US Marine Corps fields new 5.56mm anti-drone round for M4, M27 rifles

Published Jul 31, 04:16 PM UTC

The US Marine Corps is acquiring a new type of 5.56mm ammunition, the Drone Round 5.56 L Variant, designed to shoot down small drones. The round separates into five projectiles after firing to increase hit probability. The Marine Corps has purchased 400,000 rounds and plans to buy another 1 million in fiscal year 2027. Deliveries to ammunition supply points are underway and expected to be completed by September. The round is effective up to 100 meters, requires no weapon modifications, and is suppressor-compatible. It provides a last line of defense against drones, including those controlled by fiber optic cables that cannot be jammed. Marine Expeditionary Force commanders will decide which units receive the ammunition first. The effort is part of a broader Marine Corps initiative to counter drone threats, including new fire control systems and training.