motion platforms and computer-vision fire control.
Case for · why it matters
Gun turrets offer a large ready supply of cheap rounds for the last 10-100 m against FPV drones, and can be mounted on vehicles that otherwise have no drone defense.
Case against · the skeptic’s view
Range is short, so turrets only defend the platform they sit on, and they depend on fast, accurate tracking of small, fast targets.
Fielded0
Limited fielding1
Prototype1
Development0
Research0
Concept0
Placed by each organization's own maturity for this technology; TRL is self-reported or estimated, see confidence.
About 23 kg counter-drone turret: acoustic detection cues an onboard visual tracker and a fast motion platform aims a 12-gauge shotgun at small drones 10-100 m away. Emits no RF.
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ra Hetep · Public domain (PD-USGov-Military-Army)
9 Mothers · Supports Technology
“Fast, low-cost, autonomous-capable engagement of multiple FPV drones at 10–100+ m range.”
The Defence Blog · Aug 23, 2026 · Supports Organization technology, Technology
“carries an Edda counter-unmanned aircraft system turret built by Austin-based 9 Mothers.”
Army Recognition · Supports Organization technology, Technology
“Allen Control Systems is participating in Falcon Peak 26.2 with its Bullfrog M240, which combines a 7.62 mm machine gun with automated tracking and fire-control functions.”
Y Combinator · Supports Organization technology
“Multiple systems delivered to the DoW.”
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